India’s textile sector and global ESG norms

Small businesses in India's textile sector express concern over EU's CBAM rules and ESG norms impact.

Sustainable Practices in Indian Textile Sector

• Renewable Energy Dominance: Tamil Nadu's textile sector contributes over 50% of the state's renewable energy capacity.
• Sustainable Processes in Clusters: Tiruppur showcases nearly 300 units connected to zero liquid discharge effluent treatment plants.
• Recycled Fibers in Panipat: Panipat's open-end spinners exclusively use recycled fiber, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable practices.

Challenges and Opportunities Amid ESG Shift

• EU's environmental goals, especially CBAM, pose challenges and opportunities for India's textile sector.
• Concerns among MSMEs in India's textile sector regarding EU's regulations and the imperative to adopt sustainable practices.
• Recognition that embracing sustainability can lead to a paradigm shift, solidifying India's textile sector as a top global supplier.

ESG Compliance

- ESG demands from global buyers acknowledged as significant disruptors, prompting a strategic re-evaluation.

- Emphasis on exporters leveraging benefits through India's potential free-trade agreement with the EU by investing in sustainability.

- Necessity for documenting existing sustainable and inclusive social practices to comply with ESG standards, ensuring industry-wide benefits.

Industry Response and Future Considerations

• Annual Sustainability Reports: Major garment exporters releasing annual sustainability reports, showcasing commitment to transparency and accountability.
• Collaborative Green Footprints: Textile clusters like Tiruppur showcasing collective green footprints, preparing for global exhibitions with sustainability-focused exhibits.
• Financial and Institutional Support: Initiatives by the Ministry of Textiles, industrial associations, and financial institutions to support ESG compliance, certification, and sustainable projects.

Consequences of ESG norms on India's economy

Compliance Challenges: Small and medium enterprises may face difficulties adhering to stringent ESG standards, leading to increased compliance costs and operational challenges.

Global Market Access: ESG compliance could enhance India's access to global markets, especially those with a focus on sustainable practices, potentially boosting exports.

Investment in Sustainability: Industries may need to invest in sustainable practices and technologies to meet ESG requirements, fostering innovation and resource efficiency.

Financial Implications: The implementation of ESG norms may require financial institutions to fund green and sustainable projects, impacting the cost and availability of financing.

Competitiveness and Reputation: Companies aligning with ESG norms may enhance their competitiveness and reputation, attracting environmentally conscious investors and consumers.

Government Initiatives: The government may introduce supportive policies, task forces, and interventions to facilitate ESG compliance, aligning with global sustainability trends.

Shift in Consumer Behavior: ESG awareness may influence consumer preferences, prompting a demand for sustainable products and influencing industries' production strategies.

 Trade Negotiations: ESG norms might be linked to international trade negotiations, potentially acting as a barrier or facilitating trade partnerships based on shared sustainability goals.