Riyadh: Sultan Al-Harthi, spokesperson for the National Center for Waste Management, confirmed that the Sustainable Ihram initiative has, over the past year, contributed to the production of more than 5,000 products made from recycled fabrics.
The ihram garments in Islam symbolize equality and the transcendence of social class distinctions, as all men wear the same white garment. The color white also symbolizes purity, and adhering to its prohibitions represents self-discipline. Overall, ihram expresses unity and humility during the performance of the rituals.
During Hajj, ihram consists of two clean, unstitched white pieces of cloth, worn exclusively by men. Women wear their regular, modest clothing, leaving their faces and hands uncovered.
During Hajj, the state of ihram is initially broken after stoning the Jamarat Al-Aqaba and shaving or trimming the hair on the 10th day of the month, and then completely broken after completing the Tawaf Al-Ifadah. At that point, the pilgrim removes the ihram cloths and puts on his regular clothes.
Al-Harthi explained that the initiative is directly aligned with programs under Saudi Vision 2030, particularly the National Transformation Program and the Quality of Life Program.
He noted that the initiative strengthens social responsibility, supports the sustainability of the national economy, and empowers the non-profit sector through the increased participation of women in employment and production opportunities.
He added that the initiative contributes to creating a cleaner environment, enriching the experience of pilgrims and supporting the objectives of the Pilgrims Experience Program.
Regarding the economic impact, Al-Harthi stated that manufacturing more than 5,000 products from recycled ihrams has directly contributed to reducing transportation and landfill costs while generating added value from recovered materials.
The initiative also created 30 seasonal job opportunities and empowered 25 seamstresses from productive families, further supporting the circular economy concept.
Environmentally, more than 211 tons of textiles have been diverted from landfills, contributing to a measurable reduction in carbon emissions during the Hajj season.
At the social level, more than 200,000 beneficiaries engaged with the accompanying awareness campaigns, which aimed to enhance environmental awareness and increase community participation among pilgrims.
Al-Harthi explained that the initiative’s operational system begins with collecting textiles from designated collection points across the holy sites, followed by strict sorting procedures.
The materials then undergo specialized cleaning and sterilization processes in accordance with precise health standards to ensure they are free from impurities or damage before reuse.
He emphasized that these procedures guarantee the safety and quality of the final products, as no materials enter the manufacturing phase before completing all sterilization and treatment processes.
The spokesperson also noted that partnerships with 22 entities have strengthened the sustainability of the initiative, highlighting that cross-sector integration has been a key factor in its success.
Regarding behavioral change, Al-Harthi observed a continuous increase in ihram donation rates each season, reflecting growing environmental awareness and wider acceptance of recycling practices among pilgrims.
He added that the National Center for Waste Management is also working on converting surplus food into organic compost as part of a broader direction toward expanding circular economy and waste management initiatives.
Al-Harthi stated that one of the key lessons learned is that effective partnerships can transform waste into valuable resources, a model that can be replicated across other projects throughout the Kingdom.
He reaffirmed the commitment of center to developing sustainable waste management solutions, noting that the Sustainable Ihram initiative represents a pioneering model for future programs.
The center continues to transform pilgrimage textiles into various products, including bags, pillows, covers, and souvenirs, maximizing resource utilization during each season.
This circular economy approach demonstrates that waste can become a valuable resource when supported by clear operational systems and effective partnerships.
The integration between the government, private, and non-profit sectors has also been essential in achieving sustainable environmental, social, and economic impact.
Al-Harthi concluded by emphasizing that the increasing number of pilgrims donating ihrams reflects a positive shift in environmental behavior and awareness during the Hajj season.
These efforts demonstrate the leadership role of the National Center for Waste Management in developing innovative waste management solutions and transforming challenges into opportunities for a more sustainable future in Saudi Arabia.
