Industry leaders to discuss circularity, AI, and sustainable transformation at FAB Show 2026

The Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) and Sustainable Resolution (SU.RE) will organise the inaugural ECO-STITCH Sustainability Conclave on April 3, 2026, at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai. The event will be held alongside the 6th FAB Show 2026 with support from multiple industry and global organisations. The conclave is expected to bring together key stakeholders across the textile and apparel value chain.

Event Overview

The Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) and Sustainable Resolution (SU.RE) will host the ECO-STITCH Sustainability Conclave on April 3, 2026, at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai. The event will be co-located with the 6th FAB Show 2026 and supported by the Global Alliance for Textile Sustainability Council (GATS), Brands & Sourcing Leaders Association (BSL), and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).

The by-invitation conclave aims to bring together stakeholders to examine sustainability as a core component of manufacturing practices in the textile and apparel sector. It is expected to host over 150 participants, including brand owners, international buying houses, manufacturers, exporters, policymakers, and start-ups or innovators. The programme will include discussions, technical sessions, and interactive exchanges focused on advancing sustainability practices across the value chain.

Key Discussion Areas

Key sessions will address topics such as:

• EU readiness
• Challenges in adoption for Indian brands
• Green finance
• Social inclusion
• UN-led initiatives supporting sustainable clusters

A CEO panel discussion will explore the integration of sustainability into business strategy.

Industry Insights

Santosh Katariya, President, CMAI, said:
“Sustainability can no longer remain an aspirational goal for the apparel industry. It is high time it develops the foundation of how we design, source and manufacture. CMAI aims to create a one-of-a-kind annual platform that brings together decision-makers from the textile and apparel ecosystem. We will have candid discussions to debate on the biggest sustainability challenges and opportunities, help attendees gain actionable strategies, practical solutions, new networks for collaboration to accelerate adoption of responsible and circular practices.”

Practical Sustainability in Action

The event will include demonstrations based on a 3R framework—Reuse, Repurpose, and Recycle—featuring examples such as upcycled collections and supply chains connecting textile waste to finished garments.

Driving Change Through Collaboration

Naveen Sainani, Hon. Gen. Secretary & Chairman, ESG Committee, CMAI, stated:
“The ECO-STITCH Conclave is designed to go beyond conversations and focus on practical pathways for change. By convening stakeholders and sustainability champions under one roof, CMAI seeks to drive greater awareness, collaboration and measurable action that will help the Indian textile and apparel sector transition towards more sustainable and future-ready business models.”

Technology & Innovation Focus

An Automation and AI Showcase will also be part of the conclave, highlighting the role of digital tools, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing technologies in product development and operational efficiency.

Recognising Sustainability Excellence

The event will introduce the CMAI SU.RE Sustainability Awards, recognising contributions by manufacturers, brands, supply chain innovators, and service providers in sustainability and circularity.

The jury panel includes:

• Dr. Naresh Tyagi, Chief Sustainability Officer, Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail Ltd.
• Sunjay Rastogi, Head (New Business, Strategy, CSR) at Trent Ltd
• Darshana Gajare, Head of Sustainability at Reliance Brands
• Parvinder Singh, Head, Global Alliance for Textile Sustainability Council (GATS)
• Rahul Mehta, Chief Mentor, CMAI

Leadership Perspective

Rahul Mehta, Chief Mentor, CMAI, said:
“The Conclave marks a timely and strategic intervention for the manufacturing ecosystem, where the focus must now shift from intent to measurable, scalable action. As an industry, we are at a stage where Sustainability can no longer remain a parallel conversation. It must be embedded into core business strategy, from fibre and fabric selection to manufacturing processes and supply chain design. The real opportunity lies in driving alignment by enabling manufacturers, brands and suppliers to move towards responsible sourcing, resource efficiency and circularity. Such collaborative platforms will play a critical role in strengthening India’s position as a globally competitive, future-ready and sustainability-led apparel manufacturing hub.”

Fashion Meets Sustainability

The conclave will also include a Grand Sustainable Fashion Showcase featuring 12 curated sequences focused on AI-driven design, Indian crafts, and sustainable materials.

CMAI will collaborate with institutions such as:

• National Institute of Fashion Technology (Bengaluru)
• JD Institute of Fashion Technology
• MKSSS's School of Fashion Technology, Pune (SOFT)
• International School of Design, Surat (IDT)

to involve emerging designers.

Sustainability Pavilion at FAB Show 2026

In addition, a Sustainability Pavilion featuring fifteen exhibitors will present developments in eco-conscious textiles, accessories, certifications, and production methods as part of the broader FAB Show 2026.

Conclusion

The conclave is positioned to bring together stakeholders from across the industry, including MSMEs, exporters, brands, designers, technology providers, and policymakers, to examine sustainability practices in the textile and apparel sector.