Sustainability

Textile & Apparel Sourcing in Crisis: Tariffs, Price Pressures, Retail Fallout & the Consumer Impact

Date & Time
Sep 23, 2025 03:00 PM in India
Description
Global textile and apparel sourcing is facing unprecedented challenges. Brands and manufacturers must navigate rising costs, volatile demand, retail disruption, and a value-conscious consumer. This webinar breaks down the crisis and explores practical strategies forward.
What’s Happening Now
Price pressure despite high supplier costs; volatile orders with shorter lead times, smaller lots.

Address by Dr. J.K. Gupta serves as Scientist E/Director and Head of the Textiles Department at the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

4th Edition Sustainable Textiles Summit 2025 | September 17, 2025

Compiled by: Salil Chawla, Director, DFU Publications.

Over the years, we have undertaken significant work across a diverse spectrum of textiles—ranging from jute, coir, and silk to natural dye-stuffs, technical textiles, and sustainable materials. Many of these products are inherently eco-friendly, but our commitment goes further.

India holds a leadership role in the global standardization of natural dyes, with 27 specialized committees working across areas spanning man-made fibers, technical textiles, machinery, and more. Within technical textiles alone, we cover 12 crucial segments, from agro-textiles and medical textiles to smart textiles and specialty fibers.

Address by Murugan Thenkondar l President at Grasim Industries Limited Pulp & Fibre.

4th Edition Sustainable Textiles Summit 2025 | September 17, 2025

Compiled by: Salil Chawla, Director, DFU Publications.

I am Murugan from Grasim Industries, and I will briefly share our journey and commitment to sustainability.

When India gained independence on 15th August 1947, much of the cotton-growing land went to Pakistan following the partition. At that time, Mahatma Gandhi asked Shri J.D. Birla, a close associate, how India would overcome this cotton scarcity.

Just ten days after independence, on 20th August 1947, Shri Birla founded Grasim Industries to produce man-made fibers as an alternative to cotton. This was not just an industrial venture but a nation-building initiative aligned with India’s self-reliance vision.

Address by Dr Pankaj Kumar l National Project Coordinator at UNIDO.

4th Edition Sustainable Textiles Summit 2025 | September 17, 2025

Compiled by: Salil Chawla, Director, DFU Publications.

Addressing Sustainability in India's Textile Industry

India's textile industry is at a critical juncture, facing significant challenges related to chemical and energy use. A new six-year, UNIDO-led project, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), aims to address these issues by eliminating hazardous chemicals and promoting cleaner technologies.

Address by Rajinder Kumar, Economic advisor GoI (Textiles).

4th Edition Sustainable Textiles Summit 2025 | September 17, 2025

Compiled by: Salil Chawla, Director, DFU Publications.

First of all, let me express my heartfelt gratitude to PHDCCI for organizing this wonderful event on such a critical topic—sustainability management. My special thanks to Zakir Hussain and Sree Devji Mukherjee for their efforts. Being from the industry, I have had the privilege of interacting with them on many occasions, and it is always enriching.

I won’t take much of your time, but I would like to highlight a few key points. Before that, I must congratulate all our panelists for sharing such insightful perspectives on sustainability innovations in the textile sector.

Address by Rajeev Gupta Joint Managing Director of RSWM Ltd.

4th Edition Sustainable Textiles Summit 2025 | September 17, 2025

Compiled by: Salil Chawla, Director, DFU Publications.

It is a privilege to share my thoughts on this important day—a day when policymakers, innovators, and business leaders have gathered to discuss the future of our industry. And what makes it even more special is that it coincides with the Honourable Prime Minister’s birthday, whose commitment to sustainability inspires us to make today’s dialogue truly meaningful.

Innovating Towards a Sustainable Future Strategy in the Textile Industry.

Address by R.K. Vij, Advisor – Polyester, Indorama Synthetics (India) Ltd
4th Edition Sustainable Textiles Summit 2025 | September 17, 2025
Compiled by: Salil Chawla, Director, DFU Publications

It is my privilege as Chair to welcome all of you to this important gathering—a confluence of global insights, national policy directions, technological breakthroughs, and industry commitments—all united by a single goal: building a truly sustainable future for the textile sector.

Camilla will present “ZEROBARRACENTO’s zero‑waste DNA,” a practical reflection on designing garments that produce no fabric waste and that last beyond seasons, genders, and ages.

ZEROBARRACENTO reframes quality versus quantity and proposes a concrete model for inclusive and zero-waste fashion.

Look forward to Camilla’s practical insights on how design, material choices, and production frameworks can make zero‑waste fashion operational and scalable.

Panipat to New Bombay: A Story of Vision, Grit, and Missed Opportunities.

In a candid interaction with DFU Publications’ Editor-in-Chief Sanjay Chawla and Director Salil Chawla, Parvinder Singh of AADI Sustainability Solutions shared valuable insights on the evolution of textile waste recycling in India and its connection with global supply chains.

An investment was made in New Bombay with the hope of creating impact. An NGO joined in, but soon raised a stark reality—no one provides working capital. Without it, how do you pay salaries? How do you keep operations afloat? Many players hesitate because running the show means chasing profitability, and profitability demands courage, clarity, and commitment.

Meetings were held, promises were made. “I’ll handle it,” one said. My response was clear: I can do it, but my way. Ownership and accountability were missing. Advice was given but seldom accepted.

Tracing the Journey of Textile Waste Recycling: Insights from Industry Leaders
In a candid interaction with DFU Publications’ Editor-in-Chief Sanjay Chawla and Director Salil Chawla, Parvinder Singh of AADI Sustainability Solutions shared valuable insights on the evolution of textile waste recycling in India and its connection with global supply chains.The Early Days: Imports and Industrial Waste
Recounting the early years, Parvinder noted that textile waste recycling in India began at a time when domestic availability was scarce. “We started importing from Bangladesh because there wasn’t much indication of industrial textile waste in India then,” he explained. Kerala’s Keralik and Bhool wastes were considered valuable, but beyond that, there was little systematic collection or processing.

India’s technical textiles industry is resetting its sustainability agenda as climate change amplifies environmental risks worldwide. Growing expectations from policymakers, global brands, and eco-conscious consumers are driving a decisive shift toward circular production, resource optimization, and low-emission manufacturing.

Companies are embracing bio-based fibers, water-saving dyeing technologies, and cutting-edge recycling solutions to shrink their environmental footprint without compromising product quality. The transition to renewable energy, waste valorization, and adherence to rigorous ESG standards is emerging as a core business priority.

Partnerships with research institutions and startups are fostering breakthroughs in biodegradable materials and energy-efficient technologies. By embedding sustainability into their growth strategies, technical textiles players aim to build resilience, competitiveness, and global credibility in an increasingly climate-sensitive marketplace.

The North India Section of The Textile Institute (NISTI) is set to host its upcoming webinar on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) & Digital Product Passport in Textiles