SUSTAINABILITY AND ETHICAL PRACTICES OF THE APPAREL INDUSTRY IN INDIA

Abstract

This study provides a comprehensive examination of sustainability challenges and ethical practices in India's $165 billion apparel industry, analysing data from 2020-2024. As the world's second-largest textile producer, India's garment sector faces mounting pressure to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship and social responsibility. The research evaluates three critical dimensions: environmental impacts, labour conditions, and policy frameworks, drawing on case studies of leading brands and empirical industry data. Findings reveal significant progress in water conservation, with large manufacturers achieving 60% reductions through advanced technologies like zero-liquid discharge systems. However, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) lag due to financial constraints, while chemical pollution from dyeing processes remains a persistent challenge. Circular economy initiatives show promise but require scalable infrastructure and policy support for wider adoption.