The Government has outlined multiple measures to promote environmentally sustainable production practices in the textile sector. These include initiatives related to green technology adoption, recycling and waste reduction. The steps aim to support improved market access, environmental resilience and global competitiveness.
An Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) Task Force has been constituted to address issues related to sustainable production, certification and exports. The Task Force provides a platform for discussions and has supported industry-oriented programmes focused on sharing best practices and knowledge through initiatives such as Circular Samvaad and the Cluster Exchange Mechanism.
Under the Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (ATUFS), which was valid up to 31.03.2022, more than 1,117 energy-saving machines have been supported to enhance water and energy efficiency in textile manufacturing. In addition, under the Integrated Processing Development Scheme (IPDS), six Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETP) with Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) technology have been approved.
The Government has also implemented pilot projects across the country to build capacity and awareness on sustainable production and consumption practices. These initiatives focus on areas such as elimination of hazardous chemicals from the textile value chain, development of eco-friendly and organic textiles, textile waste management and reuse, life cycle analysis, product environmental and carbon footprint, and natural dyeing.
One pilot project, titled ‘Eliminating Hazardous Chemicals from Textile Fashion Supply Chain in India’, is being implemented across 400 factories in eight clusters and four fashion houses. The project is designed to mitigate 1,47,000 tCO2eq and reduce the use of harmful chemicals by 10,530 tonnes.
Under the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM), multiple research and development projects have been approved with a focus on environmentally sustainable technologies and materials.
In the Union Budget 2026-27, the Hon’ble Finance Minister announced an Integrated Programme for textiles, which includes the Tex-Eco Initiative aimed at promoting sustainable and globally competitive textiles and apparel.
This information was provided by THE MINISTER FOR TEXTILES SHRI GIRIRAJ SINGH in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha.