SRM INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY- RAMAPURAM

Faculty of Science and Humanities 

Department of Fashion Designing 

EVENT TITLE : Faculty Immersion Programme – “The Art and Science of  Recycling”

DATE : 13.12.2025 

TIME : 9.00 AM to 3.00 PM 

VENUE : Goonj Foundation, Kovilambakkam 

EVENT CONVENER : Dr. V. Bhanu Rekha, Professor & Head,  Department of Fashion Designing 

EVENT COORDINATOR : Ms. Githanjali R., Assistant Professor, Fashion Designing

NO. OF PARTICIPANTS : 4 Students from Socio Activity Club

SUMMARY OF THE EVENT 

The Department of Fashion Designing, Faculty of Science and Humanities, SRMIST Ramapuram organized a Faculty Immersion Program titled “The Art and Science of Recycling” on 13th December 2025. The objective of the program was to provide participants with direct exposure to real-world recycling processes, sustainable material handling, and community-driven upcycling initiatives. 

Participants visited the Goonj Foundation, where they observed how discarded materials are systematically collected, segregated, processed, and transformed into usable utility products. The immersion experience bridged the gap between theoretical sustainability concepts and their practical applications in the textile and fashion industry. 

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS & KEY POINTS

1. Understanding Material Segregation 

Classification of textiles based on condition, usability, and fabric type 

Methods of sorting clothes, household materials, and accessories

2. Textile Recycling Process 

Cleaning, sanitizing, and preparing discarded fabrics 

Layering techniques for producing utility mats 

Zero-waste methodology followed by Goonj

3. Upcycling & Value-Added Creation 

Turning fabric waste into bags, pouches, mats, and accessories 

Skill-based livelihood generation for local communities 

Importance of handmade, low-energy production models

4. Social Impact Learning 

Insight into dignity-based distribution models 

Community empowerment through recycling 

Waste as a resource approach in sustainable fashion

LEARNING OUTCOMES 

Participants gained: 

  • Practical awareness of circular fashion models 
  • Understanding of material lifecycle within the fashion ecosystem
  • Knowledge of sustainable textile waste managementt
  • Motivation to integrate sustainability in academic projects
  • Inspiration to adopt eco-conscious design practices
  • Awareness of social responsibility through community engagement