Sustainable Manufacturing Practices in the Indian Fashion Industry
"The environment and the economy are really both two sides of the same coin. if we cannot sustain the environment, we cannot sustain ourselves. " - Wangari Maathai
This quote highlights the interdependence of the environment and the economy and the need to prioritize sustainability.
As we are getting closer to 2030, the target year for limiting temperature rise by 1.5 degrees Celsius, there is a lot of talk about increasing consumer demand for sustainable clothing and green manufacturing, using renewal energy solutions in India. It's imperative for us to lead by example and drive positive change within our industries and across organisations by adopting sustainable manufacturing practices.
India aims to reduce its carbon emissions by 22% by 2030. In 2021, its CO2 emissions were 2.88 gigatonnes. The manufacturing sector contributes about 15% to India's GDP and is a significant emitter of carbon.Its critical to boost sustainability in manufacturing, especially in sectors with high impact. Most big companies are already practising sustainable manufacturing, The SMEs and value chain needs to be put on this. 80% of stakeholders in the Indian textile industry have adopted sustainable manufacturing practices ( source: "Sustainable Survey Report 2023" by the Yarn Bazaar and Wazir Advisors).\
Godrej Group being a responsible member of India Inc., they started their drive for sustainable manufacturing in 2011, with the main focus on:
. energy and water efficiency,
. emission reduction,
. renewable energy adoption,
. reducing waste to landfill
How Indian industry is making progress in sustainable manufacturing:
Green Energy
Manufacturing Industry is a big consumer of energy. Industries are now choosing solar power for their operations. The use of Photovoltaic Panels on the roof helps in reducing usage of conventional energy sources.
Water Efficiency
Rainwater harvesting systems are being used by the textile and apparel manufacturing units. This makes them less dependent on groundwater and municipal water supplies. Companies are adopting natural filtration systems and electromagnetic separation technologies which provide improved water treatment at low cost and treated water is reused for domestic purposes like cleaning machinery, and watering plants.
Waste Management
A critical aspect of Sustainable manufacturing is waste management by reducing and reusing waste. Companies are using various ways to recycle waste into products. Textile companies are recycling fabric waste into new garments. FMCG and retail sectors are innovating in packaging to reduce waste. The use of biodegradable materials and reducing the size of packaging and designing for recyclability are some of the steps taken.
What does sustainable fashion mean?
The Shift to sustainable manufacturing is about reimagining business models and operational standards that come together with sustainability. Adapting Solar and Wind energy, the circular economy approach for waste and water recycling. Sustainable fashion refers to a movement and process of fostering change in fashion products and the fashion system towards greater ecological integrity and social justice. Key principles include:
.Reducing waste through recycling and upcycling.
. using environmentally friendly materials nad production processes.
. ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions for workers.
. aims to reduce the industry's carbon footprint.
. protect natural resources.
Each state in India boasts unique craft clusters, showcasing the country's rich artisanal heritage, India has been a hub for fashion businesses seeking skilled artisans. Recognizing the need to preserve and revive traditional crafts, a new wave of designers is emerging. These imaginative designers and manufacturers are committed to slow fashion, empowering artisan clusters by incorporating renewable energy solutions.
. sustainability by using natural dyes
. deadstock fabrics
. plant-based fibres
. eco-friendly processes that conserve water and energy.
The Indian manufacturing sector can reach $4.5 trillion in GDP by 2047. taking its share to 22%, which is an indicator of its importance to the NDCs.
The textile and garment industry of India is one of the world's largest, contributing to 3.7% of the global market. The use of decentralized renewable energy can modernize and accelerate this growth while improving the livelihoods of millions. India is looking to find durable and viable ways to meet its growing energy needs. while Saubhagya has made strides in expanding grid - connectivity, decentralized renewable energy(DRE) is positioning itself as a strong alternative, especially in areas where grid supply is erratic and unreliable. It can benefit the textile industry in huge margins and make its manufacturing clean, efficient, and reliable which takes it growth to new dimensions and contributes to India's GDP. the Indian government and various non-government organizations are also playing a crucial role by supporting sustainable practices through policies and initiatives aimed at reducing the environmental impact of the fashion industry.
According to a survey in 2019, 45 million people are employed in the garment and textile industry in India. large amount of fabrics and yarns are products of local artisans who have put traditional fashion and styles in the global market. the textile industry is extremely varied, from low-scale traditional textiles to capital-intensive, larger mills. both rely on electric equipment that needs quality energy for efficient functioning. through a mass shift from fossil fuel as an energy source to renewables, like Solar, Wind and Biogas. A paper by A R Nagraj , an expert in textile chemistry explains this in detail.
Climate change has accelerated the demand for renewable energy solutions in the fashion industry manufacturing process in India. Sustainability has become crucial, mostly consumers especially Gen Z and Millennials are shifting towards cruelty-free, environmentally friendly products. The pandemic has accelerated the awareness.
With the examples below of the brands of India doing their bit towards the environment and using sustainable solutions for their manufacturing, we'll be able to learn about different ways of green manufacturing.
From organic cotton and natural dyes to recycled fabrics and zero-waste designs, these startups are redefining the fashion landscape in India.
1. No Nasties: True to its name, its an organic and vegan clothing brand dedicated to creating planet-positive apparel that offsets the carbon footprint of every item they produce. they use solar power, wind energy, forest protection and reforestation. They have collaborated with Green Story, a third-party life-cycle analysis platform. on their website-https://www.nonasties.in/ one can find everyday essentials for men and women.
2. BEEJ : Launched in 2020 under the helm of Arundhati Kumar, a Mumbai-based sustainable fashion accessories brand, the brand's commitment to environmental responsibility is evident in its meticulous sourcing of raw materials. through collaborations with local artisans, the brand not only supports ethical production methods but also contributes to the empowerment of marginalized groups.https://studiobeej.com/
more examples like this are Okhai, Iro Iro, World of Grow, Doodlage and many more.
Sustainable fashion brands often prioritize eco-friendly materials, ethical production practices and transparent supply chains, which help minimize pollution, conserve natural resources, and combat climate change.
