Sustainable Apparel and Textiles Conference

29th - 30th April 2026

Amsterdam, Netherlands

A just transition: How we can centre waste pickers, not just waste, in the circular economy

Plenary
Back to agenda

In India alone, 62 million tons of waste are generated annually, and only 19% of the waste is processed and treated, the rest ends up in landfills. The largest driving force behind recycling is the roughly 1.5-4 million informal waste pickers. In Bengaluru, thousands of informal waste pickers work at the very beginning of the circular economy.

A huge opportunity exists to improve livelihoods, build value, and reduce landfill rates, but doing so requires a collective, collaborative approach grounded in local context.

In this session, we’ll explore how Saamuhika Shakti is a first-of-its-kind initiative demonstrating a more inclusive model of circularity, centred on worker dignity, community partnership, and a just transition.

Plenary

What to expect from this type of session...

Main stage sessions, but not as you know them. Because we’re off-the-record, leading experts can speak candidly about their experience with what works, and what doesn’t. At least half the session is dedicated to audience insights and questions to ensure we tackle the big issues head on.

You might also like...View full agenda

Day 0

Tuesday 28th April 2026

Time
Session title
Session theme
Session type
2:30pm - 5:00pm
Workshop
5:00pm - 6:00pm
Networking
Day 1

Wednesday 29th April 2026

Time
Session title
Session theme
Session type
9:20am - 10:05am
C-suite priorities: Are quarterly results crowding out long-term survival in the boardroom? 
Finisterre | Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail | Asket | Sustainabelle
Plenary
10:05am - 10:45am
Fair purchasing or failed partnerships? What does real supplier-brand collaboration look like in practice? 
Oritain | Artistic Garment Industries (AGI Denim) | MANGO | Ethical Trading Initiative
Case study
10:45am - 11:30am
11:30am - 12:10pm
Net-zero: Everyone pays for inaction. Who pays for action? 
Marks & Spencer | Soorty Enterprises | Action Speaks Louder | Sustainable & Social
Plenary
12:10pm - 1:00pm
Plenary
1:00pm - 2:00pm
2:00pm - 2:45pm
2:45pm - 3:30pm
3:30pm - 4:15pm
4:45pm - 5:30pm
5:30pm - 6:30pm
Day 2

Thursday 30th April 2026

Time
Session title
Session theme
Session type
9:00am - 9:50am
The consumption cyclone: Can circularity fix overproduction? 
Hirdaramani Group | Reju | Primark | Tapestry | Sustainabelle
Plenary
10:20am - 10:45am
10:45am - 11:15am
Transitioning to regenerative cotton: Impact, opportunity, and operational reality from farm to brand 
Turnrow Farm Services | COTTON USA™ and U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol
Case study
12:45pm - 1:45pm
1:45pm - 2:10pm
A just transition: How we can centre waste pickers, not just waste, in the circular economy 
Saamuhika Shakti | H&M Foundation | Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute
Plenary
2:55pm - 3:30pm
Plenary
3:30pm - 3:45pm
Plenary