Harnessing Circular Fashion Practices: India’s Role in Combating Carbon Emissions

The fashion industry’s significant contribution to global carbon emissions has become a pressing concern. With its long supply chains and energy-intensive production methods, it generates approximately 8-10% of global carbon emissions, surpassing the combined emissions from international flights and maritime shipping. India, in particular, faces a substantial environmental impact due to its textile waste and inefficient recycling practices. However, by leveraging existing infrastructure and resources, the Indian government and manufacturers have a unique opportunity to tackle this issue and position themselves as leaders in sustainable fashion.

 

Environmental Impact in India:

India’s textile waste alone accounts for a staggering 7,793,000 tons, which represents 8.5% of the global total. Unfortunately, only 59% of this waste finds its way back into the textile industry, while the remaining 41% is downcycled, incinerated, or ends up in landfills. Domestic post-consumer collection contributes to 51% of the waste circulation, followed by 42% from pre-consumer sources, and a mere 7% from imported post-consumer waste. These statistics highlight the urgent need for improved waste management and recycling practices within the Indian fashion industry.

 

India’s Potential as a Circular Sourcing Region:

Despite the environmental challenges, India possesses the potential to become a global leader in circular fashion. The country can capitalize on its existing infrastructure and resources to capture waste and implement innovative sorting and recycling technologies. By reintroducing its textile waste back into the market, India can secure its position as the leading circular sourcing region. This approach not only mitigates carbon emissions but also fosters sustainable economic growth.

 

Addressing Post-Production Waste:

While the focus has primarily been on post-consumer waste, it is crucial to address post-production waste as well. Textile sludges, slurries, and shearing waste pose significant environmental challenges. Eco Eclectic Tech, an innovative organization, has taken the initiative to convert such waste into eco wood and eco bricks. For instance, they successfully transformed textile sludge into flooring and furniture for a textile store. This approach showcases the importance of stakeholder participation in sustainable solutions.

Our approach is in three segments (i) Identification (ii) Segregation (iii) Eco Processing. Below flowchart explains the process.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Government’s Role in Encouraging Circular Technologies:

The Ministry of Textiles in India can play a pivotal role in promoting circular fashion practices. By setting rules and regulations that prioritize the use of circular technologies, the government can create a conducive environment for sustainable manufacturing. Additionally, the ministry can provide incentives and support for manufacturers to update their infrastructure with low-energy-intensive processes. Collaborative efforts between the government and industry will lead to more efficient waste management and reduced carbon emissions.

 

Empowering Consumers through Awareness:

Creating awareness among consumers is essential for driving change in the fashion industry. Manufacturers can collaborate with the government and non-governmental organizations to educate consumers about the environmental impact of their choices. Promoting sustainable fashion choices, such as buying from brands that prioritize circular practices and supporting second-hand markets, will encourage consumers to be more conscious of their consumption habits. Empowered consumers can help drive the demand for sustainable fashion and accelerate the adoption of circular practices. Here are few ways how individuals and Corporates can take the lead.

 

1. Individual Responsibility: Reducing Carbon Footprint in Textiles

As consumers, we play a vital role in driving change within the fashion and textile industry. Here are some ways individuals can reduce their carbon footprint:

1. Conscious Consumption: Opt for quality over quantity by investing in well-made, durable garments that will last longer. Consider buying second-hand or vintage clothing to extend the lifecycle of garments. Buy only things we need and not the things we want.
2. Minimalism and Capsule Wardrobes: Adopting a minimalist approach to fashion can significantly reduce carbon emissions. Create a capsule wardrobe by curating a small collection of versatile, high-quality garments that can be mixed and matched for various occasions.
3. Renting and Swapping: Explore clothing rental services or participate in clothing swaps with friends and community groups to reduce the demand for new items and lower your personal carbon footprint.
4. Responsible Care: Extend the life of your garments by practicing responsible care. Follow care instructions, repair or alter clothes when needed, and donate or recycle unwanted items.
5. Cautious buying: While buying clothes ensure that we make the right choice and opt for local brands to not just support them but also reduce the carbon footprint involved in buying things that come for a longer source. Small Sustainable businesses play a key role in the carbon footprint reduction.
6. Corporate Responsibility: Reducing Carbon Emissions and Embracing Eco-Friendly Fabrics

 

Companies and brands in the fashion and textile industry have the power to make a significant impact on sustainability. Here are some steps they can take to reduce carbon emissions and opt for eco-friendly fabric options:

 

1. Supply Chain Transparency: Brands should prioritize supply chain transparency, ensuring that their suppliers adhere to ethical and sustainable practices. This includes fair wages, safe working conditions, and responsible sourcing of materials.
2. Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy: Companies can minimize their carbon footprint by adopting energy-efficient practices within their operations. Investing in renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, can further reduce emissions.
3. Sustainable Material Choices: Opt for eco-friendly fabrics like organic cotton, hemp, linen, or recycled materials, which require less water and energy during production. Avoid fabrics derived from non-renewable resources, such as petroleum-based synthetics.
4. Waste Reduction: Implement waste reduction strategies throughout the supply chain, including reducing fabric waste during production and finding innovative ways to repurpose or recycle unsold or damaged garments.
5. Circular Economy Approach: Embrace a circular economy model by designing products for durability and recyclability. Implement take-back programs or recycling initiatives to ensure garments are properly recycled through post consumption programs.

Conclusion:

The fashion industry’s role in global carbon emissions cannot be overlooked, and India’s significant contribution necessitates urgent action. By harnessing its existing infrastructure and resources, India has the opportunity to lead the way in circular fashion practices. Efforts from the government, manufacturers, and consumers are crucial in mitigating waste, implementing sustainable technologies, and promoting awareness. Through collaborative endeavors, India can pave the path towards a more environmentally conscious and sustainable fashion industry.

 

Dr Binish Desai
Chairperson, Eco Eclectic Tech Group
Recycle Man of India
eetechgroup.com 

 

About Dr Binish Desai

Dr. Binish Desai is a highly accomplished social entrepreneur and innovator who has made significant contributions to the field of environmental engineering and waste management. He holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering and an Honorary PhD in Environmental Science and Technology. He started his journey at the young age of 11 by carrying out home-based experiments with chewing gum and paper, which eventually led to his passion for creating sustainable solutions to environmental challenges. He currently works out of India and USA.

He is widely known as   the “Waste Warrior” and “Recycle Man of India” for his work in recycling more than 3500 tonnes of industrial waste. Dr Binish has developed over 150 eco-products that have been highly acclaimed for their effectiveness and impact.

Dr. Desai, a Padma Shri nominee, has been listed on Forbes’ “Asia’s 30 Most Successful Social Entrepreneurs under 30” and “Top 10 Social Entrepreneurs of India” lists. He was also awarded the Covid Hero Youth Icon of the year 2020 for his works in recycling PPE kits, and his work have been featured and appreciated in the WHO bulletin.

Dr. Desai strongly believes that the concept of “waste” does not exist in nature and that waste is generated by human consumption. Therefore, he has made it his mission to sustainably get rid of waste and eliminate the industrial waste from landfills, creating a positive social impact through his innovations. His famous “There is nothing useless in this world; what might be waste to you is someone’s asset,” encapsulates his ethos quote, and vision for a more sustainable future.