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Introduction:

The textile industry is a significant contributor to global manufacturing and employment. However, its impact on the environment and sustainability has become a growing concern. This article aims to shed light on the challenges faced by the textile industry in terms of sustainability and explore the potential opportunities for positive change. From the dominance of traditional manufacturing processes to the limited use of secondary materials, we will delve into the various aspects of sustainable textile production.

The Dominance of Traditional Manufacturing Processes:

The textile industry heavily relies on traditional manufacturing processes, such as yarn production, printing, dyeing, packaging, and export. These processes form the backbone of textile clusters, creating employment opportunities and diversifying product offerings. However, this dominance comes at a cost in terms of environmental sustainability.

It has been observed in 15 to 20 textile companies, that the industry largely depends on the grid electricity as the primary energy source. Additionally, captive generation is used for dying processes. Unfortunately, a significant portion of dyes used in the industry, around 40%, consist of disperse dyes that are employed on polyester and blended materials. Acid dyes, accounting for 22%, are used on synthetic products, while reactive dyes make up 39% of the industry’s dye consumption. Lastly, 22% comes from modified dyes.

Opportunities for Positive Change:

To understand the value chain in the textile industry, it is crucial to identify dominant and less dominant elements. Although this analysis did not explore this aspect in detail, it is evident that many opportunities lie upstream in the industry. Specifically, bringing secondary fibers into the value chain can contribute to sustainability efforts. However, the lack of cohesion and fragmentation hinder the sector’s ability to validate the percentage of yarn derived from secondary sources.

Furthermore, material choices play a pivotal role in sustainable textile manufacturing. Many players in the industry, particularly smaller ones, face challenges in dictating material requirements due to the influence of larger brands. The demands of these brands often don’t align with incorporating recycled materials, making it difficult to introduce secondary materials into the production process. Additionally, cost discrepancies between primary and secondary materials create barriers to implementing sustainable practices.

Challenges in Incorporating Organic and Certified Chemicals:

Growing awareness of sustainable practices has led to increased interest in organic and certified chemicals. However, the lack of uniformity in color and quality poses a challenge for brands focused on maintaining consistency in their products. While it is essential to educate stakeholders about the negative aspects of using natural colors, achieving a balance between sustainability and quality remains a task for the industry.

The Role of Renewable Energy:

The textile industry’s heavy reliance on grid electricity, with 73% coming from coal, poses a significant environmental challenge. Although solar photovoltaic technology has been adopted by larger industries, smaller players lag behind due to capital investment concerns. The absence of government subsidies for solar rooftop installations further deters widespread adoption. Analyzing the economic feasibility of investing in solar power is crucial to driving renewable energy uptake across the industry.


The textile industry has a long way to go in embracing sustainability. Addressing the dominance of traditional manufacturing processes, incorporating secondary materials, ensuring the quality of organic and certified chemicals, and shifting towards renewable energy sources are crucial steps in the right direction. Collaboration among various stakeholders, ranging from manufacturers to brands and consumers, is crucial to overcoming the challenges hindering sustainable practices. By doing so, the industry can pave the way for a more sustainable future, benefiting both the planet and its future generations.