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Handloom Textiles Offer Environmentally Friendly Alternative To Mass-Produced Synthetic Fabrics While Employing 72% Women: Report

By TheCSRUniverse Team Published 14 Mar 2025

New Delhi, Mar 14, 2025: Handloom textiles offer a climate-friendly solution as they require minimal energy, promote circular economies, and rely primarily on natural fibers like cotton and silk, according to a report released recently.

Women remain central to the sector’s future as they comprise the majority of the workforce. Their empowerment through training, financing, and market access is key to the sector’s growth, it said.

ACCESS Development Services launched the ‘Second State of Handloom Sector Report’, a comprehensive analysis of India’s handloom industry, highlighting its role in sustainability, climate resilience, and economic empowerment. The report underscores the sector’s significance in promoting green textiles, conserving traditional crafts, and generating employment.

Natural fibers and organic dyes are gaining traction as Innovations in hemp, bamboo, and organic cotton are reducing dependence on synthetic materials, the report said.

Digital transformation is reshaping the industry as blockchain and AI Traceability systems are ensuring authenticity and transparency, enhancing India’s global positioning in sustainable textiles. The report calls for greater investment in climate-smart handloom production, increased consumer awareness about sustainable textiles, and multi-stakeholder collaboration to enhance policy and market linkages.

Speaking about the report, Vipin Sharma, CEO, ACCESS Development Services, stated, “Handloom weaving is more than an art form, it is a sustainable livelihood solution and a climate resilience strategy. As the world shifts towards conscious consumption, India’s handcrafted textiles hold immense potential in the global market. This report provides a roadmap for industry leaders, policymakers, and artisans to harness this potential through innovation, policy support, and market-driven solutions.”

The report will serve as a key resource for policymakers, researchers, and industry stakeholders, offering actionable insights to strengthen India’s handloom ecosystem and position it as a leader in sustainable textiles.