Industry experts gathered in the national capital last month to debate the issue of sustainability during a conference organized by the Pearl Academy of Fashion and North India Section of Textile Institute with the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) as the main sponsor. The article is based on excerpts from the presentations during this conference.

Ecological concerns of the apparel industry

Expansion and production of textiles and consumption has lead to increase in pollution, water shortages, depletion of fossil fuels & raw material, high energy consumption and harmful emissions. The geographical divide between the apparel producing countries and apparel importing countries lead to high consumption of fuel for transportation. Most importantly, cheap clothes & fast fashion has led to throw away mentality, higher consumption levels and ecological impact. It has been estimated that clothing is responsible for approximately one ton of each individual's CO2 emissions (including washing and drying).

These trends have generated growing consume awareness of the ecological impact of present production systems and increasing expectations about transparency. With imminent threat of global warming, there is a widespread "feel good" among consumers about eco friendly clothing and demand for energy efficient products.

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Source: AEPC Weekly