By 2050, the European Union hopes to achieve carbon neutrality. Additionally, it requires its suppliers to adhere to its green contract and practise environmental sustainability. Steel, aluminium, cement, fertiliser, hydrogen, and electricity are included in the initial list of industries that will be subject to the carbon border tax (CBT) starting in 2026. However, clothing and textiles are expected to follow.According to a senior representative of the Apparel Exports Promotion Council (AEPC), which is reaching out to manufacturers to map the current sustainability state, adopting sustainable practises and procedures is no longer an option for the apparel industry.
Before the promises for the textile and apparel industry take effect, the producers must make sure that value is maintained, according to Tamanna Chaturvedi, deputy secretary general of AEPC. Their company chains adhere to sustainability criteria, without which it will be challenging for them to export to EU nations.
The council is hosting roadshows in Tirupur, Mumbai, Bangalore, Jaipur, and Delhi-NCR, five significant textile clusters.The Garment Exporters Association of Rajasthan (GEAR) claimed that in order to acquire energy from green sources, they want government participation.
Having commercial sustainability and environmental protection is challenging without the support of the government, according to Zakir Hussain, president of GEAR. We have thus requested that the government establish a rooftop solar project subsidy programme and a clothing recycling park in the state.
We intend to map the current sustainability state through roadshows and provide opportunities. to AEPC members to showcase their sustainability initiatives to renowned, iconic brands, document the best success stories to share with international buyers, and engage in policy dialogue with the government to identify appropriate policy interventions to support MSMEs for improved preparedness in the changing environment,” Chatuurvedi said.
