Saudi Arabia introduces "eco-friendly" recycled Ihrams to promote sustainability

In an effort to protect the environment by reducing textile waste, the Saudi authority has announced of “eco-friendly Ihram” initiative by recycling old ones into new fabric.

According to reports, the decision, initiating work to recycle used Ihram garments from Hajj into new, was taken under Saudi Vision 2030’s environmental sustainability goals. 

This innovative work was done with the venture of Saudi Investment Recycling Co. and eco-fashion company Tadweem to raise consumer awareness about fashion recycling while supporting the development of a circular textile economy within Saudi Arabia.

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“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,” said Burak Cakmak, CEO of the Saudi Fashion Commission.

In an effort to transform the idea to be materialised, the authorities installed at least 336 bins in Mina, where they collected tonnes of used Ihrams and they were sent to Dubai, where they were converted into raw material, and then dispatched to the Turkiye. 

Subsequently, the used Ihrams underwent a recycling process, including sorting, cleaning, shredding, and reweaving.

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“There is no better way to do this than for your religious pilgrimage, where you want to focus on spirituality and ensure that the product you wear represents purity in both body and mind,” Cakmak added.

Mustafa Bukhari, CEO of Tadween, stated that the entire product, including packaging bags, was made from recycled materials, ensuring environmental sustainability. 

The recycled Ihram was only being sold in Medinah with a price of SR98 ($28), while the authority was planning to expand distribution to Makkah airport from March 25.