Green Textile Manufacturing in India: Reducing Carbon Footprint 2026

In a bid to strengthen environmentally sustainable production and boost global competitiveness, the Government of India has undertaken multiple initiatives in the textiles sector, according to a written reply by Minister for Textiles, Shri Giriraj Singh, in the Lok Sabha today.

The government has emphasized green technology adoption, recycling, and waste reduction, highlighting their potential to enhance market access, improve environmental and economic resilience, and strengthen investor confidence.

Key Initiatives

1. ESG Task Force:

• Constituted to deliberate on sustainable production, certification, and exports.
• Facilitates industry-focused programmes for knowledge exchange and best practices, including platforms like Circular Samvaad and Cluster Exchange Mechanism.

2. Technology & Efficiency Upgrades:

• Under the Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (ATUFS), 1,117 energy-saving machines were supported to improve water and energy efficiency in textile manufacturing (valid till 31 March 2022).
• Through the Integrated Processing Development Scheme (IPDS), 6 Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) with Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) technology were approved.

3. Pilot Projects on Sustainable Practices:

• Nationwide projects focus on eliminating hazardous chemicals, producing eco-friendly textiles, textile waste management, life cycle analysis, and carbon footprint reduction.
• The pilot “Eliminating Hazardous Chemicals from Textile Fashion Supply Chain in India” spans 400 factories in eight clusters and four fashion houses, aiming to mitigate 1,47,000 tCO₂eq and reduce harmful chemical usage by 10,530 tonnes.

4. Research & Development under NTTM:

• The National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) has sanctioned R&D projects emphasizing environmentally sustainable technologies and materials.

5. Budget 2026–27 Initiatives:

• The Finance Minister announced an Integrated Programme for Textiles, including the Tex-Eco Initiative, promoting globally competitive and sustainable textiles and apparel production.

These steps underscore India’s commitment to sustainable textile manufacturing, global competitiveness, and environmentally responsible industrial practices.