Many people now call India a major textile hub of the world. Cotton is grown in Gujarat, and cloth is dyed in Tiruppur. This industry relates to the livelihood of many people in the country. Crores of people work here, and a lot of money also comes to the country through exports.
But there are some adverse sides. Many rivers have become dirty. Factory paints and chemicals are wasting water. Old machines are still running in many places and consume huge amounts of electricity.
So, this industry generates a lot of toxins in the environment. In 2026, the government is now emphasizing green textiles. Minister Giriraj Singh said that the government will take many initiatives to make the textile industry a reality.
The Real Scenario of the Textile Industry
The textile industry has been harming the environment. The chemicals used while dyeing clothes often go directly into the rivers. This makes the water dirty and pollutes the environment. Many factories still have old machines that don’t work properly and consume a lot of energy.
Earlier, there was not much strict monitoring of these issues. In many places, rules were not followed. But now the times are changing. Pressure is coming from outside, and people have also become a little more aware now. So, change is needed now for a better future.
Government’s Initiatives towards Green Textiles
The government is now trying to run the textile industry a little differently. Some important initiatives will be taken in 2026. It needs to follow the rules to change the entire system.
The government is emphasizing the following:
- Green Manufacturing: Working with less water and less electricity
- Green Certification: Proof must be shown that the work is not harming the environment. Green certification is something businesses can’t ignore.
- ESG Compliance: Following the rules of the environment and working properly
- CETP: Dirty water from the factory must be cleaned first
- ZLD: Water cannot be thrown out; it must be reused.
Initiative to Reduce Harmful Chemicals
The government has started a project called “Eliminating Hazardous Chemicals from Apparel Supply Chain”. It reduces bad chemicals while making clothes. A few places have been selected for this project. Changes are being made gradually there.
What is happening in this project:
- 8 textile clusters are involved
- 4 fashion companies are also involved
- The goal is to make clothes safely
- Use fewer chemicals
- Convince people so that they buy good products
It is not just the factories that need to change. People also need to understand. When both aspects change together, then the real change happens.
What is ESG and its Importance?
ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance. Earlier, these were not given much importance, but the situation has changed now.
Especially, the people who export clothes abroad must follow ESG. Big buyers in Europe, the UK, and the US now want proof of the production process of clothes.
The Importance of ESG:
- Foreign buyers now check it
- If they do not follow it, orders may decrease
- The company’s image improves
- The government has formed an ESG Task Force for this.
Some initiatives:
- Circular Samvaad: discussion with everyone
- Cluster Exchange Mechanism: learning from each other
These ESG rules are necessary to sustain the business.
Green Certification of Textiles
Green certification indicates that the fabric has been produced without harming the environment. It has become very important for both buyers and governments. It shows that production has been done properly.
Here, BREF/COINDS works like a guide. It tells how to work in a way that requires less water and chemicals.
Its advantages:
- The credibility of the company increases
- It is easier to enter foreign markets
- The environment is less damaged
Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) and Water Conservation
The biggest problem in the textile industry is water pollution. The dirty water that comes out after dyeing clothes contains chemicals. If it goes directly into the river and causes great harm.
CETP
CETP stands for Common Effluent Treatment Plant. This is a shared plant, where the wastewater of many factories is cleaned together. The government is helping to build this plant through the IPDS scheme.
Its Importance
- Water is cleaned
- Small factories also get benefits
- The environment is saved
Now, it is no longer a matter of desire. CETP has now become almost mandatory to control water waste.
Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD)
ZLD stands for Zero Liquid Discharge. Here, not a single drop of water will be discharged outside. All the wastewater from the factory is cleaned and reused. So, the same water is used again.
Advantages of ZLD:
- No pollution outside
- Less fresh water is required
- Increases the trust of foreign buyers
In India, many factories are using ZLD. It’s also called the “gold standard.” It’s one of the best ways to save the environment.
PM MITRA Parks and Sustainable Infrastructure
PM MITRA Parks are large textile parks where all kinds of facilities are provided together. Here, factories, water, electricity: everything is planned and built. This makes starting a business a little easier.
The key advantages are:
- CETP- Wastewater treatment system
- Waste management- Proper waste management
- Resource efficiency- More work with less resources
Advantages for new businesses:
- You don’t have to make all the arrangements separately
- Costs are reduced
- Easily complying with rules
This infrastructure helps to build the textile industry green. New innovations and circular economy are built.
Now new ideas are coming in the textile industry. A lot of research is going on through the National Textile Technology Mission. Waste products are being used in new ways.
Which are being used:
- Textile waste
- Biomass
- Bio-residues
Now carbon fiber and new types of cloth are being made with these. This is called a circular economy.
The benefits are:
- The environment is less damaged
- New income opportunities are created
- New products can be made at low cost
Assistance for MSMEs: MSE-GIFT and MSE-SPICE
Small textile units (MSMEs) face the most problems. They do not have much money to bring new machines or green systems.
Government schemes
The government has launched some schemes for this:
- MSE-GIFT
- MSE-SPICE
Benefits of these schemes
- Subsidies are available for some expenses
- Reduces interest pressure on loans
- It becomes easier to bring new technology
Previously, many machines have been helped under the ATUFS scheme. Now, the schemes help small businesses to go green. The entire cost should not be burdened at once.
Challenges
The key challenges are:
- MSMEs are still lagging behind
- The cost of introducing green technology is high
- Not everyone wants to buy eco-friendly clothes
- Many places do not have proper infrastructure
- There is a lack of job training and learning
So, the change is not happening everywhere equally. It is progressing slowly.
The Future of Green Textiles in India
India has set a big target for the textile sector by 2030. It focuses on growing the business along with saving the environment. The real challenge now is to combine these two.
The important things for the coming days:
- More units need to go green
- Good financing is needed so that costs can be managed
- Regulations need to be followed properly
India has a big opportunity. If it can be done properly, then it is possible to become a world leader.
How can Corpbiz help companies comply with?
The textile business has become very regulated. Sometimes it is difficult to understand how to start. Here, Corpbiz guides companies.
Our services:
- Helps through robust ESG strategies
- Helps in getting environmental approvals
- Helps in getting pollution control board NOC
- Supports in getting BIS and other certifications
- Guides for getting a green certification
- Helps in applying for government schemes
Corpbiz makes things easier, especially for small businesses. We reduce legal hassles and make the whole process a little faster. This allows companies to easily operate in foreign markets.
To Wrap Up
The Indian textile industry has started changing. The situation is no longer the same as before. Green practices are now being used in many places.
However, small businesses need more support. If everyone can move forward together, then India can easily become a big name in sustainable textiles.
Corpbiz can be the right partner in this whole process. We help companies take the right path. So, contact us today and grow your textile business towards a better future.
Answers to Common Questions About the Textile Industry
What does “green textile industry” mean?
“Green textile industry” refers to a system where environmental damage is reduced while making clothes. Less water usage, fewer chemicals, and proper waste management fall into it. So, clothes will be made without destroying nature. Now, many companies want to go in this direction for a better future.
Why is sustainability important in textiles?
Sustainability is very important in the textile industry, as it uses a lot of water and chemicals. If it is not managed properly, then rivers and soil are all destroyed. Also, buyers are becoming more aware of it. They want good, safe products. So, it becomes important to follow the rules to sustain the textile business.
What is Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD)?
ZLD means not releasing even a single drop of dirty water from the factory. The used water is cleaned and reused. It does not cause any pollution outside. It costs a little more but is good in the long run. Now, many big companies are using ZLD because it also saves the environment and improves the business.
Are green certifications mandatory in India?
Green certification is not mandatory in all cases. But in exports, it has become very necessary. Foreign buyers now want to see it. So many companies are taking this certificate on their own. It may become more mandatory in the future. So, it is better to prepare in advance.
What is ESG compliance with textiles?
ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance. In the textile industry, ESG compliance means protecting the environment, keeping employees well, and running the company properly. Now, foreign buyers give great importance to these issues. So, if ESG is not followed, orders may decrease.
How do CETPs help reduce pollution?
CETP stands for Common Effluent Treatment Plant. Here, the dirty water of many factories is collected and cleaned. This prevents chemicals from going into the river. This is very useful for small factories because they cannot build separate plants. So, CETP reduces water pollution to a great extent.
What schemes support small textile businesses?
The government has launched some schemes for small textile businesses, such as MSE-GIFT and MSE-SPICE. These schemes provide subsidies and interest in concessions on loans. This brings in new machines or green technology. Earlier, a lot of help was also given under the ATUFS scheme. These schemes help small businesses survive.
Is sustainable textile production expensive?
New machines and new systems cost initially but are profitable in the long run. It uses less water, less electricity, and less waste. Besides, it gets good prices in foreign markets. So, once the setup is done, the costs gradually come back.
How does green compliance help exports?
Now, many foreign buyers not only look at the product and processing system. If the company follows green norms, its trust increases. Sometimes, better prices are also available. So, if there is green compliance, it is easier to compete in the international market.
Can small textile units also go green?
Yes, small units can also go green, but it takes some time. You have to take help from government schemes. Shared facilities like CETP can be used. Even if you make small changes, a lot of improvements can be achieved. It becomes easier later once you start. So, it is possible for small units with the right guidance.
