Recycled Ihrams Promote Eco-Friendly Pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia
The Ministry of Culture’s Fashion Commission introduces the Sustainable Ihram initiative as part of a broader effort to reduce textile waste and promote sustainability.
As Ramadan begins and Muslims from around the globe embark on their Umrah journey, one essential garment remains at the forefront of their pilgrimage: the ihram. This simple yet meaningful attire, consisting of two unstitched pieces of cloth, symbolizes purity, unity, and devotion, playing a critical role in the sacred rites of both Umrah and Hajj.
In a groundbreaking move, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture, through its Fashion Commission, has launched the Sustainable Ihram initiative. The program focuses on recycling and repurposing used ihrams to support both Islamic traditions and environmental sustainability.
The Vision Behind Sustainable Ihrams
With millions of ihrams produced and discarded annually, the Ministry recognized the significant opportunity to reduce textile waste. The initiative has partnered with the Saudi Investment Recycling Co. and eco-fashion company Tadweem to create a circular textile recycling system that transforms previously used ihrams into new, eco-friendly garments.
The project aims to not only protect the environment but also raise awareness about sustainable practices in the fashion industry. By creating a circular textile economy in Saudi Arabia, it supports the reduction of waste and encourages consumers to adopt environmentally conscious habits.
A Circular Approach to Fashion
The initiative’s launch comes with the installation of 336 collection bins in Mina, where used ihrams are collected, sorted, cleaned, shredded, and re-woven into fresh fabric for new garments. This recycling process ensures that each garment is re-purposed with minimal waste and maximum eco-consciousness.
Burak Cakmak, CEO of the Saudi Fashion Commission, explained, “We wanted to create the first circular product in the country. What better way to start than with the ihram, a textile deeply linked to Saudi Arabia’s religious and cultural heritage?”
The new ihrams are made from 100% recycled cotton, ensuring both environmental sustainability and spiritual purity. According to Cakmak, “There’s no better way to do this than for your religious pilgrimage, where you want to focus on spirituality and purity.”
Eco-Friendly Manufacturing and Distribution
While the manufacturing process currently takes place outside Saudi Arabia, the long-term goal is to bring production within the Kingdom. Tadweem’s CEO, Mustafa Bukhari, shared that they are working toward localizing production in Saudi Arabia, ensuring that all materials, including packaging, come from recycled sources.
Not only are the ihrams made of recycled cotton, but the entire product, including its packaging, is designed to be environmentally friendly. This includes using recycled cotton in the bags used to distribute the garments.
Availability and Future Expansion
Currently priced at SR98 ($25.98), the new sustainable ihrams are available in Madinah, with plans to expand distribution to Makkah, major airports, and other regions. They will also be featured in a dedicated store for sustainable ihrams and at the Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah, which runs until May 25, 2025.
The Sustainable Ihram initiative is more than just a fashion statement—it’s an invitation to pilgrims to align their spiritual journey with eco-conscious practices, fostering a deeper connection to both faith and the environment.
As Cakmak concluded, “This is about offering a conscious choice, aligning the spiritual journey with sustainability, and highlighting the importance of sustainability in everyday products.”
Key Highlights:
- Sustainable Ihram initiative launched by Saudi Arabia’s Fashion Commission
- 336 collection bins installed in Mina to gather used ihrams
- Circular recycling process transforms used ihrams into new, eco-friendly garments
- Collaboration with Saudi Investment Recycling Co. and Tadweem to promote sustainable fashion
- Recycled ihrams made from 100% cotton, including eco-friendly packaging
- Available in Madinah, with future plans to expand distribution
- Source: ARAB NEWS
