Saudi Arabia Introduces Recycled Ihrams

As Ramadan begins, millions of Muslims worldwide embark on their Umrah pilgrimage, donning the ihram—a sacred garment symbolizing purity, unity, and devotion. This simple white attire, consisting of two unstitched cloth pieces, is an essential element of both Umrah and Hajj.

In a move towards sustainability, the Ministry of Culture’s Fashion Commission has introduced the Sustainable Ihram Initiative, an effort to recycle and repurpose used ihrams, blending Islamic traditions with eco-conscious practices.

Through this initiative, worn ihrams are collected and transformed into new, sustainable garments via a circular textile recycling process. This project is a collaboration between the Saudi Investment Recycling Co. and Tadweem, an eco-fashion company.

The initiative aims to raise awareness about fashion recycling while fostering the growth of a circular textile economy in Saudi Arabia. Recognizing the environmental impact of discarded ihrams, which are produced in large quantities for annual pilgrimages, the Fashion Commission sought to reduce textile waste through this innovative approach.

Burak Cakmak, CEO of the Saudi Fashion Commission, stated:
“Ihram is not typically associated with fashion, yet it is a product sold and used in vast numbers, particularly during Hajj.”

To bring this initiative to life, 336 collection bins were placed in Mina, resulting in the collection of several tonnes of used ihrams. These garments underwent a careful recycling process—including sorting, cleaning, shredding, and reweaving—to create new garments with a renewed sense of spiritual and environmental purpose.

Cakmak further emphasized:

“There’s no better way to embrace sustainability than during a pilgrimage, where purity in both body and mind is essential.”

Mustafa Bukhari, CEO of Tadweem, explained that while manufacturing currently takes place outside Saudi Arabia, the long-term vision is to establish production within the Kingdom. Tadweem remains committed to sustainability in fashion, focusing on innovative textile recycling projects.

For this initiative, the collected ihrams were processed into raw materials in Dubai, then manufactured in Turkey, and finally returned to Saudi Arabia.

Bukhari highlighted the eco-friendly approach:

“The entire product, including packaging and bags, is made from recycled materials without any harmful substances. We used recycled cotton for both the ihrams and their packaging, ensuring full environmental sustainability.”

At the Jeddah Hajj and Umrah Conference in January, Tadweem showcased how recycled ihram fabric was incorporated into high-quality leather bags.

Priced at SR98 ($25.98), the sustainable ihrams are currently available in Madinah, with plans to expand sales to Makkah, major airports, and other regions. A dedicated store for sustainable ihrams will also open, alongside their presence at the Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah, which runs until May 25.

Cakmak concluded:
“Our goal is to highlight the importance of sustainability—not just through art and creativity but through everyday products that people can embrace. This initiative offers a conscious choice, aligning the spiritual journey with environmental responsibility.”