Mission to Transform Fabric Waste into Hope

Sustainability often feels like an abstract concept, but for Jaivir Gulati, it’s deeply personal. The young founder of Fabrecreate has turned a simple yet profound idea into a movement—repurposing discarded fabric from the fashion industry into life-saving products for vulnerable communities. What started as a moment of inspiration during his schooling in Switzerland has grown into a mission to address two of the world’s most pressing crises: environmental degradation and social inequality. In this conversation with News Nation Jaivir shares the journey behind Fabrecreate, its impact, and his hopes for a more sustainable and compassionate world.

What inspired you to start Fabrecreate?

“It all began with a question,” Jaivir starts thoughtfully. “What happens to all the fabric left behind by the textile industry? Growing up, I’d see vibrant piles of discarded fabric in India’s textile hubs, yet there was such stark inequality around us. Then, one day in Switzerland, during my schooling, I saw a news report about children in Ukraine enduring harsh winters without proper clothing. That was my moment of clarity. I realised I could use that fabric waste to meet a basic human need and create something meaningful.”

How does Fabrecreate tackle the massive problem of textile waste?

Jaivir leans forward, his passion evident. “The numbers are staggering—92 million tonnes of textile waste annually, enough to fill one garbage truck every second. But at Fabrecreate, we see opportunity where others see waste. We work directly with textile manufacturers and fashion brands to rescue surplus fabric, which we then transform into products with both environmental and social value. Our HOPE Jacket, for instance, is made from these rescued materials and serves as a life-saving jacket and sleeping bag for displaced children.”

You’ve spoken about empowering women through Fabrecreate. How does that work?

“Empowering women has always been central to our mission,” Jaivir says. “We employ women from underserved communities, offering stable work and skills training. Many come from backgrounds where financial independence feels out of reach. Through their work with us—learning sewing and tailoring—they gain not just an income, but confidence and dignity. It’s heartening to see them become role models in their communities, inspiring others to pursue sustainable livelihoods.”

The HOPE Jacket seems to be a cornerstone of your initiative. What makes it so special?

Jaivir smiles as he describes it. “The HOPE Jacket embodies everything Fabrecreate stands for. It’s made from discarded textiles but designed to do so much more. For a displaced child, it’s warmth and shelter in one—a practical solution to a life-threatening problem. But it’s also symbolic. It’s a message of care, a reminder that someone out there values them. Each jacket tells a story of compassion and sustainability.”

What’s next for Fabrecreate? How do you plan to scale your impact?

“The future is about scaling hope,” Jaivir says, his voice filled with conviction. “We’re expanding our partnerships with manufacturers, fashion brands, and NGOs to rescue more fabric and distribute more HOPE Jackets. But it’s not just about the numbers. It’s about embedding compassion and sustainability into everything we do. Ultimately, we want a world where no child faces a harsh winter unprotected, and no fabric is wasted when it can be reused for good.”

How can people and businesses support Fabrecreate’s mission?

“It all starts with small, meaningful actions,” Jaivir replies. “Individuals can donate surplus fabric or sponsor HOPE Jackets. Businesses can collaborate with us to integrate sustainable practices into their operations. Together, we can reshape how we approach waste, sustainability, and social impact. Every thread matters. Every action counts.”

Jaivir’s vision is clear—a world where waste transforms into opportunity and sustainability becomes second nature. As he concludes, one can’t help but feel inspired to join this journey, one stitch at a time.