The Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) has joined hands with the Fair Wear Foundation to prepare Indian textile exporters for the European Union's upcoming Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD).
Enacted in May 2024, the CSDDD requires European companies to enforce human rights and environmental due diligence throughout their global supply chains. This directive aims to create a unified legal framework within the EU, reducing the multiplicity of reports, and fostering legal certainty.
CITI's Immediate Past Chairman, T Rajkumar, emphasized the directive's potential to transform the Indian textile sector, enabling it to meet global standards and engage more effectively with stakeholders. He highlighted the opportunity for Indian manufacturers to adopt HRDD practices, which would enhance their negotiation leverage and risk management.
As part of this initiative, CITI and Fair Wear Foundation organized a Capacity Building Workshop titled "Sustainable Practices: Navigating Social and Environmental Compliances" in Coimbatore on July 26, 2024. The workshop, held in association with the Southern India Mills Association (SIMA), featured insights from the Fair Wear Foundation and the Regulatory Representatives & Managers Association (RRMA).
Key sessions covered the implications of the CSDDD for brands, due diligence obligations, environmental responsibilities, and the climate change combat plan. Participants also learned about global chemical compliance regulations and sustainable practices in the textile value chain. Emphasis was placed on certifications like Oeko-Tex, ZDHC, GOTS, Blue Sign, Cradle to Cradle, and Eco Label.
SIMA Chairman, SK Sundararaman, announced the formation of a “Sustainability Cell” to assist members in complying with social and environmental mandates. SIMA also introduced guidelines for women's employment in the textile industry and established partnerships with TUV Rheinland and BSI for compliance audits and certification.
