Rohit Dev Sethi, Managing Director, ColossusTex
Introduction
The Indian textile sector has been a crucial pillar of the nation’s economy for a long time, making substantial contributions to job creation and exports. Nevertheless, its fast-paced expansion has negatively affected the environment, raising concerns about water pollution, excessive energy usage, and the non-sustainable exploitation of resources. Recognising the pressing necessity for change, businesses and stakeholders within the industry have started shifting towards sustainability in recent years. This marked transition showcases the industry’s ability to adapt and endure, as it actively embraces sustainable advancements to ensure an economically viable and environmentally responsible future.
Sustainable Fiber Production
The shift towards sustainable fibre production is crucial to the textile industry’s transformation. Traditional methods of cultivating cotton require large amounts of water and frequently use toxic pesticides, resulting in the deterioration of soil quality and the contamination of water sources. India, known for its substantial cotton production, has the potential to bring about substantial change by embracing sustainable techniques in cotton farming.
One promising innovation is organic cotton farming, which eliminates harmful chemicals and promotes biodiversity. Organic cotton production benefits the environment and the health of cotton farmers and surrounding communities. Additionally, there is a growing interest in alternative, more sustainable fibres like hemp, bamboo, and recycled materials, which require fewer resources and have a smaller ecological footprint.
Eco-Friendly Textile Processing
The environmental impact of textile processing, which includes dyeing and finishing, is well-known and concerning. Traditional dyeing methods often lead to the release of harmful chemicals and excessive water consumption, resulting in pollution and damage to aquatic ecosystems. To address this issue, the textile industry in India is embracing eco-friendly and ingenious dyeing technologies aimed at reducing their environmental footprint.
An example of such an innovation is digital printing techniques, which minimise water and chemical usage and allow for intricate and customisable designs. Additionally, businesses are investing more in closed-loop water recycling systems to reduce water waste during processing. These sustainable advancements help mitigate environmental harm and provide long-term cost savings for companies.
Circular Economy and Waste Reduction
The concept of a circular economy is gaining traction in the textile industry, where the focus is reducing waste and extending the lifespan of products. India has experienced a noticeable increase in efforts directed at the recycling and upcycling of textiles, thereby reducing the requirement for virgin materials. Various organisations and designers are rethinking fashion and textiles, strongly emphasising creating durable and recyclable products.
There is a growing tred towards expanding the scope of initiatives aimed at gathering and reprocessing used textiles, effectively curbing the amount of textile waste that finds its way into landfills. In addition, companies are actively strategising product design by incorporating modular features, ultimately ensuring easy repair or replacement of specific garment components. This deliberate approach significantly extends the longevity of clothing items. These steps contribute to a more sustainable and responsible textile production and consumption approach.
Renewable Energy Adoption
The textile industry faces a pressing issue about its energy consumption. The industry heavily depends on non-renewable energy sources and fossil fuels, thereby releasing harmful greenhouse gases. However, there is a growing trend in the Indian textile manufacturing sector towards embracing renewable energy options such as solar and wind power. This shift towards sustainable energy sources is gaining momentum and making a notable impact on the industry.
Numerous textile producers are making investments in solar panels to produce sustainable energy. By doing so, they can diminish their carbon footprint and reduce energy expenses in the future. This shift towards renewable energy has been significantly expedited by various governmental incentives and policies, which aim to encourage the adoption of clean energy sources.
Ethical Labor Practices
Sustainability in the textile sector goes beyond just environmental issues and encompasses ethical labour practices. Historically, the industry has been criticised for labour exploitation, inadequate wages, and substandard working conditions. Fortunately, there is now a noticeable shift towards adopting ethical manufacturing practices.
More and more brands are demonstrating their dedication to paying fair wages, providing safe working environments, and being socially responsible. Organisations invest in worker welfare programs and establish transparency within their supply chains. These ethical practices benefit the workers, improve product quality, and foster consumer trust.
Consumer Awareness and Demand
The increasing recognition and desire from consumers significantly influence the textile industry’s sustainability. Both globally and in India, buyers are becoming more conscious about their purchases’ ecological and social consequences. They are actively seeking products that align with their values and are willing to pay extra for textiles that are produced sustainably and ethically.
The changing preferences of consumers have prompted businesses to reassess their approaches. Numerous companies are now openly disclosing information about their supply chains and actively championing sustainable initiatives. The influence of consumer demand cannot be underestimated, as it has the potential to expedite the overhaul of the textile sector. Also, sustainable raw materials will eventually be more cost-effective due to lower feedstock prices.
Conclusion
The textile sector in India is currently going through a notable change as it embraces sustainable advancements. The industry is making impressive progress towards a more environmentally conscious and economically sustainable future by implementing eco-friendly dyeing techniques and transitioning to renewable energy sources. The shift towards sustainable fibre production, circular economy practices, and ethical labour standards further strengthens the industry’s commitment to sustainability. As consumers place a growing emphasis on making eco-friendly decisions, there is a clear opportunity for the textile industry to become a more responsible and ethical sector, which will positively impact India’s economy and the overall health of our planet and its inhabitants. This change is not merely an option but an urgent requirement, highlighting the industry’s ability to adapt and its potential to lead the way towards a sustainable future. Moreover, automation and innovation are essential to a successful business, which has been too slow in the last four decades. However, business dimensions in the textile space are evolving.
