Sustainable Textiles for Sustainable Development - India

The Sustainable Textiles for Sustainable Development (SusTex) project promotes the sustainable production and consumption of eco-friendly textiles and improves employment and working conditions of textile artisans.

Fast facts:

Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) now produce 100% eco-friendly products and have reduced costs of around 40% (EUR 3.3 million) of total investment;
Information on access to green finance was disseminated to more than 2,000 small, medium enterprises (SMEs);
The total amount of green finance leveraged for SMEs includes project funds equal to EUR 595,300 and approximately EUR 3,416,800 from the government.

The problem

The textile industry is one of the most chemically-intensive industries in the world and the biggest water polluter after agriculture. In Rajasthan, India, the textile industry produces highly hazardous waste and proper disposal facilities are not available. The textile industry is the second largest employer in India, and although the growth of MSMEs in this industry have had a positive impact on economic development, it has also led to altered production processes resulting in a range of health hazards for workers.

The solution

The SusTex project promotes sustainable production through the development and promotion of less polluting and resource-efficient products and processes, and sustainable consumption patterns in the crafts and textile industry in India. The project achieves this through research, training, dissemination activities, advocacy and outreach. Under the project, a model eco-friendly textile park has been established which sets an example to other approved textile parks across India. The project brings together a range of partners including technical service providers, textile producer groups and SMEs to conduct action research to provide low cost technological solutions to reducing pollution from textile production activities.

Helping the planet

This activity has propagated various innovations, low-cost eco-friendly technologies and handmade crafts which not only provide livelihood to various craft workers but also promote climate degradation free processes.

Helping people

The major beneficiaries are MSMEs and their employees. The MSMEs played an important and critical role in the planning and implementation of the textile park.

Scaling Up

The textile park is a demonstration for other upcoming textile parks. The promotion of technology through wider dissemination will ensure adoption and scaling.