Govt outlines sustainability push for textile sector in Lok Sabha
Minister lists policies to improve environmental compliance.
The government has rolled out a range of policy and regulatory measures aimed at strengthening environmental sustainability in the textile sector, Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh informed the Lok Sabha.
In a written reply to a parliamentary question, the minister said that Greenhouse Gas Emission Intensity (GEI) targets have been notified for carbon-intensive sectors, including textiles, under the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme. As part of this framework, obligated entities must disclose their Scope-1 and Scope-2 emissions, promoting greater transparency and accountability in industrial carbon reporting.
The government is also implementing a pilot project aimed at providing technical assistance and capacity building to small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The initiative seeks to help these businesses adopt cleaner technologies and improve compliance with emerging environmental norms.
Measures have also been introduced to regulate the use of hazardous chemicals in textile processing. According to the minister, the use of benzidine-based dyes and their salts in dyeing and colour processing industries has been restricted since 1990. Later, the handling of 70 azodyes was prohibited through a notification issued in March 1997.
India has also strengthened its global environmental commitments. The country ratified the Stockholm Convention in January 2006, aligning with international efforts to safeguard human health and the environment from persistent organic pollutants.
To encourage sustainable production practices, the government recently notified the Eco-Mark Scheme 2024, which includes textiles among the identified product categories. The eco-labelling framework promotes environmentally responsible manufacturing, including the use of eco-friendly raw materials, reduced dependence on hazardous chemicals, efficient resource utilisation, and improved wastewater and emission management.
Further, the Union Budget 2026–27 announced an integrated programme for the textile sector focused on boosting domestic manufacturing while advancing sustainability. Key components include the National Fibre Scheme to strengthen self-reliance in natural, man-made and emerging fibres; a Textile Expansion and Employment Scheme to modernise traditional clusters through capital support for machinery upgrades; and a National Handloom and Handicraft programme aimed at supporting weavers and artisans.
Other initiatives include the Tex-Eco Initiative to promote globally competitive sustainable textiles and apparel, and Samarth 2.0, which aims to modernise the textile skilling ecosystem through stronger collaboration between industry and academic institutions.
Source: KNN India
