By Dr Naresh Tyagi
Sustainability in recent years has emerged as a major concept in the textile industry, driven majorly by growing environmental concerns, ethical considerations, and changing consumer preferences. Textile sector remains the second-largest consumer of water globally and a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and even microplastic pollution. Apparel is a major contributor to the global economy – estimated at upwards of $2.7 trillion and contributing 2 percent of the world’s GDP. By 2025, the organised fashion market itself is expected at $2.6 trillion. Given the extent of the sector’s dependence on the global economy, sustainability and ethical practices cannot be an after-thought.
Several initiatives have been undertaken at the policy level to instill sustainability in the sector. As part of the 12th SDG (sustainable development goals), the UN identified building national frameworks for consumption in addition to sustainable production. The Prime Minister of India, more recently, introduced the concept of LiFE – Lifestyle for Environment at Cop-26 in 2021. resource-intensive processes and the often-disregarded impact on ecosystems. Within the industry, sustainability practices have gained prominence, but a collective effort from all stakeholders is the need of the hour.
International Sustainability Trends
“The True Cost” a documentary explores the environmental impact of the textile and fashion sector. The film follows the journey of a T-shirt from the cotton fields of India to the landfills of Ghana, and it exposes the human and environmental costs of our cheap clothing. In real life, the sustainability aspects have transcended beyond accountability of textile producers to delivering rights for workers and weavers.
A major share of the subtle shift towards sustainability stems from consumer awareness. Consumers are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their clothing choices and are looking for eco-friendly alternatives like organic cotton, recycled polyester, and linen. Some consumers have also proudly adopted fashion made from recycled materials. Manufacturing innovations in bio-based materials like hemp and Tencel as well as recycled plastic has gained popularity owing to the commitment to sustainability.
In the intricate supply-chain market, consumers are demanding greater transparency – from the source of materials to the manufacturing processes. This trend promotes ethical and sustainable practices by holding brands accountable for their impact. And brands are rightly not leaving a single stone unturned. The deployment of blockchain technologies in the sector is a testament to its commitment to sustainability which also enhances trust and transparency with customers.
Paradise of Eco-Friendliness
The conventional textile industry relied heavily on resource-intensive practices, leading to deforestation, water pollution, and excessive greenhouse gas emissions. According to a World Bank report, the textile industry accounts for 20% of global wastewater and 10% of global carbon emissions. This unsustainable model has been rapidly pushing the boundaries of our planet. However, a new wave of eco-conscious consumers and businesses is ushering in an era of change.
Eco-friendly ecosystems, comprising sustainable practices like organic farming, responsible water usage, and eco-friendly dyes, are becoming the new norm. Sustainable Apparel Coalition reports that the global sustainable apparel market is expected to reach $524.8 billion by 2025, highlighting the growing demand for sustainable products. The transition towards sustainability is not solely driven by market forces. The tireless efforts of self-help groups (SHGs) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) play a crucial role in empowering communities and promoting ecological responsibility.
Impactful advertising campaigns too have played a vital role in shifting consumer mindsets towards sustainability. Besides informing customers, such campaigns have built trust by being upfront about challenges and progress. Brands have also leveraged new mediums to create an emotional appeal about the need for sustainable textile products. By involving consumers and informing alternate products, brands have clearly strived to make an environmental impact.
Embracing a Circular Practice
India’s textiles sector accounts for over 2.3% of India’s GDP and 13% of the country’s total export earnings as of 2021. It is also unique and intricate in the way it employs over 45 million people – one of the largest employing sectors in the country. In the last few years, sustainability practices have emerged in corporate practice. According to a Wazir Advisors survey, majority respondents reported an increase in share of sustainable products in their portfolio. Although 80% of stakeholders had adopted sustainable manufacturing practices, only one-fourth of respondents had a product basket which appeared more than 75 percent sustainable.
A large portion of Indian textile manufacturers may have commenced on their ESG practices. But India could aspire to do more. The sector, a powerhouse of production and employment in India could leverage circular practices to do more. Adopting circular practices is not just an ethical imperative but also a strategic decision for the long-term success of the Indian textile industry. It ensures environmental sustainability, economic advantages, and positive social impacts, paving the way for a more responsible and resilient industry.
(Dr Naresh Tyagi is the Chief Sustainability Officer at Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd.)
(Disclaimer: Views expressed are personal and do not reflect the official position or policy of Financial Express Online. Reproducing this content without permission is prohibited.)
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