India’s fashion and textile sector, long hailed as the cultural and economic fabric of the nation, is facing a growing imperative to embed sustainability into its DNA. With global regulations tightening, investor expectations evolving, and consumer awareness rising, the conversation around ESG is no longer optional—it’s operational.
In this context, the recently launched Fashion Impact Toolkit (FIT), developed by the Global Fashion Agenda (GFA) in collaboration with Deloitte, adds to a growing set of instruments designed to help fashion value chains measure, manage, and mitigate their environmental and social impact.
But does India need another toolkit—or does it need better coordination of the tools already available?
A Toolkit Among Many
Over the past few years, Indian fashion businesses—especially export-focused brands—have navigated a maze of sustainability standards and reporting frameworks. From Higg Index modules and ZDHC guidelines to India’s own Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) norms, companies today must straddle both domestic mandates and global buyer expectations.
Against this backdrop, the Fashion Impact Toolkit positions itself not as a replacement but as a complementary resource. It is open-source, sector-specific, and filterable—allowing users to map sustainability impact across the textile value chain and geography.
“Any tool that gives the full picture and is easy to use will level the playing field in terms of what decisions the industry takes with respect to making a positive impact on the environment,” says Shammy Jacob, former Director – Sustainable Ventures, Nike Inc. “The FIT relevant for India is critical to move the needle in the right direction.”
Yet, what sets this toolkit apart isn’t just usability—it’s accessibility. In a sector where large companies often have ESG consultants, but MSMEs struggle with bandwidth, a simple and guided tool may help democratize sustainability action.
Why It May Work in India’s Context
India’s textile ecosystem is vast, informal, and fragmented. The circular transition—moving from linear production to sustainable loops of reuse, repair, and recycling—demands tools that are not only technically sound but contextually grounded.
“Navigating ESG may feel like a maze, but pursuing sustainability and conscious goals is no longer optional—it’s a business imperative,” says Kanika Vohra, Co-Founder, ICH Creative Consulting. “The Fashion Impact Toolkit from GFA offers a practical, accessible resource that can help semi-organized fashion industry like ours take measurable steps toward responsible, transparent operations.”
The toolkit’s ability to break down impact across six stages—material sourcing, manufacturing, distribution and use, end-of-life, recycling, and recovery—offers Indian businesses, especially those in cotton and denim-dominated supply chains, clarity on where and how to intervene.
That said, its adoption will depend on more than just availability. Companies need internal alignment, tech capability, and the regulatory push to use such frameworks meaningfully.
Not a Silver Bullet—But a Useful Compass
Industry veterans urge caution against viewing any tool as a plug-and-play solution.
“India has long held the potential to lead the world in responsible fashion, but potential alone is no longer enough,” says Dr. Naresh Tyagi, Chief Sustainability Officer, Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail and Chairman, IFF Innovators Club. “The Fashion Impact Toolkit connects the dots between insight, intervention, and impact—giving Indian businesses a practical edge in an era of rising global expectations. This is our moment to lead credibly and collectively in sustainable and inclusive growth.”
While FIT may be among the more holistic offerings, others like the Higg Index, Textile Exchange’s Material Snapshots, and UN Global Compact’s SDG Action Manager continue to play influential roles, particularly for global brands and exporters. The challenge lies in integration—how do businesses reconcile multiple metrics, dashboards, and data sets into one coherent sustainability strategy?
Why This Matters Now
India’s regulatory climate is also shifting. With BRSR disclosures mandatory for the top 1000 listed firms, and Scope 3 emissions becoming a focus area for global retailers, ESG compliance is moving from voluntary to expected.
“With global buyers shifting preference toward ‘verified sustainability,’ Indian manufacturers can no longer afford to treat ESG as optional,” notes Raghav Bahl, Director – ESG Strategy, Welspun.
Yet for smaller players—those who supply to Tier 1 exporters or operate in unorganised retail—the cost of ESG implementation remains a concern. Here, a free and lightweight tool may offer a starting point, though capacity building and training remain essential.
So What Can Indian Fashion Businesses Do?
- Choose tools based on scale and need: Smaller units may benefit from the FIT, while exporters might require robust frameworks like Higg or CDP.
- Begin with pilots: Use tools on specific product lines or factories to test feasibility before scaling.
- Demand better integration: Policy bodies and trade associations must push for interoperability of ESG platforms and avoid duplication.
- Use tools collaboratively: Mall operators, e-commerce platforms, and recycling firms can use such toolkits to align ecosystem-wide goals.
A Measured Step Toward Meaningful Change
India’s fashion sector doesn’t need more jargon or abstract commitments—it needs grounded action. Tools like the Fashion Impact Toolkit, when used wisely, can guide that action. But they are just that: guides. The real impact lies in aligning people, policy, and process.
As GFA aptly puts it, “Transformation begins with insight. Impact begins with action.”
And in India, action must be inclusive, informed, and integrated—not just tool-driven.
