The Ministry of Culture’s Fashion Commission has introduced the Sustainable Ihram Initiative.
This new project focuses on collecting used ihrams from pilgrims and converting them into new, sustainable garments through a circular textile recycling process.
The initiative is a joint effort between the Saudi Investment Recycling Co. and Tadweem, a Saudi eco-friendly fashion company.
Officials explained that discarded ihrams, produced in large numbers each year for Hajj, create significant textile waste.
Burak Cakmak, CEO of the Saudi Fashion Commission, commented, “Ihram is not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of fashion, but it’s a product used in high volumes every year during Hajj.”
To facilitate the process, 336 collection bins have been installed in Mina, where several tonnes of used ihrams are gathered. These garments are then carefully sorted, cleaned, shredded, and reweaved into new ihrams.
The recycled product, which includes packaging and bags made from recycled cotton, is designed to be environmentally friendly.
Mustafa Bukhari, CEO of Tadweem, noted that although manufacturing currently takes place outside Saudi Arabia, the long-term goal is to bring production into the Kingdom. He added, “The entire product is made from recycled materials, ensuring the sustainability of the whole process.”
At the recent Jeddah Hajj and Umrah conference, Tadweem demonstrated how the recycled fabric was used to create high-quality leather bags.
Priced at SR98 (approximately $25.98), the sustainable ihrams are now available in Madinah, with plans to expand distribution to Makkah, major airports, and other regions. They will also be sold at a dedicated store and at the Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah until May 25.
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