The Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) has established the SU.RE website and the SU.RE Sustainable Supply Chain Directory, which is a big step forward for India’s sustainable fashion movement. The website is a complete platform for the Indian textile industry’s transition to sustainable practices, and the directory includes 600+ recognized vendors from major categories such as fabric manufacturers, recyclers, sustainable packaging experts, and certification agencies. These programs provide brands with useful information, encourage collaborations, and make responsible sourcing simple.
The SU.RE website functions as an educational hub, offering a wealth of information and tools designed to empower brands, manufacturers, and other stakeholders to adopt sustainable approaches. It provides valuable insights through news articles, case studies, and resources that highlight successful sustainability initiatives within the industry. By showcasing the efforts of industry leaders, the website aims to inspire and guide others towards more sustainable practices.
Complementing the website is the SU.RE Sustainable Supply Chain Directory, an open-source platform that connects brands with a network of verified sustainable vendors. This directory simplifies the process of sourcing eco-friendly materials, trims, manufacturing services, packaging solutions, and recycling options. It promotes seamless sourcing and facilitates the sharing of best practices among industry players. Furthermore, the platform encourages knowledge exchange and transparent communication through dedicated sustainability initiatives and events.
Developed in collaboration with the Centre for Environment Education (CEE) and the Global Alliance for Textile Sustainability (GATS), the SU.RE Sustainable Supply Chain Directory serves as a centralized resource for fostering knowledge sharing, innovation, and accessibility in sustainable sourcing. By streamlining connections between fashion brands and eco-conscious suppliers, it facilitates a smoother transition to greener production processes. This initiative is particularly timely, as the Indian sustainable fashion market is experiencing rapid growth, projected to expand significantly in the coming years.
Sustainability is no longer a matter of choice but a necessity, given the environmental and ethical challenges confronting the fashion industry. Issues such as excessive water and energy consumption during garment washing, the significant amount of textile waste that is not reused or remanufactured, and ethical concerns related to labor practices and transparency underscore the urgency of adopting sustainable solutions. The SU.RE initiative aims to address these challenges by promoting responsible sourcing, the use of eco-friendly materials, and ethical manufacturing practices, thereby contributing to the long-term sustainability of the Indian fashion industry.
