New Delhi, Sep 21, 2024: Emphasising on India's potential to lead the global textile industry in sustainability, Minister of State for Textiles Pabitra Margherita has expressed confidence that the country will set new global benchmarks in the sector through self-reliance and innovation.
Addressing the 3rd Sustainable Textile Summit hosted by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), Margherita said, "Our vision is clear - to make India a global leader in sustainable textiles, to achieve this, we must remain innovative, agile, and committed to change."
The government, he said, will support the industry with policies and initiatives essential to turning this vision into reality.
"As we look towards the future of our textile industry, I am confident that India will set new global benchmarks, fuelled by our spirit of self-reliance, innovation, and unwavering commitment to sustainability. Together, let us elevate India’s fabric to new heights of sustainability and global leadership," Margherita said at the summit, which concluded on September 17.
The summit brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss innovative solutions and explore opportunities for a more sustainable textile future. Key themes addressed included ethical sourcing, labor practices, carbon emissions reduction, technology adoption, and circular economy solutions.
Margherita said India is rising to meet the challenge of sustainability by launching technology mission to promote eco-friendly products and the ESG Taskforce to adopt sustainability across the textile value chain. "Our 5F formula — from Farm to Fiber to Factory to Fashion to Foreign Market — is paving the way for India’s sustainable growth from fiber to final product. This strategy will definitely position India on the global stage as a leader in sustainable textiles. The government’s integrated approach to sustainability, with initiatives like the National Technical Textiles Mission will further propel the industry towards a more sustainable future," he said.
Rohit Kansal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, said that sustainability is not something forced upon us, whether by western legislation or the demands of brands and consumers. Indians have been known for sustainability for ages, and the current trend of downsizing and reusing has long been part of India’s culture and heritage.
He said sustainability and circularity are becoming key focuses for the textile and apparel industry. Kansal also discussed three mega trends affecting the global textile industry -- first, the estimation that by 2030, global trade for apparel will reach $1.2 trillion. Second, the rise of innovation, digitization, and Industry 4.0, and third is the shift in sourcing patterns.
He said textiles contribute 1.2 billion tons of greenhouse gas emissions and $500 billion losses from barely recycled clothing. However, he added that by adopting sustainability measures, it’s possible to unlock a $500 billion market and generate significant value.
Dr Srikanta K Panigrahi, Director General, Indian Institute of Sustainable Development (IISD), discussed how sustainability has become imperative for everyone, and strategic public policy is moving in that direction. He also called for a focus on natural fibers to enhance sustainability and urged the industry to explore the commercial viability of these fibers as part of building a Viksit Bharat.
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