Intellecap’s CAIF wins Top Recognition from UNEP and UN-Habitat on International Day of Zero-Waste

Mumbai, April 29, 2025: We are delighted that Intellecap’s initiative, Circular Apparel Innovation Factory (CAIF)’s flagship program “Closing the Loop” (CTL) has been recognized as one of top 3 solutions globally as a good practice shaping the zero-waste and circular future within the fashion and textiles sector.

 This recognition was announced at the Nairobi observance of the International day of Zero-waste at the UN office in Nairobi on Thursday, 27 March 2025. The selection was made by the UN Secretary General’s advisory board, UNEP, and UN-Habitat from 200 submissions received globally. Karnika Yadav, Partner and Director, Intellecap represented the institution at the event and shared insights and best practices from the program.

Vikas Bali, CEO, Intellecap said, “The recognition from UNEP and UN-Habitat is a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and purpose-driven action. At Intellecap, we believe that zero-waste is not just a goal but a mindset—one that unites communities, businesses, and governments to reimagine sustainability. This honor fuels our commitment to co-creating solutions with our global partners, that ensure a more resilient and inclusive future for all.”

 The CTL program, as it was envisioned, is anchored in the Place-Based Circular Economy (PBCE) approach to establish a pan-India network of hyperlocal textile / material recovery facilities powered by waste-pickers to valorize post-consumer textile waste.  By 2030, through CTL, Intellecap aim’s to create and estimated USD 9.8 million in economic value for the green micro-entrepreneurs and waste pickers, improve the lives and livelihoods of at least 50,000 waste pickers and reclaim value from half a million tons of garments after diverting them away from landfill.

Venkat Kotamaraju, Partner and Director, Intellecap’s CAIF opined, “This recognition from UNEP and UN-Habitat underscores the transformative potential of circularity in driving sustainable development. At CAIF, we are committed to building ecosystems that empower industries and communities to embrace zero-waste practices, fostering innovation and resilience for a better tomorrow.” He further added, “As much as this is a recognition and celebration for our teams committed to realize Closing the Loop’s (CTL) vision, it’s a reminder to us why we do what we do and for whom – i.e., the informal waste pickers who have, for long, remained the ‘unsung heroes’ of waste management.”

 The core funding partners for CTL are IKEA Foundation, H&M Foundation and Alwaleed Philanthropies. The mission aligned collaborators for this program are Saamuhika Shakti, Enviu, Hasiru Dala, Sambhav Foundation, Saahas Zero Waste, ReCircle, Twirl Store, Green Worms, SampurnEarth, Rang De, The Kabadiwala, Eco Sattva and many others.

The third edition of the International Day of Zero Waste by UN was a meaningful platform for advancing circularity in waste management and promoting sustainable consumption and production patterns to address the global waste pollution crisis. This year’s theme, “Towards Zero Waste in Fashion and Textiles,” resonated strongly among stakeholders, reinforcing the urgency of sustainable transformation in the sector.