Across India, shoppers are becoming more intentional in their purchasing decisions. Rather than constantly refreshing their wardrobes, many are prioritising products that offer quality, durability, versatility and long-term value. Recent consumer research indicates that fashion spending is increasingly being directed towards better-quality upgrades rather than simply buying more. Consumers are seeking products that last longer, perform better and remain relevant beyond a single season. 

This shift is reshaping the sustainability conversation.

For a long time, sustainability was primarily associated with eco-friendly materials and reducing environmental impact. While these remain important, sustainability today is also about longevity, mindful consumption and creating products that deliver value over time. Increasingly, responsible fashion and smart consumption are becoming part of the same conversation.

In many ways, India is uniquely positioned for this transition.

Long before circularity became a global industry buzzword, Indian households practised many of its principles. Reusing garments, repairing products, repurposing fabrics and passing clothing across generations have long been embedded in the country’s consumption culture. From the enduring relevance of handloom traditions and Khadi to a deeply rooted mindset of mindful consumption, India already possesses many of the foundations required for a more sustainable fashion future.

At the same time, consumers are becoming more discerning about the products they buy. They are asking new questions: How was this product made? Where were the materials sourced from? Will it last? Does it justify the price being paid? Quality and style remain important, but increasingly, so do authenticity, transparency and accountability.

This growing focus on value and longevity is also contributing to the rise of circular fashion.

Resale, rental, thrift and second-life fashion models are steadily moving into the mainstream, particularly among younger consumers. Rather than viewing fashion as something that is purchased, worn and discarded, consumers are increasingly embracing models that maximise the lifespan and utility of garments. What was once considered an alternative shopping behaviour is gradually becoming part of the broader fashion ecosystem.

Circularity is not simply about recycling. It is about designing products and systems that keep clothing in use for longer. Research suggests that doubling the average lifespan of garments could reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly, demonstrating the important role that durability, repairability and reuse can play in reducing the industry’s environmental footprint.

The need for change is clear. The fashion and textile industry remains one of the world’s most resource-intensive sectors, contributing between 2% and 8% of global carbon emissions while consuming vast amounts of water annually. As demand for fashion continues to grow, the challenge is no longer whether the industry should become more sustainable, but how quickly it can accelerate that transition.

For brands, this means sustainability can no longer exist as a standalone initiative or marketing message. It must be embedded across the value chain, from sourcing and manufacturing to product design, packaging and supply-chain management.

Transparency will play an increasingly important role in this evolution. Consumers want greater visibility into the journey of a product, from the materials used to the standards followed during production. Responsible sourcing, traceability and measurable action are becoming critical components of brand credibility.

Equally important is accessibility. Sustainable fashion cannot remain limited to premium segments if it is to create meaningful industry-wide impact. Consumers should not have to choose between responsibility, affordability and style. The real opportunity lies in making better choices more accessible to more people.

As the industry continues to expand, this responsibility will only grow. Global fibre production reached approximately 132 million tonnes in 2024 and is expected to continue rising in the years ahead. The goal, therefore, is not to slow growth, but to ensure that growth becomes more resource-efficient, responsible and future-ready.

Ultimately, sustainability is not about restricting consumption or compromising on growth. It is about building a stronger, more resilient fashion ecosystem – one that balances commercial success with long-term value for consumers, communities and the planet.

The brands that will lead the future are those that recognise that responsibility and profitability are no longer competing priorities. They are increasingly interconnected. By combining innovation, transparency, quality and accessibility, the fashion industry has an opportunity to redefine value for a new generation of consumers.

Fashion with responsibility is not simply an emerging trend. It represents the next chapter of growth for the industry—one that is better aligned with consumer expectations, environmental realities and the future of fashion itself.

This additional capacity will complement the Phase I Lyocell plant of 55K TPA currently under construction at Harihar, which is expected to be commissioned by mid-2027. Upon completion, Grasim’s total Lyocell capacity, will reach nearly 210K TPA, making it one of the largest Lyocell producers globally.

Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman, Aditya Birla Group, said, “The Aditya Birla Group has always demonstrated the willingness to invest ahead of the curve in sectors that will define India’s future competitiveness and economic resilience. This investment carries forward that legacy. It is a vote of confidence in the scale and promise of the Indian market, aligns closely with the aspirations of Make in India, and will help position India as a more competitive and resilient force in the global textile industry.” He added, “This investment also marks another significant step in Grasim’s strategic expansion of advanced fibre capabilities, catering to the growing global demand for sustainable and high-performance textile materials. This fresh expansion will catapult Grasim’s overall Cellulosic Fibres capacity beyond 1 million tonnes per annum, reinforcing its position as a global leader in sustainable Man-Made Cellulosic Fibres (MMCF).”

Vadiraj Kulkarni, Business Head, Grasim Pulp & Fibre added, “This expansion strengthens our position in the evolving MMCF landscape by scaling a high-value, future-ready fibre segment. By expanding Lyocell capacity, we are accelerating the shift towards high performance fibres with a lower environmental impact. Lyocell enhances our product mix, supports premium applications, and aligns with our focus on delivering differentiated, sustainable solutions to global markets.”

Lyocell is a versatile, next-generation fibre widely used across apparel, home textiles, and technical textile applications. Manufactured through a highly efficient closed-loop process, Lyocell offers a compelling combination of durability, breathability, comfort, and lower environmental impact. The expansion would strengthen the Company’s Specialty product portfolio and solidify its position as a key player in the global sustainable fibre industry. Grasim’s Specialty portfolio share (including Lyocell, Modal, Dope-dyed and Recycled fibres) would increase to 35% by 2030.

The vision behind the program is to build circularity into the Indian wear category, with BIBA using its store network to gather gently-used clothing at scale. Running from 20th May to 31st May, the program invites customers to donate pre-loved garments at select BIBA stores, in 150 cities in India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Indore and Guwahati. In return, customers will be rewarded a voucher of Rs. 500 per garment donated, redeemable on purchases of Rs. 2,500 and above.

The fabric will be repurposed into blankets and other everyday essentials for rural and disaster-affected communities and underserved urban families across India, through their NGO-partners, Goonj and Mahavir International. Together, the collaboration converts everyday wardrobe surplus into tangible support for thousands of lives, year after year.

Building on the encouraging response to its debut edition last year which led to a 25% increase in store footfall, Season 2 returns wider in reach and stronger in intent, with a larger store footprint and deeper involvement from both partners across the country. 

Speaking on the initiative, Siddharth Bindra, Managing Director, BIBA, said, “At BIBA, we believe that fashion must continue to evolve with purpose. The Garment Exchange Program is or effort to encourage customers to give their pre-loved garments a meaningful second life. With Goonj and Mahavir as our partners, we are confident that every garment will be put to good use, while giving our customers an opportunity to contribute to a larger cause. This initiative reflects our commitment to responsible fashion and to creating impact beyond the point of purchase.”

Through this season, BIBA hopes to deepen its commitment to circular fashion and welcome more customers into a movement that puts purpose alongside style.

The report notes that India generates around 7.25 million tonnes of textile waste annually, but a significant share remains underutilised due to fragmented collection systems, lack of standardised sorting and limited recycling capacity.

It estimates that nearly $9.4 billion (₹78,500 crore) of value is currently unrealised, largely due to inefficiencies across collection, sorting and recycling. Importantly, about 85% of this value lies in reuse pathways, which remain underdeveloped.

The report highlights that post-consumer textile waste systems are highly fragmented, with nearly 45% of waste not entering recovery pathways and instead being diverted to landfill or incineration.

A key bottleneck identified is sorting, described as the “value gate” of the textile waste ecosystem. However, over 95% of sorting in India is manual, with limited technology adoption and absence of a standardised grading framework.

The report also notes policy and infrastructure gaps, including the absence of a dedicated Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework for textiles, weak source segregation and inadequate traceability mechanisms.

On recycling, India’s ecosystem is dominated by mechanical processes, with limited chemical recycling capacity, constraining the ability to handle blended fabrics and scale circularity.

To unlock the opportunity, the FICCI–RECEIC report recommends:

• A national EPR framework for textiles
• Investment in collection and sorting infrastructure
• Standardised grading and traceability systems
• Integration of informal sector workers
• Expansion of recycling capacity

While circular materials can significantly enhance supply chain resilience and reduce dependence on virgin resources, achieving this will require coordinated action across policy, industry, and infrastructure, the report noted.

3 CORE PILLARS

• Improving internal operations
• Working closely with the value chain, and
• Strengthening governance and planning.

On the operations front, LS&Co. aims to cut scope 1 and 2 emissions through energy-efficient technologies, renewable energy adoption, and a Global Energy Management System.

For scope 3 emissions, the company is collaborating with suppliers worldwide through SBTi-aligned targets, investments in sustainable materials, supplier financing, renewable energy, circularity initiatives, and sustainable cotton farming practices.

KEY GOALS 

• A 90% reduction in scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2025 (from a 2016 base year)
• A 42% reduction in scope 3 emissions related to purchased goods by 2030 (from a 2022 base year)
• 100% renewable electricity across company-operated facilities by 2025
• 50% reduction in freshwater use in high-stress manufacturing regions.

Aligned with global frameworks such as TCFD and CDP, the plan emphasizes transparency, regular updates, and collaboration with NGOs, investors, and industry partners to build long-term climate resilience.

The brand recently showcased its growing momentum at the 19th edition of Fibers & Yarns Expo 2026 in Mumbai, where its expanding market presence and strategic partnerships received strong appreciation from the textile industry.

Commenting on the progress, Ajit Rajagopalan, CEO – Viscose Filament Yarn business, said, ““Raysileco reflects our strategic focus on advancing traceability across the textile value chain. As global expectations shift towards greater transparency, our growing associations with global brands in the value chain across Europe and the USA validate our direction and reinforce our position as a trusted partner for responsible yarn solutions.”

He further added, “These engagements are enabling access to premium markets and accelerating our integration into preferred supplier networks. As a result, we are seeing more consistent demand and building towards sustainability and traceability in the value chain, which is where we see the future of industry.”

Amid rising regulatory scrutiny, Raysileco is backed by key certifications including Canopy Green Shirt, EU BREF, ZDHC, Higg Index and LCA, ensuring compliance with evolving global standards. The platform has built strong integrations across the value chain, working closely with garment exporters, fabric manufacturers and processors to create a demand-led ecosystem aligned with global brand requirements.

Shailendra Pandey, Joint President – Marketing, VFY business, added, “With a combination of physical (molecular tracer) and digital traceability, Raysileco offers clear differentiation over conventional VFY and competing offerings, creating a strong edge in the marketplace and enabling a future-ready business model.”

Grasim’s Raysil continues to remain the only global player offering three distinct technologies in Viscose Filament Yarn—Pot Spun Yarn (PSY), Continuous Spun Yarn (CSY), and Spool Spun Yarn (SSY). With the introduction of Raysileco, the company’s cellulosic fashion yarn portfolio is setting new benchmarks in transparency and responsible manufacturing for the global fashion industry.

Marking its debut at SaigonTex, Archroma sees the event as an important opportunity to strengthen its engagement with Vietnam’s rapidly growing textile sector and connect with industry partners across the region. At SaigonTex 2026, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the latest technologies for textile dyes and chemicals designed to support more sustainable, high-performance textile production.

“Vietnam is a key growth market in Southeast Asia, and we are committed to supporting our customers transform the textile industry, to be more efficient, responsible and future  ready,” said Amy Chen, Vice President, Southeast Asia, Archroma. “With increasing demand for high-performance and sustainable solutions, we are excited to bring our  innovations to SaigonTex, enabling brands and mills to deliver garments that combine  outstanding functionality, durability, and sustainability.”

Archroma invites industry professionals, brand owners, and manufacturers to visit Hall A, Booth L1K03 to discover its cutting-edge textile solutions firsthand and learn how the company is shaping a more sustainable future for the industry. 

Headquartered in Pratteln, Switzerland, Archroma operates with over 4,000 employees located in 42 countries and with over 30 production sites. The company is passionate about delivering leading and innovative solutions, enhancing people’s lives and respecting the planet. It is committed to the principles of ‘The Archroma Way to a Sustainable  World’, an approach reflected in its innovations, world-class quality standards, high service levels and cost-efficiency.

This score places Aditya Birla Fashion in the 99th percentile of the global retail industry, outperforming many international peers across Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) metrics.

The S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) is an annual evaluation of companies’ sustainability practices. It covers over 7,000 companies globally and serves as the basis for inclusion in the prestigious Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI). The 2025 CSA cycle featured more rigorous standards, focusing on evidence-based evaluation, enhanced transparency, detailed disclosures, and robust validation across Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria.

Despite these challenges, Aditya Birla Fashion has retained and improved its performance across most ESG criteria and themes. The businesses’ success is anchored in its flagship sustainability program, ‘ReEarth’. Launched over a decade ago, the program has evolved from operational efficiency (Sustainability 1.0) to a product-led approach (Sustainability 2.0). Aditya Birla Fashion is now accelerating toward Sustainability 3.0, which focuses on deep ESG integration and net-zero readiness.

Ashish Dikshit, Managing Director of Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited and Aditya Birla Lifestyle Brands Limited said, “Sustainability is a core pillar of our business strategy. This recognition by S&P Global validates our continuous efforts to create long-term value for our stakeholders while remaining committed to responsible growth. By enabling circular business models, deep-tier collaboration across the supply chain, and carbon-neutral operations, our businesses aim to lead the transition towards a sustainable fashion ecosystem, setting new benchmarks for the industry.”

Dr. Naresh Tyagi, Chief Sustainability Officer, Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited and Aditya Birla Lifestyle Brands Limited said, “Retaining #1 spot in India and ranking 3rd globally is a proud moment for us and for Indian retailers on the global stage. This recognition is a testament to our structured Sustainability roadmap and the cross-functional collaboration that drives it. We remain committed to further enhancing our sustainability performance and raising industry benchmarks. Our focus is on pioneering innovations that will enable us to be a responsible fashion leader in a changing world.” 

Aditya Birla Fashion’s Sustainability Journey

• Year 2012-13 – Launch of ReEarth, an initiative focused on ecosystem regeneration and community development
• Year 2018 – Achieved its first S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment score of 22
• Year 2019 – Made significant stride reaching 63 in 2019 with an 8th place global ranking in textiles and apparel
• Year 2020 – Earned the title of Asia’s Most Sustainable Company with a score of 70
• Year 2024 – Scored 83 and ranked 4th globally
  

About Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited

Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited (ABFRL), part of the Aditya Birla Group, is India’s leading fashion powerhouse, offering a distinguished portfolio of renowned brands and retail formats, catering to multiple high-growth segments. As of March 31, 2025, the Company has presence across 1,168 stores spanning 7.1 Mn sqft. retail space. 

ABFRL’s portfolio includes Pantaloons, one of India’s most loved fashion destinations, and OWND!, a growing value retail format. The Company also operates The Collective, who commands a dominant position as one of the country’s most influential multi-brand luxury retailers, with exclusive long-term tie-ups with global fashion brands including Ralph Lauren, Hackett London, Ted Baker and Fred Perry. ABFRL has also partnered with Paris based Galeries Lafayette to introduce a high-end luxury destination in India. 

ABFRL is a market leader in branded ethnic wear, its portfolio includes Jaypore, Tasva and TCNS brands and it has forged strategic partnerships with India’s top designers such as Shantnu & Nikhil, Tarun Tahiliani, Sabyasachi, and House of Masaba. Recently, the Company further expanded its ethnic wear leadership with the integration of TCNS brands, home to leading women’s brands W, Aurelia, Wishful, Elleven and Folksong. 

To address the evolving preferences of digitally native consumers, ABFRL is also building a portfolio of new-age, digital-first fashion brands under its tech-led venture TMRW. This platform collaborates with emerging entrepreneurs to co-create scalable fashion businesses in India’s rapidly expanding fashion ecosystem.

About Aditya Birla Lifestyle Brands Limited:

Aditya Birla Lifestyle Brands Limited (ABLBL), a part of the Aditya Birla Group, is a leading branded apparel company with a comprehensive portfolio of marquee lifestyle brands. As of March 31, 2025, the Company operates a retail footprint of over 4.6 million sq. ft., comprising 3,253 exclusive brand outlets, presence across 38,000+ multi-brand outlets, and over 7,000 shop-in-shops in department stores across the country. 

The Company’s brand portfolio includes India’s most established and trusted names—Louis Philippe, Van Heusen, Allen Solly, and Peter England—each with a legacy of over 25 years. These brands have consistently delivered sustained growth, driven by a sharp focus on design-led innovation, category expansion, and operational excellence across product lines spanning formal, casual, and occasion wear. 

ABLBL has built a strong presence in the innerwear and athleisure market through Van Heusen Innerwear, which has rapidly scaled its distribution network across India.

The Company’s portfolio is further enhanced through strategic partnerships with leading international brands including Simon Carter, American Eagle and Reebok. American Eagle has emerged as one of India’s most preferred premium denim brands, while Reebok—transitioned under the Company’s management in 2022—has expanded its footprint across multiple channels. Simon Carter continues to strengthen its position in the premium menswear segment through its distinctive design language and curated collections.

Commenting on the brand’s presence at the show, Dhirendra Gautam, Vice President – Commercial, Archroma, said, “With Egypt emerging as a strategic denim sourcing market, there is a clear opportunity to accelerate more sustainable production. Archroma’s innovations are designed to support this growth with scalable, low-impact solutions.”

At the exhibition, Archroma is showcasing several of its award-winning and patented technologies for denim manufacturing. These include:

• DENIM HALO – Archroma’s revolutionary award-winning denim pretreatment and  dyeing process that gives brands and mills a simple way to produce highly sought after distressed denim looks. It draws on a unique new chemistry, DIRSOL® RD,  and a broad portfolio of textile dyes based on decades of advanced research to  produce laser-friendly denim with outstanding contrast on intense black and indigo  shades. 
• DIRESUL® EVOLUTION BLACK – Archroma’s cleanest sulfur black dyestuff.  Manufactured using fewer resources, it has an overall impact reduction of 57%  during dye synthesis compared to standard Sulfur Black 1 liquid.
• DENISOL® PURE INDIGO 30 LIQ – An aniline-free pre-reduced indigo that  creates authentic denim colors with the same performance and efficiency as conventional indigo dye, but in a way that can reduce the risk of pollution. Furthermore, it is produced in an aniline-free process to help enable cleaner denim production. 
• EarthColors® – A patented Archroma technology that creates high-performance  biowaste-based dyes from non-edible food and agricultural waste, leaving the edible part available for consumption. EarthColors® dyes help reduce the industry’s overall impact on the water footprint. Since they upcycle waste from other industries, they also help contribute to a circular economy.

Archroma is a global, diversified provider of specialty chemicals serving the branded and  performance textiles, packaging and paper, and construction markets. 

Headquartered in Pratteln, Switzerland, Archroma operates with over 4,000 employees  located in 42 countries and with over 30 production sites. Archroma is passionate about  delivering leading and innovative solutions, enhancing people’s lives and respecting the  planet.

The company is committed to the principles of “The Archroma Way to a Sustainable  World”; an approach reflected in its innovations, world-class quality standards, high service  levels and cost-efficiency.

PETA India’s Vegan Fashion Awards spotlight fashion labels that are reimagining style without animal-derived materials. Allen Solly’s win places it firmly within a global movement of brands embracing next-generation textiles, responsible sourcing, and design philosophies aligned with the values of today’s conscious consumer.

Talking about the win, Richa Chaube Pai, Chief Business Officer, Allen Solly, said, “Receiving this recognition from PETA India reaffirms Allen Solly’s approach of creating fashion that aligns with evolving consumer values. Our focus has always been to bring meaningful innovation to design and product development. The vegan handbags’ collection is a step forward in offering our customers high-quality, stylish products made responsibly.”

Ashima Kukreja, Director of Corporate Affairs, PETA India, said, “Allen Solly’s vegan handbags prove that compassion and cutting-edge fashion coexist beautifully. By offering elegant, cruelty-free designs, the brand is setting new standards for the fashion industry and showing that being stylish never requires harming animals.”

Jayanth Gurumurthy, Creative Director, Allen Solly, added, “For us, this award is a celebration of thoughtful design. Working with cactus and apple leather challenged us to explore new textures, structures and finishes, and the result is a collection that feels global yet rooted in responsible creativity. We wanted handbags that are relevant for every moment of modern life—pieces that don’t just look good, but feel good to own.”

This year’s jury highlighted Allen Solly’s use of cactus leather and apple leather, applauding the brand for translating these breakthrough materials into handbags that feel premium, look modern, and offer long-lasting durability. The collection stood out for its clean silhouettes, refined hardware, and versatility—a line designed to accompany customers from work to travel to evenings out, without compromising on ethics or aesthetics.

Beyond material innovation, the award celebrates the brand’s broader design philosophy: luxury that is expressive, functional, and consciously crafted. Allen Solly’s vegan handbags have resonated particularly with younger audiences who seek accessories that align with both their style and their values.

With this win, Allen Solly reinforces its position as a pioneer in India’s evolving fashion landscape, proving that the future of luxury is not only stylish—but sustainable, ambitious, and deeply conscious.