The
rising levels of industrial activity over past decades have been depleting the
planet’s natural resources; polluting air, land and water; and changing the
climate in ways that threaten all life forms. The textile industry is among
those that pose some of the biggest challenges in this respect. Textile
operations use high volumes of water at many stages – washing the fibres;
bleaching; dyeing; and washing the finished products. Moreover, the chemicals
and dyes used during the manufacturing process generate huge quantities of
sludge, fibres, and chemically polluted waters which, if not treated properly,
can degrade the soil and the water they come in contact with. India’s textile
industry, one of the largest in the world, has a great opportunity to lead the
way in reimagining the supply and value chains through sustainable sourcing of
raw materials and sustainable manufacturing process.
