THE CIRCULAR DESIGN CHALLENGE IS REWARDING SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES IN INDIA
sBy: Hillary LeBlanc
In the Western part of the world, society continues to move towards a more sustainable approach to styling their wardrobe while also avoiding the nefarious effects of fast-fashion production. In countries like India, not only is society grappling with the consequences of creating the fast-fashion of the world but they also find themselves navigating the complex reality of trying to reduce emissions and live more sustainably. In response to these goals, several companies have come together to give extra incentive to these initiatives.
As India is the home of numerous fashion manufacturing factories, there have been reports concerning working conditions for those making our garments. In areas like Panipat, India, workers are at risk of lung disease, skin diseases and cancer. Despite this, India is striving to have net zero emissions by 2070. The company Reliance Industries Limited is India’s largest private sector company working on hydrocarbon exploration, petroleum refining and renewable energy. As this company is working toward reducing carbon emissions for the country of India, they are also working on petrochemicals, making various materials to answer global demands and even using waste in new ways as part of recycling initiatives. Reliance Industries Limited has created textiles and fabrics to also mitigate fashion waste.
Source: Circular Design Challenge
Born from this innovation is About R|Elan™. R|Elan™ is fabric created from specially engineered fibres and yarns using the robust testing systems of Reliance Industries Limited. These smart fabrics have been designed to enhance comfort and aesthetics while using technology that makes fabric moisture management, while being odor-free, and thermally insulating. R|Elan™ was founded in 2018, collaborating with Wrangler later that year. By 2019, R|Elan™ was working with over 20 Indian mills. Since 2022, over 100 Million garments were created with R|Elan™ technology.
Through R|Elan™, Reliance Industries Limited has become the lead presenter of the Circular Design Challenge - a competition paying a prize to designers for their fashion innovation. This was also done in collaboration with Lakmē Fashion Week, the Fashion Design Council of India and Rise Worldwide. The R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge was made in partnership with the United Nations in India and is a global platform empowering young fashion designers and entrepreneurs to showcase their circular innovations. The platform promotes sustainable practices in the fashion and textile value chain and uses mentorship, market access and promotion to help the next generation of fashion leaders redefine circularity. Through mentorship, market access and promotion, the program propels the next generation of leaders who are redefining the industry's approach to circularity.
Source: Circular Design Challenge
To participate in the R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge, designers must apply with forms that take into consideration circular design principles, social impact, UN Sustainable Development Goals and potential for scalability. The durability, multifunctionality, biodegradability and regenerative nature of garments are also considered as well as how textiles are ethically sourced or produced. Each application is scored and based on which a list of semifinalists are shortlisted, candidates are then part of a semifinal jury to present their applications and then given the opportunity to make a pitch to a renowned jury & showcase their collections & impact stories. The first prize winner receives a prize of over $18,000 USD and the opportunity for a solo show at Lakmē Fashion Week, as well as mentorship and marketing. The runner-up received $6000 USD and mentorship as well.
Past winners have included brand I Was a Sari in 2019 who upcycled discarded Sari’s and was able to exhibit at the UN Environment Assembly in Nairobi. In 2020, brand Malai won after developing a bio-material from discarded coconut water as a leather alternative. Bandit won in 2021 who turned discarded tarpaulin, billboards and canvases into tote bags. 2022 winner Pieux made luxury apparel from leftover fibres at carpet manufacturing factories. The brand Without won in 2023 by recycling discarded multi-layer packaging plastic to create sunglasses. The 2024 winner was RkiveCity who upcycles garments and textiles to have a very low carbon emission blueprint.
Source: Circular Design Challenge
In 2024, the R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge expanded to the UK, the EU, Asia-Pacific and was still held in India as well. The main winner for this year was the winner for the region of India, brand CRCLE. The founder, Varshne B uses uncommon textiles like Banana leather and plant based wool in her designs. R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge created a docu-series this year, inspired by the 2024 finalists from global walks of life and looks at their creativity, innovation and circular design practices.
What is evident by R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge is how much is possible when brands come together. From fashion week, to energy companies and with buy-in from the United Nations, the R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge is turning a country that may be seen to some as the epicentre of fast-fashion creation into a sustainable force and innovative fashion powerhouse.