India’s fashion and textile industry is poised for significant growth, with plans to triple
its value to $350 billion by 2030. This ambitious initiative includes creating 2.1 million jobs and
developing seven industrial “mega-parks.” However, this expansion must align with stringent global
and domestic sustainability goals, as the fashion sector worldwide faces increasing pressure to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
India’s reliance on coal poses a challenge, but the rapid increase in renewable energy use,
particularly solar, offers a solution. Factories are being incentivized to adopt rooftop solar
installations and biomass boilers using agricultural waste. Transitioning to biomass is cost-effective
and reduces emissions, though it requires substantial investment and adequate infrastructure for a
sustainable biomass supply.