Faisalabad Moves Closer to Becoming South Asia’s First Circular City

FAISALABAD: Industry leaders, policymakers, researchers and international experts at the First International Conference on Recycling (ICOR 2026) pledged to work collectively towards transforming Faisalabad into South Asia’s first circular city by promoting recycling, resource efficiency and sustainable industrial development.
The conference, brought together more than 300 participants, including representatives from academia, industry, government institutions, development organizations and international partners. The event was jointly organized by the University of Kamalia (UKM), Government College University Faisalabad (GCUF) and Government College Women University Faisalabad (GCWUF).
Speakers emphasized that adopting circular economy principles is no longer optional for Pakistan’s industries, particularly the textile sector, which is facing increasing pressure from global buyers to reduce waste, improve traceability and lower carbon emissions. Participants agreed that integrating the informal recycling sector into formal value chains would not only improve environmental performance but also create new employment opportunities and enhance export competitiveness.

Vice Chancellor UKM Prof Dr Yasir Nawab said recycling and circular economy practices had become essential tools for achieving sustainable development and climate resilience. He noted that stronger collaboration among universities, industries and policymakers was necessary to accelerate Pakistan’s transition towards environmentally responsible growth.
The conference featured keynote addresses, panel discussions and technical sessions on textile recycling, circular business models, plastic waste valorization, wastewater reuse, bioenergy, sustainable materials and waste-to-value technologies. International experts from Germany, Kenya, Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands shared global experiences and innovative solutions for circular industrial systems.
A major focus of the conference was the vision of “Circular Faisalabad,” aimed at connecting industries, municipalities, academic institutions and entrepreneurs to develop practical solutions for waste reduction and resource recovery. Participants stressed that improving recycling systems, promoting sustainable production and reducing industrial carbon emissions would help Faisalabad strengthen its position in global supply chains while contributing to Pakistan’s climate and sustainability goals.
The conference concluded with a commitment from stakeholders to continue collaboration on circular economy initiatives and develop actionable strategies for sustainable urban and industrial transformation.