The textile industry has historically been of paramount importance to the economy of our country. It accounts to approximately 32% of our total exports. Unlike other industrial disciplines like Civil, Mechanical, Electronics etc., the processes involved in the manufacturing of textile have a significant adverse effect on the environment, and hence need to be considered explicitly.

In recent years, different approaches like clean technology, eco-mark and green chemistry have been considered to tackle man made environmental hazards. One such prominent application of green technology is the manufacturing and usage of organic cotton and its green products.

Adoption of organic cotton as a tool for going green does not require a complete overhaul of existing technologies or practices. In fact, successful cultivation and manufacturing of organic cotton and garments only require willingness to follow certain cultivation and processing guidelines. Organic cotton uses natural dyes for its printing and dyeing to retain itself as a green product. The cultivations are devoid of any fertilizers and pesticides and require a 5 years period to be ready for harvesting.

Out of the various activities in the textile industry, chemical processing contributes to about 70% of the pollution. Cotton mills consume large volumes of water for the chemical processing, dyeing, printing and finishing. The effluent generated in different steps is often highly polluted and well beyond the acceptable standards. The industry also contributes adversely to Climate Change by way of carbon emissions.

Over the years, various associations and industry bodies have been instrumental in fostering awareness and promoting made-ups of organic cotton. Even the Govt. of India has taken huge initiatives by introducing the schemes like the TUF scheme, 20% C.L.S etc to small and large units for implementing modernized textile machinery. However, the results are yet to be seen as the industry faces a challenge of disintegrated nature, high manufacturing costs, and low marketability.

In light of such challenging scenario this holistic summit will address the business opportunities, environmental operations and the economical aspects of Indian textiles Going Green, which forms the Day 3 at the “Green Industrial Evolution India ‘2010”.

Key Take-away

The summit gives an opportunity to organic cotton cultivators, producers, stake holders and retailers to understand the potential of high business markets along with various options of barter systems/government schemes to make green profits.

Wet processors, waste management and water consumption control industry professionals, dyes and chemical manufacturers/formulators/sellers and end users will be enriched with the various essential regulations and advancements made in eco-friendly products for green processing of textiles. It would also serve as an opportunity for Indian industry professionals to form barter tie-ups with the international formulators of eco-friendly products.