Bangalore, one of the biggest apparel manufacturing hubs in India, witnessed a series of events last week with the focus on sustainability and allied issues. Top-notch professionals from various brands and organizations, along with Indian apparel export houses, participated in these events, shared their ideas and discussed various issues related to sustainable apparel industry. A collective approach; need to increase transparency; and a fresh look to existing sustainability practices were the key highlighted points at these events.
Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC), US also held its annual meeting in the city at which its members (brands as well as leading Indian exporters) took part. Punit Lalbhai, ED, Arvind Limited was also present in the meeting.
Additionally, SAC and MCL News & Media, UK co-hosted a day-long conference ‘Planet Textiles 2017’ in which sustainability heads of brands like Puma, Adidas, Nike as well as Indian apparel exporters like Pratibha Syntex, Orient Craft, Eastman Exporters, Sharadha Terry Products Ltd. among others participated. More than 300 delegates from over 20 countries participated in the event, which tapped on numerous sustainability issues like chemical management, wastewater, ZDHC, circular economy, etc. GR Das, Regional Head (South India), Polyester Sector, Reliance Industries Limited made an interesting presentation and participants asked various questions on recycling of polyester and allied issues.
Also Read – ‘Planet Textiles’ in May this year!
SAC-member delegation also toured Madura Clothing (Aditya Birla Group) and Arvind denim factory in Bangalore. Apparel Resources was also a part of this visit. Each member of the delegation was really impressed by the vision as well as the process adopted and initiatives taken by Madura’s team. The visit highlighted how Madura Clothing is moving ahead on sustainability as well as technical fronts.
Similarly, Fabric of Change Globalizer Summit also concluded in Bangalore. An announcement was made at the event that Fabric of Change, a global initiative to support innovators for a fair and sustainable apparel industry initiative by Ashoka, and C&A Foundation will launch a new € 250,000 Scaling Impact Fund as part of their joint venture to support social innovation in the apparel industry.
Jason kibbey, CEO, SAC and John Mowbray, Publishing Director, MCL News & Media played crucial role in these events.
For detailed coverage of all these events read the upcoming issues of Apparel Online India Magazine.
