Did you know that the fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions?

Producing just one cotton T-shirt requires 2700 liters of water, which is enough for one person to drink for 900 days. Imagine the increasing need for clothing considering the global population is expected to reach 8 billion by 2030, leading to a 63% increase in demand for fashion and apparel. To say that these statistics are alarming, would be an understatement, but they highlight the need for an even greater focus on sustainable fabrics and processes in fashion.

Examining Sustainable Manufacturing: Advantages of Sourcing from India

The global climate crisis has advanced the agenda for global leaders and fashion industry players to focus more on promoting sustainable fashion practices. India, with its rich history of textiles and fabrics, has been home to several sustainable fabric options that are regaining popularity among fashion-conscious consumers.

The world is now, slowly yet steadily including India in their global sourcing strategy. India has become a go to destination for not just sourcing sustainable raw materials but also manufacturing finished goods. The government is also focusing on increasing manufacturing in India and strengthening the supply chain in India.

Let us explore the various sustainable fabric options available in India

Organic Cotton

Cotton is one of the most widely used fabrics in the world, but conventional cotton farming is known to be resource-intensive and harmful to the environment. On the other hand, organic cotton is grown without pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, making it a more sustainable option. India is one of the world’s largest producers of organic cotton. The availability of organic cotton is the biggest advantage of sourcing from India.

Khadi

Khadi is a handspun and handwoven fabric that has been traditionally manufactured in India for centuries. Its spinning does not require machinery or energy, thus having a low carbon footprint.

Moreover, it uses 3 liters of water compared to 55 liters for mill-woven fabric. Khadi fabric in India is made from natural fibers like cotton, silk, or wool and has a unique texture that adds character to any garment besides being sustainable.

Linen

Linen is a natural fabric made from the fibers of the flax plant. It is known for its durability, breathability, and sustainability. The flax plant is naturally moth-resistant and does not require any pesticide or insecticide. Linen requires less water and energy to produce compared to other fabrics, making it an eco-friendly option.

Tencel

Tencel, also known as lyocell, is a sustainable fabric made from wood pulp that is produced in a closed-loop process, which means that almost all the solvents and water used in the production process are recycled. Its highly absorbent, moisture resistant, and anti-bacterial properties make it a sustainable fabric.

Hemp

Hemp is a fast-growing and low-maintenance crop that requires less water and pesticides than conventional cotton. Hemp fibers are strong and durable, making them an excellent option for sustainable fashion. In India, hemp is used to make various garments, including jackets, shirts, and trousers, making it easy to source it in India.

Jute

Jute is a natural fiber commonly used to make eco-friendly bags and packaging. However, it can also be used to make sustainable clothing. It is 100% biodegradable and recyclable. Moreover, it consumes 15 tonnes of carbon dioxide and releases 11 tonnes of oxygen. Which helps make the soil fertile.

There are several sustainable fabric options available in India that are eco-friendly, durable, and stylish

Sourcing Sustainable Fabrics from India

By virtue of its geographical and cultural expanse sourcing from India can range between “it’s a cake walk” to “moving a mountain”. When exploring sourcing from India its best to have a reliable partner who has deep rooted understanding of the Indian market. Moglix, has been working with 15000+ reliable and compliant Indian suppliers across multiple industries in the manufacturing and procurement landscape for almost a decade. Zoglix which is part of the Moglix group is dedicated towards developing an ecosystem of frictionless sourcing from India for procurement leaders in the USA. Know more.