Saving The Planet And Staying Profitable — A True Win-win: ABFRL’s Naresh Tyagi

Indian clothing industry is witnessing a paradigm transition towards sustainability, given the urgent need to respond to the environmental consequences of fashion waste. As consumer markets grow and production scales up, the industry is adopting the principles of the circular economy, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and emerging technology in an effort to reduce wastage and enable responsible consumption. From recycling projects to the implementation of sustainable materials, Indian fashion companies are reshaping their operations to meet international standards of sustainability while building a more ethical fashion system.

In an interview with ResponsibleUs, Naresh Tyagi, Chief Sustainability Officer, Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail; Chairman, ICC National Expert Committee on Sustainability and bestseller author 'Sustainable Promises', described how the fashion industry is adopting sustainability through circular means, reduced waste, and producer responsibility.

What drove the textile industry's shift to sustainable fashion waste management?
It's like we've hit a wake-up call. Textiles are one of the world's biggest polluters, and India's 10% annual growth means we can't ignore the waste anymore. Customers are demanding greener choices, governments are tightening rules, and brands themselves are realizing *not* going green could hurt their future. Plus, there's this exciting shift toward "circular economy" ideas-reusing materials instead of tossing them. It's not just about doing good anymore; it's smart business. Saving the planet and staying profitable? That's a win-win.  

What steps has the textile industry taken to cut waste in production and distribution?
Think of it as a full makeover! Factories now recycle scraps into new fabrics (like turning old T-shirts into yarn), swap plastic-based materials for organic cotton or recycled polyester, and use AI to predict exactly how much to produce-no more overstock. Brands are also launching "bring back" programs: hand in your worn-out jeans, get a discount, and they'll turn them into something new. Even packaging is getting a glow-up, with compostable wraps replacing plastic. It's about owning the mess-literally-from start to finish.  

How does the textile industry handle surplus inventory or unsold products to minimise waste?
Nobody likes waste! Unsold stock gets a second life through outlets, flash sales online, or donations. Some brands even partner with artists to upcycle leftover fabric into funky limited editions. Imagine a dress made from factory scraps becoming a collector's item! Others rent out clothes or host resale markets. The goal? Keep every thread out of landfills.  

How do recycling and upcycling fit into your textile waste strategy? Any third-party collaborations?
It's teamwork. Brands collaborate with recycling startups to shred old clothes into fresh fibers. Ever seen a jacket made from plastic bottles? That's mechanical recycling. Others use chemicals to break down fabrics into "new" raw materials. Upcycling is even cooler-designers transform discarded saris into statement bags or patchwork jackets. It's creativity meets sustainability.  

How are you using innovative materials and tech for sustainable fashion and tackling textile waste?
Labs are growing fabric from mushrooms and algae (*yes*, mushrooms!). There's dyeing tech that uses CO? instead of water, saving millions of liters. AI helps designers cut patterns that waste less cloth. And imagine a shirt that composts in your garden instead of lingering for centuries. These innovations aren't sci-fi-they're happening now!  

How do you encourage recycling and reducing fashion waste?
Make it easy and rewarding! Brands offer store credits for returning old clothes, host repair workshops (think darning parties!), and share tips on caring for garments longer. Rental services let you rock a new outfit for a weekend without buying it. Transparency's key too-sharing where materials come from helps customers feel part of the solution.  

How can brands embrace sustainability in textile waste management?
India's got a golden chance to lead. We're blending ancient practices (like khadi weaving) with cutting-edge recycling. For brands starting out: *Start small*. Swap one material, cut overproduction, or partner with a recycler. Be honest with customers-they'll stick with you if you're real. And remember, sustainability isn't a checkbox; it's a mindset.  

What role does technology and innovation play in shaping the future of sustainable supply chains and reducing environmental impact?
Tech's the unsung hero! Blockchain tracks a cotton shirt's journey from farm to closet. AI predicts trends so factories don't overproduce. Smart sensors in factories cut energy use. Even recycling bots sort fabrics faster than humans. It's all about working smarter, not harder, to shrink our footprint.  

How can corporations scale climate action initiatives and foster collaborative efforts to drive impactful change?
Teamwork. Brands, governments, and NGOs need to link arms. Set bold goals (like zero waste by 2030), fund green startups, and reward eco-friendly suppliers. Think big-regenerative farming for cotton, green loans for sustainable factories. India's "Viksit Bharat" vision is a roadmap: grow the economy without trashing the planet.