The first Indo-German Business Talk of 2024 took place on 31 January 2024, where three expert panellists analysed the nexus between textile consumption and production and advancing the circular economy.
The textile industry has long-faced scrutiny for its detrimental environmental and social impact, with practices in “fast” fashion and “fast” production often criticised for their lack of sustainable practices. Undoubtedly, there is a shared responsibility to tackle this, where individuals, businesses and governments must collaborate to think more about their impact; whether its from buying a new item of clothing, throwing away an old one or in other daily practices in production and consumption.
The Indo-German Centre was joined by panellists: Dr Angela Heucher, Senior Evaluator and Team Leader, German Institute for Development Evaluation; Dr Naresh Tyagi, Chief Sustainability Officer, Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail Ltd; and Pranshu Singhal, Founder and Director of Karo Sambhav. Bringing together these experts from research, business and the non-profit sector resulted in consistent thoughts on how to achieve a more sustainable textile industry.
The trust on the inherent systems is still not there – what happens to a product when I give it to a collection system?
Pranshu Singhal, Founder & Director, Karo Sambhav
Key topics in the discussion included the need for an increased consumer awareness and transparency in the textile supply chain to assist in consumers making more responsible choices and understanding their purchasing decisions on a deeper level. It was further highlighted that, of course, the responsibility does not lie solely on the consumers and businesses and governments need to establish detailed and rigid regulations to motivate crucial stakeholders within the field. Technology can also play an excellent role here as it can drive transparency and circular practices, while recognising the significant roles of consumer education and choice.
Sustainability and strategy complement one another; it’s not either or. Sustainability is the ability to sustain in the short- and long-term and strategy enables this to happen.
Dr Naresh Tyagi, Chief Sustainability Officer, Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail Ltd
Multi-stakeholder partnerships are a away to facilitate the transfer, the dissemination of information and also of innovation.
Dr Angela Heucher, Senior Evaluator and Team Leader, German Institute for Development Evaluation
Watch the entire stream below and share your thoughts in the comments. For further information on upcoming sessions, subscribe to our mailing list!
