Indian Textile Industry and Sustainable Development Goals: Building a Green Future
The Indian textile industry, one of the largest in the world, serves as a backbone of India’s economy and global trade. In 2020–21, India’s domestic textile market was valued at $120 billion, while exports stood at $50 billion. The sector not only generates significant foreign exchange but also provides employment to millions, particularly women, and attracts global investment.
However, this growth brings responsibility. The industry is resource-intensive and has a considerable environmental footprint. Today, aligning the textile industry in India with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is critical for ensuring long-term growth that balances profitability, equity, and environmental stewardship.
The Environmental Challenge Behind Fashion
The journey from raw fibre to finished garment is resource-heavy and chemically intensive. Textile processing, particularly dyeing and finishing, is one of the most polluting stages in the production cycle. According to the World Bank, these processes account for 17–20% of global water pollution, and nearly 72 toxic chemicals are present in wastewater from textile dyeing alone.
This not only affects rivers and aquatic life but also leads to soil degradation and health hazards for communities near production hubs. The situation calls for green textile manufacturing in India, where sustainability becomes a core business principle rather than an afterthought.
Transitioning Toward Sustainable and Circular Practices
To minimise environmental damage and meet global expectations, Indian textile companies are adopting sustainable textile practices and moving toward circular economy models. This shift focuses on resource efficiency, renewable energy, and waste reduction across the value chain.
1. Sustainable Cotton and Organic Farming
Cotton is the backbone of the textile industry, but traditional farming methods demand huge amounts of water and rely heavily on pesticides, which degrade soil and harm ecosystems. To counter these challenges, manufacturers are embracing Regenerative Organic Farming, an approach that restores soil fertility, conserves water, and minimises chemical inputs. This method promotes biodiversity, improves carbon sequestration, and supports farmers with healthier and more resilient crops. By adopting sustainable farming, the industry reduces its ecological footprint and ensures a responsible supply chain from farm to fabric.
2. Renewable Energy Integration
The textile sector is highly energy-intensive, making renewable energy adoption essential for reducing emissions and operational costs. Many companies are installing solar rooftop systems to power production units and switching to biomass-based energy solutions for heating and processing needs. Additionally, factories are upgrading to energy-efficient machinery and implementing real-time monitoring systems to optimise power usage. These initiatives not only lower dependency on fossil fuels but also align the industry with global climate goals, helping achieve India’s commitment to carbon neutrality.
3. Closing the Loop: Circular Economy Initiatives
Moving away from the linear model of produce–use–dispose, the industry is prioritising recycling and reusing resources to build a circular textile economy. For example, discarded PET bottles are converted into high-quality polyester yarn, reducing plastic pollution. Similarly, factory textile scraps are being repurposed into new fabrics, minimising waste and conserving resources. Even packaging is becoming sustainable, with brands replacing virgin polyester with recycled LDPE materials. These efforts reduce reliance on virgin raw materials, cut production costs, and create a greener value chain for long-term sustainability.
Government Support for Green Textiles
The Indian government plays a pivotal role in driving the sustainability agenda. Several flagship initiatives encourage India’s textile sustainability initiatives:
- Mega Investment Textile Parks (MITRA): Seven integrated parks will provide world-class infrastructure and attract global investors.
- Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme: Designed to promote high-value technical textiles and increase India’s export share.
- 100% FDI under Automatic Route: Simplifying foreign investment, encouraging innovation, and boosting capacity building.
- Project SU.RE. (Sustainable Resolution): A commitment by the apparel industry to align with UN SDGs and adopt sustainable business practices.
Alignment of Indian Textiles with UN SDGs
The alignment of the Indian textile sector with Sustainable Development Goals strengthens its global competitiveness and social responsibility. Here’s how the industry contributes to key SDGs:
1– Gender Equality
With over 75% of textile workers being women, the sector promotes women’s empowerment, ensuring economic independence and reducing poverty.
2 – Clean Water and Sanitation
Water conservation is a priority. Companies are installing effluent treatment plants, adopting closed-loop water systems, and developing waterless dyeing technologies.
3 – Affordable and Clean Energy
Textile factories are increasingly powered by renewable sources like solar and biomass, aligning with global carbon reduction goals.
4 – Decent Work and Economic Growth
The sector provides livelihood opportunities for millions, especially in rural areas, contributing to poverty alleviation and economic growth.
5 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
Innovation in eco-friendly fibres, digital supply chains, and sustainable production processes ensures resilience and competitiveness.
6– Responsible Consumption and Production
Circular economy models, recycling, and sustainable raw material sourcing encourage responsible production and conscious consumer behaviour.
7 – Life on Land
Commitments to sustainable sourcing of raw materials, avoiding deforestation, and restoring degraded land protect biodiversity and ecosystems.
Eco-Friendly Trends Transforming the Industry
Sustainability has become a key driver of innovation in Indian textiles. Emerging trends include:
- Biodegradable fabrics that reduce landfill waste.
- Natural dyes are replacing harmful synthetic chemicals.
- Blockchain-based supply chain traceability to ensure ethical sourcing and transparency for consumers.
These developments not only reduce environmental impact but also cater to the growing global demand for ethical and eco-friendly products.
Conclusion
The Indian textile industry is at a turning point, where growth and sustainability must go hand in hand. By embracing regenerative farming, renewable energy, and circular economy practices, the sector is proving that fashion can be both profitable and environmentally responsible. Government initiatives like MITRA parks, PLI schemes, and Project SU.RE. are further accelerating this green transformation.
Aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals not only strengthens India’s global competitiveness but also addresses critical environmental and social challenges. However, achieving true sustainability requires collaborative efforts from businesses, policymakers, and consumers alike.
By prioritising eco-friendly innovations and ethical practices, India can lead the way in building a resilient and eco-conscious textile ecosystem. The future of textiles lies in responsible choices today.
FAQs
1) What are sustainable textile practices in India?
Sustainable textile practices in India include regenerative organic cotton farming, use of natural dyes, renewable energy adoption, recycling PET bottles into polyester yarn, and implementation of circular economy models to minimise waste.
2) Which Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are most relevant to the Indian textile industry?
The Indian textile industry aligns with SDGs such as SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 6 (Clean Water), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).
3) How is the Indian textile industry promoting circular economy initiatives?
Indian textile manufacturers are recycling PET bottles into fibres, reusing factory waste and textile scraps, and reducing plastic in packaging by using recycled materials. These initiatives help reduce dependency on virgin resources and lower environmental impact.
4) What role does the Indian government play in textile sustainability?
The government supports sustainability through initiatives like Mega Investment Textile Parks (MITRA), the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme, Project SU.RE., and policies encouraging 100% FDI in the textile sector.
5) Why is sustainability important for the Indian textile industry?
Sustainability is crucial to reducing water pollution, lowering carbon emissions, and managing waste effectively. It also ensures compliance with global environmental standards, enhances brand reputation, and drives long-term profitability.