“Preserve, do not replace because the real circular economy begins in our closets,” says Kshitij Rajpal, young innovator, entrepreneur and founder of Perfecto Cleaners. Having spent years in the cleaning and aftercare industry, he has closely observed one striking pattern: India is far too quick to discard. Whether garments, linens, shoes, or handbags, the instinct to replace instead of restoring has become the default choice. But behind every discarded item lies wasted resources, lost craftsmanship and a missed opportunity to embrace sustainability.
In my years of working in the cleaning and aftercare industry, one pattern has stood out consistently: we are far too quick to discard. Whether garments, linens, shoes, or handbags, the instinct to replace instead of restoring has become the default choice.
This habit may seem convenient, but it carries hidden costs, both financial and environmental. Behind every discarded item lies wasted resources, lost craftsmanship and a missed opportunity to embrace a more sustainable, thoughtful way of consuming.
Restoration is not just about repairing — it is about reviving craftsmanship, quality and value.
— Kshitij Rajpal
Why Restoration Deserves Attention
Globally, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation highlights that 73% of textiles end up in landfills or incinerators, with less than 1% being recycled back into new clothing.
In India, the fashion and textile sector contributes nearly 8% of total solid waste, reflecting our growing consumption habits. This cycle of discard and replace is not just limited to clothes. Shoes and handbags, often made with high-quality leather or advanced synthetics, are among the most frequently discarded personal items.
Yet these are exactly the items where restoration can make the biggest difference, giving them extended life and renewed purpose.
Shifting Consumer Mindsets
Consumer behaviour, however, is beginning to evolve. India’s buyers are increasingly mindful of the items they invest in, preferring to extend the life of what they own rather than indulge in constant replacement.
Gen Z and urban consumers are driving this shift. They are more conscious of their environmental footprint and value the idea of making their possessions last longer.
Restoration fits squarely into this ethos, marrying practicality with purpose. It is not merely about fixing a flaw; it is a holistic process of reviving an item through deep cleaning, expert repair, recolouring and even customization to give it renewed appeal.
What was once seen as “used” or “worn-out” is now viewed as an opportunity to preserve value, craftsmanship and quality. Shoes and handbags, once among the most frequently discarded items, are now increasingly being restored by consumers who prefer to extend their lifespan.
This signals a deeper change in mindset. Consumers are seeking durability and responsibility in the things they invest in, not just utility.
Restoration Beyond Luxury: Institutions and Businesses
While restoration has long been associated with luxury goods, its impact goes far beyond personal use.
Hotels, for instance, discard large volumes of linens each year, which can be renewed through restoration to save costs and reduce waste. Corporates frequently replace leather furnishings and employee uniforms prematurely, whereas restoration can extend their life while maintaining quality.
Educational institutions and hospitals can similarly benefit by refreshing high-use fabrics, footwear and other items.
By highlighting these everyday applications alongside consumer-focused examples, restoration emerges as a practical, sustainable solution for both individuals and organizations.
Path to a Circular Economy
This shift aligns closely with the principles of a circular economy, offering a compelling alternative to today’s linear, disposable model.
I firmly believe: “Preserve, don’t replace because the real circular economy begins in our closets.”
By extending the life of garments, linens, shoes and accessories, we reduce the demand for virgin resources and minimize waste, creating a ripple effect across the economy and the environment.
According to NITI Aayog, adopting circular practices could unlock $45 billion in economic value for India by 2030 and restoration provides a simple yet high-impact entry point into this sustainable, resource-efficient approach.
While businesses play a key role in implementing these practices, individual choices are equally critical. By choosing to repair, restore, or repurpose personal items instead of discarding them, each person contributes to a larger cultural shift — one that values longevity over convenience, preserves resources and strengthens the collective effort toward a cleaner, greener India.
Building a Greener Cleaning Ecosystem
The shift from replacement to restoration has broader implications for India’s cleaning ecosystem. It encourages innovation in sustainable cleaning products and techniques, moving away from harsh chemicals that can damage both materials and the environment.
At the same time, it creates opportunities for skilled labour, craftsmanship and technological solutions that support high-quality restoration services.
At its core, restoration is about changing the way we perceive and value our possessions. It invites us to see items — not only personal belongings but also institutional resources — as assets worth preserving rather than disposable commodities.
Every repaired shoe, restored handbag, or renewed piece of fabric contributes to a culture of care, responsibility and sustainability.
Choosing Restoration over Replacement
The choice between restoration and replacement is more than a practical decision; it is a philosophical one.
It reflects whether we continue down a linear, wasteful path or embrace a circular, sustainable model that benefits individuals, organizations and the environment alike.
By adopting restoration as a mindset, India can lead in creating a cleaning ecosystem that is efficient, innovative and deeply responsible.
For institutions and businesses especially, choosing restoration can set new benchmarks in cost-efficiency, sustainability and environmental stewardship — shaping a cleaner, greener and more sustainable future.
