Indian Contingent to Showcase Sustainable Jute Apparel at Commonwealth Games 2026

In a landmark initiative to promote sustainable textiles and showcase India’s innovation in natural fibres, Indian athletes and team members will wear jute-viscose-blended apparel at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

The initiative highlights the potential of 100 per cent biodegradable jute-viscose blended fabric as a sustainable and innovative textile solution. 

This marks the first occasion on which jute-based apparel will be showcased at an international multi-sport event. The 2026 Commonwealth Games will be held in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 2, 2026.

Jute is one of the most eco-friendly and sustainable fibres in the world as it grows very fast, uses almost no harmful chemicals, and returns to the earth safely when you are done with it.

The initiative is expected to provide global visibility to India’s jute industry while highlighting the craftsmanship of Indian manufacturers and the contribution of jute farmers.

The National Jute Board, under the Ministry of Textiles, facilitated the development of jute-viscose-blended fabric with support from Gloster Jute Mills in Kolkata.

These innovative apparel products were first showcased during the National Jute Board Foundation Day celebrations held in Patna on April 1, 2026, where representatives of the Indian Olympic Association appreciated the initiative.

Subsequently, the National Jute Board worked closely with the Indian Olympic Association to promote the use of jute apparel for the Indian contingent.

The apparel was designed by the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), New Delhi, using a specially developed jute-viscose-blended fabric.

The Commonwealth Games 2026 will bring together athletes from 72 countries. India will be represented by a contingent of 124 members, comprising 78 male and 46 female athletes.

The National Jute Board expressed its gratitude to the Indian Olympic Association for permitting the Indian contingent to wear this “Make in India” Jute apparel.

The initiative is expected to strengthen the Jute Diversification Programme of the National Jute Board by creating new market opportunities for sustainable jute products in India and abroad.

It also significantly boosts India’s efforts to position natural fibres as environmentally responsible alternatives in the global textile sector and serves as a source of pride and encouragement for the country’s jute farmers.