Industry News
Outlook into Fashion Future: Between Real and Digital?
In a survey done by Apparel Resources (AR), it was observed that the awareness of sustainability has undoubtedly increased among small manufacturers, but on the ground level, there are very less activities.
Many leading apparel manufacturers, brands, and retailers have thrust on sustainability and this reflects in their various efforts. Some of them even release their annual sustainability reports also. But at the same time, there are thousands of micro and small-level manufacturers who are not very active on the sustainability front. Hundreds of them are even not well aware of what they can do to become more sustainable, and eco-friendly.
In a survey done by Apparel Resources (AR), it was observed that the awareness of sustainability has undoubtedly increased amongst small manufacturers, but on the ground level, there are very less activities. There is a dire need for handholding that these small and micro manufacturers require to be an active part of the sustainability parade and this support is required right from awareness to motivation and on financial fronts also.
Sustainable activities of micro and small apparel manufacturersCareful usage of electricity and water; effective utilization of recycled fabric; maximum use of sunlight; promotion of organic cotton-based garments; adoption of zero wastage dyeing plant; and promotion of hand-crafted garments are some of the major focus areas for small and micro-level apparel manufacturers.
.jpg){kind=logo}
Use of LED lights, keeping the machines off when workers are away from work for some time, use of waste fabric (from cutting), or ensuring the use of leftover fabric are some of the few simple steps that are already followed by most of the small manufacturers. Even the reuse of used saree as a fabric for garments and accessories is common practice for them.
A few of them, in discussion with AR, shared some interesting and inspiring initiatives like one of the Gurgaon-based apparel manufacturers informed that his team hardly wastes any envelopes and reuses them with a paper-printed address. Using paper for both side printing and printing only when it is unavoidable is also a common practice.
Some companies’ owners also shared that whenever they buy any machine, they prefer machines that consume minimum energy. Taking care of their staff and workers is also a focused area of sustainability for many companies.
Some companies’ owners also shared that whenever they buy any machine, they prefer machines that consume minimum energy. Taking care of their staff and workers is also a focused area of sustainability for many companies.
.jpeg)