CITI initiates cluster level capacity building workshops for Indian textile suppliers

This workshop presents an opportunity for Indian manufacturers to adopt human rights and environmental due diligence (HRDD) practices, enhancing their negotiation leverage and better understanding of their risks and opportunities.

The Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) had recently partnered with Fair wear foundation formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding for a comprehensive one-year program on capacity building of Indian textile exporters on understanding the upcoming due diligence frameworks in EU and strengthen suppliers’ voices in the consultations. Enacted in May 2024, Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) mandates European companies to implement comprehensive human rights and environmental due diligence across global supply chains. This directive is expected to reduce the multiplicity of reporting’s through a unified legal framework within the EU, fostering legal certainty and a level playing field. This presents an opportunity for Indian manufacturers to adopt human rights and environmental due diligence (HRDD) practices, enhancing their negotiation leverage and better understanding of their risks and opportunities.

“The CSDDD is a transformative development for the Indian textile and apparel sector,” stated Rakesh Mehra, Chairman, CITI. “By embracing this directive, our industry can not only meet global standards but also leverage shared responsibilities with brands, engage meaningfully with stakeholders, and address power imbalances.”

As part of this collaborative effort, the Fair Wear Foundation and CITI had partnered for a Capacity Building Workshop titled “Sustainable Practices: Navigating Social and Environmental Compliances” in association with the South Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) in Surat on 24th July 2024.

The workshop featured insights from knowledge partners, Fair Wear Foundation, and Regulatory Representatives & Managers Association (RRMA) who highlighted the importance of chemical compliance in the textile value chain.

On social due diligence, participants were educated on the CSDDD’s implications for brands, outline due diligence obligations and environmental responsibilities, and detail the climate change combat plan stipulated by the directive. Key sessions included discussions on brand obligations, monitoring and sanctions by authorities, business partner responsibilities, and integrating due diligence into company policies.

RRMA and ZDHC has covered the topic on global regulatory landscape for chemical management in various countries, emphasising the importance of compliance with regulations to protect environmental and human health. It discusses specific regulations, responsible authorities, compliance obligations, circular economy principles, and sustainable chemical management practices. The document aims to provide insights into chemical compliance in the textile sector, focusing on regulatory standards, hazardous chemicals categorisation, sustainability certificates, and the global regulatory landscape. It highlights the significance of certifications like OEKO-TEX, ZDHC, GOTS, Blue Sign, Cradle to Cradle, and Eco Label in promoting environmentally friendly practices in the textile industry.

The next workshop in the series will be held on 26th July at Coimbatore in Association with the Southern India Mills Association (SIMA).