Empowering the Indian Apparel Industry with 600+ Sustainable Vendors
The Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) has taken a groundbreaking step in advancing sustainable fashion with the launch of the SU.RE website and the SU.RE Sustainable Supply Chain Directory. These initiatives aim to streamline sustainability efforts within the Indian apparel industry by connecting brands with over 600 verified vendors across key categories, including fabric manufacturers, recyclers, sustainable packaging experts, and certification bodies.
Transforming the Future of Fashion
The SU.RE – Sustainable Resolution website serves as a comprehensive platform for education, resource sharing, and collaboration among brands, manufacturers, and industry stakeholders. Key features include:
Insights & Education – Access industry news, case studies, and best practices in sustainable fashion.
Supply Chain Directory – An open-source database connecting brands with eco-conscious vendors specializing in fabrics, trims, manufacturing, packaging, and recycling.
Industry Collaboration – A hub for knowledge exchange, networking, and sustainability-focused events.
A Collaborative Effort for a Greener Tomorrow
Developed in partnership with the Centre for Environment Education (CEE) and the Global Alliance for Textile Sustainability (GATS), the SU.RE Sustainable Supply Chain Directory aims to enhance accessibility and innovation in sustainable sourcing. By facilitating direct connections between fashion brands and ethical suppliers, the initiative enables a seamless transition to responsible production processes.
With the Indian sustainable fashion market projected to grow at a CAGR of 45%, expanding from INR 2,700 Cr in FY24 to INR 25,000 Cr by FY30, this initiative is a crucial milestone in the industry’s transformation.
Addressing Key Environmental & Ethical Challenges
The fashion industry faces pressing sustainability challenges, including:
- Water & Energy Consumption – Washing clothes 200 times a year consumes nearly 15,000 liters of water and energy.
- Textile Waste – Less than 50% of textile waste is reused or recycled.
- Labor & Transparency Issues – Weak enforcement of labor laws and supply chain opacity remain significant concerns.
- The SU.RE initiative is dedicated to tackling these challenges by promoting responsible sourcing, ethical manufacturing, and circular fashion solutions.
India’s Largest Voluntary Commitment to Sustainability
Launched in 2019 by CMAI, in collaboration with Reliance Brands Limited (RBL) and supported by the United Nations in India, SU.RE is the largest voluntary commitment to sustainability in the Indian apparel sector. It follows a five-point manifesto guiding the industry’s transition towards responsible fashion:
Environmental Awareness – Understanding the ecological impact of garment production.
Sustainable Sourcing – Prioritizing certified and eco-friendly raw materials.
Responsible Decision-Making – Ensuring traceability and renewable production methods.
Transparent Communication – Engaging consumers through labeling, social media, and in-store messaging.
Long-Term Commitment – Driving a significant shift towards sustainability by 2030, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
A Major Milestone in India’s Sustainable Fashion Journey
The SU.RE website and Sustainable Supply Chain Directory were officially launched at Bharat Tex 2025, marking a pivotal moment in India’s pursuit of a globally competitive and environmentally responsible apparel industry.
About CMAI
Established 61 years ago, the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) is India’s leading industry body representing over 5,000 members and serving 35,000+ retailers across the country. CMAI plays a key role in advocating industry-friendly policies, including GST, PLI schemes, Duty Drawback, Export Promotion, FTAs, and sustainability initiatives. With its commitment to ESG principles, CMAI continues to drive positive transformation within the fashion industry.
