A study on pre-consumer textile waste management was conducted in Ludhiana, Punjab, India’s largest textile manufacturing hub, for the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW). The study focused on understanding the scale, composition, and management of pre-consumer textile waste generated across spinning, processing, dyeing, and garment units, and examining existing handling practices, infrastructure gaps, and regulatory challenges within the industrial ecosystem.

The assessment adopted a quantitative, stratified survey approach, covering approximately 350–400 textile units across different industry types, pollution categories, and enterprise sizes. BRIEF designed and implemented digital CAPI-based surveys, engaged with industry associations, waste handlers, recyclers, and government authorities, and carried out rigorous quality control during field implementation. The study generated a robust evidence base on waste flows, stakeholder roles, and systemic bottlenecks, and informed actionable recommendations to support circular economy interventions, policy design, and sustainable industrial waste management practices in Punjab’s textile sector.