This initiative marks a pivotal step in advancing sustainable and ethical practices within India’s textile and apparel industry.
The Apparel Made-Ups & Home Furnishing Sector Skill Council (AMHSSC) in collaboration with bluesign proudly launched the ‘Foundation to Apparel Sustainability’ eLearning course at a landmark event held at the Oberoi Gurgaon Hotel. This initiative marks a pivotal step in advancing sustainable and ethical practices within India’s textile and apparel industry.
India’s textile and apparel sector is integral to the national economy, contributing approximately 2 per cent to the GDP and 18 per cent to the manufacturing output. It provides direct employment to 45 million individuals and supports an additional 60 million in allied industries. As the world’s 5th largest exporter, India’s prominence underscores the urgent need for sustainable development in this sector.
The inauguration was graced by distinguished industry leaders including Virender Uppal, Chairman, Richa Global; Sudhir Sekhri, Chairman, Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC); Padma Shri Dr A Sakthivel, Chairman, AMHSSC; and Katharina Verena Mayer, Director Customer Relations, South Asia, bluesign technologies. The ceremony commenced with the traditional lighting of the lamp, symbolising a commitment to a sustainable future.
Course overview
The ‘Foundation to Apparel Sustainability’ course, developed by bluesign academy in collaboration with AMHSSC, is set to commence in September 2024. This eight-week online program will feature weekly e-learning sessions, offering an in-depth exploration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) aspects in the textile industry, with particular focus on the Indian market. The course supports India’s commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2070, and will equip industry leaders with the knowledge and skills necessary for sustainable practices.
Tailored for senior and middle management professionals in the apparel industry, the course is designed to provide practical knowledge that participants can directly apply within their manufacturing units. Topics covered include sustainable fashion, the historical evolution of the fashion industry, sustainable fibres, eco-friendly textile processes, impact and footprint assessment, chemical management, social and ethical aspects in apparel sustainability, and sustainability reporting.
Impact and future outlook
This initiative sets a new benchmark for responsible business conduct in India’s textile and apparel sector, aligning with international expectations and the growing consumer demand for ethical and sustainable products. This course is anticipated to significantly elevate local industry practices, across India, fostering a more sustainable and competitive environment.
Statements from industry leaders
Dr A Sakthivel, Chairman, AMHSSC
Dr A Sakthivel expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Guest of Honour, Virender Uppal, Chairman of Richa Global, and Sudhir Sekhri, Chairman of AEPC, for their invaluable contributions in promoting this essential awareness program on Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) within the Apparel & Home Furnishing Industry. He also extended sincere thanks to Rakesh Vaid, Vice Chairman of the Board at ATDC, and Vijay Jindal from ATDC for their unwavering support.
Dr Sakthivel underscored the program’s guiding principle: “Save Earth, Save the Planet,” stressing the urgent need for the apparel manufacturing industry to adhere to ESG standards. He also highlighted the forthcoming EU policy on Digital Passports for manufactured goods, urging the industry to prepare proactively with the support of bluesign technologies.
Virender Uppal, Chairman, Richa Global
Uppal highlighted the paramount importance of ESG, affirming its critical relevance in today’s industry. He emphasised that the newly launched eLearning program by AMHSSC, in collaboration with bluesign technologies, will offer significant benefits to industry professionals, equipping them with the essential knowledge and skills needed for sustainable practices.
Sudhir Sekhri, Chairman, AEPC
Sekhri highlighted the critical need to strike a balance between profitability and sustainability, praising the resilience and preparedness of the Indian manufacturers in navigating past challenges. He emphasised that maintaining this balance is key to long-term success.
He called for a collective effort to raise ESG awareness, advocating for a multi-stakeholder approach to ensure global competitiveness in the industry.
Insights by Katherina Verena Mayer, Director of Customer Relations for South Asia, bluesign technologies
Mayer introduced the eLearning module designed to enhance the capabilities of leaders in the Indian Apparel & Home Furnishing sector. She conveyed that the course is aimed to empower leaders for implementing ESG practices effectively at all organisational levels, thereby benefiting both the Earth and its people.