Initiative Partners with British Council to Boost Sustainability in India's Apparel Sector

Initiative with British Council to Boost Sustainability in Apparel Sector

Landmark Collaboration Aims to Transform Indian Apparel Sector Through Global Best Practices and Innovation

In a landmark collaboration, Reliance Brands, United Nations India, Ministry of Textiles, the Government of India, and the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) have joined forces with the British Council to enhance sustainability within India’s apparel industry. This strategic partnership aims to empower SU.RE signatories to evolve into sustainable brands and foster collaboration with like-minded partners in the UK, Denmark, and beyond.

Launched in 2019, SU.RE (Sustainable Resolution) is the largest voluntary commitment to sustainability in the Indian apparel industry. With 16 major brands as signatories, SU.RE is the first industry-led initiative in India dedicated to transforming supply chains to be sustainable by 2030.

Today, the SU.RE partners unveiled a new project that will span three comprehensive phases from May to October 2024. This project is designed to guide and support signatories through mentorship sessions, development of actionable plans, and addressing challenges such as consumer perception and stakeholder alignment.

In the initial phase this month, SU.RE delegates embarked on a UK Study Tour, connecting with notable figures like designer Christopher Raeburn, Harriet Vocking, CEO of Eco-Age, and representatives from the British Fashion Council’s Institute of Positive Fashion. They also engaged with grantees from New Landscapes, a grant scheme led by University of Arts London’s Fashion, Textiles and Technology Institute (FTTI) in partnership with the British Council.

Moreover, delegates participated in a leadership roundtable titled “Building Circular Systems for India,” co-hosted by SU.RE with Global Fashion Agenda at the Global Fashion Summit in Copenhagen, Denmark. This closed-door, executive-level roundtable brought together key stakeholders to develop an actionable roadmap while highlighting India’s critical role in the global transition to a sustainable fashion sector.

This concerted effort not only empowers SU.RE signatories to adopt sustainable practices but also opens avenues for collaboration with innovative partners.

The project, running from May to October 2024, is committed to achieving sustainable outcomes through dialogue, knowledge exchange, and actionable strategies, marking a significant stride towards a more sustainable future in fashion.