Sustainable Ihram Initiative focuses on recycling and repurposing used ihrams for eco-friendly pilgrimages
As Ramadan arrives and millions of Muslims around the world embark on their Umrah pilgrimage, a central garment for male worshippers, the ihram, continues to symbolize purity, unity, and devotion. The simple white garment, composed of two pieces of unstitched cloth, is a vital part of the Umrah and Hajj experience.
In a move to promote sustainability, the Ministry of Culture’s Fashion Commission has introduced its Sustainable Ihram initiative. This project focuses on recycling and repurposing used ihrams, combining sacred Islamic traditions with eco-friendly solutions aimed at protecting the planet.
Under the initiative, used ihrams are collected and transformed into new, sustainable garments through a circular textile recycling process. This innovative effort is a collaboration between the Saudi Investment Recycling Co. and eco-fashion company Tadweem.
The program aims to raise consumer awareness of fashion recycling while supporting the development of a circular textile economy within Saudi Arabia.
Recognizing the environmental impact of discarded ihrams, which are produced in large volumes for the annual pilgrimage, the Fashion Commission has identified an opportunity to reduce textile waste.
Burak Cakmak, CEO of the Saudi Fashion Commission, told “Ihram is not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of fashion, but at the same time, it’s a product that is sold and used in volumes, repeated every year, especially during Hajj.”
Source: tribune.co
