NTTM Unveils India’s First Scientific National Flag Recycling Model
The National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM), under the Ministry of Textiles, has supported a landmark initiative that is redefining sustainability in India’s technical textiles industry. The project, which led to the establishment of the Atal Centre of Textile Recycling and Sustainability at IIT Delhi’s Panipat campus, brings together technology, innovation and national pride through two pioneering programmes, the National Flag Recycling Initiative and the Aramid Fibre Recycling Programme.
The Punjab, Haryana and Delhi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) will host a dedicated demonstration event in Panipat on 28 November 2025 to showcase these innovations and their real-world applications. The event will spotlight the technologies developed under the mission, convene key stakeholders from industry and government and reinforce NTTM’s role in driving innovation, sustainability and industry collaboration in technical textiles.
For the first time in India, a structured and scientifically validated process has been introduced for the dignified recycling of retired national flags. Implemented in partnership with industry, this initiative ensures that the Tricolour’s fabric and structural integrity are either preserved or responsibly repurposed, without compromising its dignity. The model sets a national benchmark for sustainable practices aligned with patriotic values, complementing the spirit of the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign.
Alongside this, the Aramid Fibre Recycling Programme has delivered breakthrough solutions for recycling high-performance aramid waste, a critical material used in defence, aerospace, and protective textiles. Several technical textile manufacturers have already begun adopting these R&D outcomes, reflecting strong industry confidence and underscoring NTTM’s success in translating research into scalable commercial applications.
