India’s Textile Industry: Embracing Sustainability and Innovation

India’s textile industry is strong. It builds the nation’s economy and culture. Village handlooms grew into modern mills. This sector now shows close bonds among work, trade, and tradition. It contributes:

• 13% to India’s total industrial production.
• 12% to total exports.
• 2.3% to the country’s GDP.
• Jobs for about 4.5 crore workers. Around 35 lakh of these are handloom artisans.

Industry Growth and Market Potential

Texprocil data points to clear links between growth and market size. The market size is set to rise:

• From US$ 197 billion in 2023.
• To US$ 350 billion by 2030.
• A compound annual growth of 10.1%. India now stands as the world’s 2nd largest textile and garments producer. It is the third-largest textile exporter, behind China and Germany.
• Textile exports hit US$ 35.9 billion in FY24.
• They are on course to reach US$ 100 billion by FY30. ## Environmental Challenges and the Urgency for Sustainability

The textile industry grows fast. But this growth relates to rising environmental costs. Synthetic fibres push factories to use more resources. Pollution increases as a close outcome. Garment lifespans drop by 36% in 15 years, and waste grows. Only 1% of fibres get recycled. High use of chemicals, dyes, water, and energy now links to pollution and workplace hazards. Moreover, wastewater, air, and noise pollution stay as big problems.

Sustainable Manufacturing Initiatives

The industry acts to make change. Government policies like Make in India and Mega Investment Textiles Parks (MITRA) lead this shift. They join with techniques that reuse waste and renew resources:

• Regenerative organic farming connects with sustainable practices.
• Plastic recycling helps mend waste.
• Recycling and upcycling occur with brands like Pomogrenade, The Second Life, and Patch over Patch. They turn textile waste into new items.
• Renewable energy gains ground; companies like Welspun link with rooftop solar and wind power. This link cuts fossil fuel use.
• Water management moves forward; BRFL Textiles uses waterless sulphur dyeing and recycles wastewater to lower water use.

Technological Innovation Driving Transformation

Advanced technologies now work close with tradition. Smart machinery and automation help preserve classic craftsmanship. New fabric processing and dyeing methods tie high quality to a lower environmental impact.

Conclusion

India’s textile industry now sits at a key point. It balances strong growth with a need for better environmental care. Government support, new technology, and a focus on renewable energy, recycling, and water care are joining together. These clear links reduce ecological risks. They also help India lead globally in sustainable textile work. The industry builds both long-term economic and ecological strength.

Sources: India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), Texprocil, Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC), Financial Express

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