The Saudi Fashion Commission has launched its groundbreaking Sustainable Ihram Initiative at the Islamic Arts Biennale, partnering with SIRC, Tadweem, SANKO Textile, and RE&UP. This coalition transforms used pilgrimage garments into sustainable attire through advanced textile-to-textile recycling technology. The initiative aims to revolutionize Ihram garment sustainability, emphasizing reducing waste and fostering a circular economy in Saudi Arabia’s fashion sector.
Aligning with Saudi Vision 2030’s Green Goals
By repurposing textile waste from millions of pilgrims annually, the program supports Vision 2030’s environmental targets and promotes consumer awareness about recycling. Burak Cakmak, CEO of the Fashion Commission, stated, “This initiative honors Ihram’s spiritual significance while safeguarding our planet for future generations”.
Expanding on Previous Sustainability Successes
Building on MWAN’s 2024 Hajj efforts, which recycled 50 tonnes of ihram garments and 300,000 pillows, the Fashion Commission’s project scales up infrastructure for long-term impact. Sterilization and repair processes ensure recycled materials meet quality standards.
The Commission also collaborates with global luxury group Kering through initiatives like the Kering Generation Awards, which spotlight Saudi startups tackling textile waste. Winners like Darah Solutions Lab, transforming discarded fabrics into new designs, align with the Ihram project’s ethos.
Saudi Arabia’s broader sustainability push includes upcycling traditional garments and promoting circular economy principles, aiming to cut the industry’s carbon footprint. The Ihram Initiative exemplifies this vision, blending innovation with cultural preservation to set new benchmarks for eco-conscious fashion globally.
Furthermore, the initiative propels Saudi Arabia toward global leadership in sustainable fashion, boosting innovation and driving economic circularity dynamically forward.
The Sustainable Ihram Initiative creates measurable progress and inspires communities to adopt eco-friendly practices that transform waste into valuable resources.
