Fast-fashion recycling: how ‘the castoff capital of the world’ is making Indian factory workers sick

In Panipat, known as the 'castoff capital of the world', alarming reports of lung disease, skin conditions, and cancer are emerging among factory workers involved in textile recycling. The city processes a staggering 1 million tonnes of textile waste annually, and the working conditions are dire, with air thick with harmful lint. This situation not only highlights the health risks faced by workers but also raises questions about the sustainability and ethics of fast fashion, making it a critical issue for consumers and policymakers alike.