Pan India ESG Awareness Campaign: Paving the Way for Sustainable Practices in Apparel Industry

— S. Periasamy, Executive Editor.

Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC), in partnership with the Apparel Made Ups and Home Furnishing Sector Skill Council (AMHSSC) and in collaboration with Bluesign Technologies AG, organized a nationwide awareness program on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) between August 5 and 13, 2024. This initiative marks a pivotal step towards promoting sustainability within India’s apparel sector. The programs were held in key cities such as Tiruppur, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Gurugram, Jaipur, Kolkata, and Noida, addressing the significant challenges ahead for manufacturers.

Navigating the Challenges

Bluesign® plays a crucial role in supporting textile manufacturers—particularly those involved in knitwear and other fabric-based products—in addressing the complexities posed by the European Union’s Eco Sustainable Product Regulations (ESPR), Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), and the Digital Product Passport
(DPP). Through their impact services and certification, Bluesign® helps companies stay ahead of regulations and adopt sustainable practices.

Compliance with EU Eco Sustainable Product Regulations (ESPR)

Bluesign® aligns manufacturers with the EU’s stringent sustainability regulations by ensuring that products are created with minimal environmental impact. The process involves:

• Input Stream Management: Bluesign® ensures manufacturers manage chemical inputs effectively, preventing the use of harmful substances to comply with EU regulations on restricted chemicals in textiles.
• Verified Environmental Claims: Bluesign® offers independently verified environmental data to help manufacturers substantiate their sustainability claims,avoiding penalties for unsubstantiated marketing.
• Holistic Supply Chain Approach: The certification covers the entire supply chain, ensuring transparency and accountability in compliance with EU sustainability standards.

Supporting Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)

Bluesign® certification facilitates comprehensive LCA assessments by guiding manufacturers in collecting essential data and promoting resource efficiency:

• Comprehensive Data Collection: Bluesign® supports gathering data on resource consumption, emissions, and waste generation, providing a robust foundation for effective LCAs.
• Resource Efficiency Focus: Encouraging efficient use of resources, Bluesign® helps reduce the overall environmental impact, a key component of LCAs.
• Continuous Improvement: Bluesign® fosters ongoing sustainability assessments, enabling manufacturers to refine their processes based on evolving regulatory requirements.

Alignment with the Digital Product Passport (DPP)

The DPP aims to enhance transparency in product information, particularly regarding sustainability, and Bluesign® contributes through:

• Standardized Data Framework: Bluesign® provides standardized documentation for product sustainability, aiding manufacturers in integrating this data into the DPP.
• Enhanced Traceability: By certifying the entire supply chain, Bluesign® ensures that every component of a product is accounted for in the DPP, meeting EU transparency regulations.
• Consumer Confidence: Products carrying the Bluesign® label signal compliance with stringent environmental standards, enhancing consumer trust in sustainability claims.

Bluesign’s Impact Services for DPP Compliance

Bluesign’s Impact Services package offers critical support to manufacturers in meeting DPP requirements. This includes:

• Comprehensive Environmental Data: Metrics on water and energy consumption, greenhouse gasemissions, chemical use, and waste generation provide transparency for the DPP.
• Secure Data Platform: A confidential platform allows manufacturers to manage and reportsustainability metrics securely, with a self-declaration function for inputting key data.
• Annual Onsite Verification: Regular onsite assessments validate environmental data, enhancing thecredibility of the information included in the DPP.
• Continuous Improvement: An annual impact report tracks progress on sustainability, helpingmanufacturers continuously adapt to evolving DPP standards.

Reimbursement Scheme for MSMEs

The government of Tamil Nadu offers a reimbursement scheme aimed at supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in acquiring quality certifications. This program is particularly beneficial for SMEs seeking both national and international certifications, including the Bluesign certification.

Bluesign is recognized as a significant international certification among global standards acknowledged by the National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies (NABCB). This certification focuses on sustainable textile production, ensuring that all aspects of the manufacturing process minimize environmental impact and promote safety.

For MSMEs, obtaining the Bluesign certification not only enhances their credibility but also allows them to claim reimbursement of up to ₹10,00,000 under the government scheme, thereby supporting their growth and competitiveness in the global market.

Conclusion: Strategic Advantage for Tirupur’s Knitwear Cluster

Implementing Bluesign® certification enables manufacturers in the Tirupur knitwear cluster to effectively navigate complex EU regulations, conduct thorough Life Cycle Assessments, and align with the Digital Product Passport initiative. By ensuring compliance with these stringent requirements, manufacturers can bolster their sustainability credentials, enhance competitiveness, and secure greater access to global markets. The collaboration of AEPC, AMHSSC, and Bluesign Technologies in driving ESG awareness is positioning India’s apparel industry for long-term success in a sustainability-driven market.