Gurgaon/New Delhi— At a historic ceremony hosted at the Oberoi Gurgaon Hotel, the Apparel Made-Ups & Home Furnishing Sector Skill Council (AMHSSC) proudly inaugurated the “Foundation to Apparel Sustainability” eLearning course in partnership with bluesign®. The advancement of ethical and sustainable methods in India’s textile and garment sector is greatly aided by this program. With its 18% manufacturing production and 2% GDP contribution, India’s textile and clothing industry is crucial to the country’s economy. Forty million people are directly employed by it, and an additional sixty million are supported by related industries. India is the fifth-largest exporter in the world, which highlights how critical it is that this industry thrive sustainably. Prominent industry figures attended the inauguration, including Padma Shri Dr. A Sakthivel, Chairman of AMHSSC; Shri Sudhir Sekhri, Chairman of Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC); and Ms. Katharina Verena Mayer, Director of Customer Relations, South Asia, bluesign® technologies.
Course Overview: The “Foundation to Apparel Sustainability” course, created by AMHSSC and bluesign® academy, is scheduled to start in September 2024. Weekly e-learning sessions will be available for this eight-week online program, which will provide a thorough examination of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues in the textile business with an emphasis on the Indian market. The course will give business executives in India the know-how and abilities needed to implement sustainable practices, supporting the country’s goal of being Net Zero by 2070.
The training is intended to give participants practical knowledge that they can immediately implement in their manufacturing units. It is specifically tailored for professionals in senior and middle management within the garment industry. Sustainable fashion, the fashion industry’s historical development, eco-friendly textile processes, sustainable fibers, effect and footprint assessment, chemical management, social and ethical considerations in sustainable apparel, and sustainability reporting are among the subjects addressed.
Impact and Future Outlook: This program aligns with worldwide standards and the growing consumer demand for sustainable and ethical products, setting a new standard for ethical corporate conduct in India’s textile and clothing sector. It is expected that this course will greatly improve regional industrial practices throughout India, promoting a more competitive and sustainable environment.
Statements from Industry Leaders: Padma Shri Dr. A. Sakthivel, Chairman, AMHSSC
Dr. A. Sakthivel conveyed his sincere appreciation to the Honoree, Shri Virender Uppal, Chairman of Richa Global Pvt Ltd, and to the Chairman of AEPC, Shri Sudhir Sekhri, for their indispensable support in advancing this vital education program on Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) in the Apparel and Home Furnishing Sector. Additionally, he expressed his gratitude to Mr. Vijay Jindal and Mr. Rakesh Vaid, Vice Chairman of the Board at ATDC, for their steadfast support.
The program’s motto, “Save Earth, Save the Planet,” was emphasized by Dr. Sakthivel, who also emphasized how critical it is that the textile manufacturing sector follow ESG guidelines. Additionally, he emphasized the impending EU regulation on digital passports for manufactured goods and exhorted the sector to get ready in advance with the aid of bluesign technologies.
Shri Virender Uppal, Chairman, Richa Global: Shri Uppal highlighted the paramount importance of ESG, affirming its critical relevance in today’s industry. He emphasized that the newly launched eLearning program by AMHSSC, in collaboration with bluesign technologies, will offer significant benefits to industry professionals, equipping them with the essential knowledge and skills needed for sustainable practices. Mr. Sudhir Sekhri, Chairman, AEPC Mr. Sekhri highlighted the critical need to strike a balance between profitability and sustainability, praising the resilience and preparedness of the Indian manufacturers in navigating past challenges. He emphasized that maintaining this balance is key to long-term success.
He called for a collective effort to raise ESG awareness, advocating for a multi-stakeholder approach to ensure global competitiveness in the industry.
Insights by Ms. Katherina Verena Mayer, Director of Customer Relations for South Asia, bluesign technologies
Ms. Mayer introduced the eLearning module designed to enhance the capabilities of leaders in the Indian Apparel & Home Furnishing sector. She conveyed that the course is aimed to empower leaders for implementing ESG practices effectively at all organizational levels, thereby benefiting both the Earth and its people.
