NI Bureau
Noida — 13th August 2024 —
The Apparel Made-Ups & Home Furnishing Sector Skill Council (AMHSSC), in collaboration with bluesign®, is excited to unveil the Foundation to Apparel Sustainability eLearning course. This concluding event, which began in Tiruppur, marks a significant leap forward in promoting sustainable and ethical practices within India’s textile and apparel sector. The ceremony was held at the Radisson Blu MBD Hotel.
India’s textile and apparel industry is a cornerstone of the national economy, accounting for approximately 2% to the GDP and 18% to the manufacturing output. The sector employs 45 million people directly and supports another 60 million in allied industries. As the world’s fifth-largest exporter, India’s role underscores the urgent need for sustainable development within this sector.
The event featured notable industry leaders, including Padma Shri Dr A. Sakthivel, Chairman of AMHSSC; Ms. Katharina Verena Mayer, Director of Customer Relations at bluesign® technologies; and Shri Lalit Thukral, Proprietor of Maharana of India ; Mr Animesh Saxena, executive committee member , AEPC ; and Shri Mithileshwar Thakur, Secretary General, AEPC. The ceremony began with the traditional lighting of the lamp, symbolizing a commitment to a sustainable future.
The Foundation to Apparel Sustainability Course, developed by bluesign® academy in collaboration with AMHSSC, will commence in September 2024. Delivered through an online module format over eight weeks, the course will feature one e-learning session each week. It aims to provide an in-depth exploration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) aspects in the textile industry, with a particular focus on the Indian market. This course supports India’s commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2070, as pledged by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, by equipping industry leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to implement sustainable practices.
The course is designed to offer practical knowledge that participants can directly apply within manufacturing units. Tailored for senior and middle management in the apparel industry, it empowers these leaders to drive responsible change and support India’s emergence as a global leader in sustainability. Topics covered include an introduction to sustainable fashion, a historical perspective of the fashion industry, sustainable fibers, eco-friendly textile processes, impact and footprint assessment, chemical management and hazard assessment, social and ethical aspects in apparel sustainability, and sustainability reporting.
This initiative sets new benchmarks for responsible business conduct in India’s textile and apparel sector, aligning with international standards and growing consumer demands for ethical and sustainable products. The course aims to transform local industry practices, promoting sustainability and enhancing competitiveness across the country’s vibrant textile sector.
Padma Shri Dr A. Sakthivel expressed his gratitude, stating, “Today, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the entire Noida Apparel Export Cluster and Shri Lalit Thukral, Proprietor of Maharana of India, for their unwavering support for this awareness program and the launch of the e-learning course on ‘Foundation of Apparel Sustainability.’ I also wish to express my sincere thanks to bluesign technologies for introducing this market-driven e-learning course and for their partnership offer to the Indian apparel sector.”
Shri Lalit Thukral added, “The Noida Apparel Export Cluster has greatly benefited from the visionary leadership of Dr A. Sakthivel. I applaud his remarkable contributions to the apparel and textile industry. I am also pleased to announce that Noida will soon be home to an Apparel Park, which will feature 125 factories. All of these factories will be built as green factories, setting a benchmark for other apparel manufacturers and clusters.”
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Mr. Animesh Saxena, Executive Committee Member of AEPC, highlighted the course’s importance, stating, “In the near future, ESG compliance will no longer be optional but mandatory for apparel manufacturers and exporters. Given that 90% of our industry comprises MSMEs, this course and partnership with bluesign technologies will provide significant benefits and help these businesses thrive.”
Ms. Katharina Verena Mayer, Director, Customer Relations, South Asia praised the initiative, saying, “I want to express my deepest appreciation to Dr. Sakthivel for his forward-looking vision for India’s apparel, made-ups, and home furnishing sectors. By partnering with Indian apparel exporters, bluesign aims to help elevate the Indian garment industry to global recognition and leadership in sustainability.”
The AMHSSC and bluesign® invite all stakeholders in the textile and apparel sector to participate in this transformative course. By joining hands, we can ensure a sustainable future for the industry, benefiting not just businesses but also the environment and society at large.
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Khushi Sikarwar
