The India Sourcing Enclave at Bharat Tex 2025 witnessed a compelling discussion on the crucial role of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors in the textile industry. Manish Pande's presentation, "Execution of ESG in Textiles," provided a roadmap for navigating the evolving regulatory landscape and harnessing the power of ESG for business growth.
Pande emphasized the increasing importance of ESG compliance in accessing international markets. He highlighted the growing scrutiny from major players like the EU, US, and China, stressing that adherence to ESG standards is no longer optional but a necessity for survival in the global marketplace. "If there is compliance, you would be invited," he stated, warning that businesses failing to adapt risk being replaced by competitors who are quicker to embrace sustainable practices.
The presentation underscored the challenges faced by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in understanding, building capacity for, and demonstrating ESG compliance. Pande outlined the current regulatory framework in India, including the BRSR (Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting) and standards developed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), and the need for a unified approach.
A key takeaway was the potential of ESG to unlock significant benefits, including improved market access. Pande envisioned a user-driven portal that integrates various regulatory frameworks into a single scheme, facilitating capacity building through organizations like FIO (Federation of Indian Export Organizations), promoting supply chain digitization, and fostering collaborative initiatives for international recognition of ESG efforts. He also highlighted the increasing importance of ESG scorecards in investment decisions, influencing access to loans and incentives from financial institutions.
Pande showcased QCI's (Quality Council of India) digital-ready certification program for MSMEs, demonstrating how ESG principles can be integrated into existing platforms. He explained how modules on ESG compliance could be incorporated into mobile apps used by MSMEs, enabling them to educate their supply chains and obtain certifications that demonstrate their commitment to sustainability. This initiative aims to make ESG an integral part of doing business for MSMEs, the backbone of the textile supply chain.
The presentation concluded with a call for a collaborative approach involving all stakeholders to drive ESG adoption in the textile industry. Pande's insights provided a valuable framework for businesses to not only meet regulatory requirements but also leverage ESG as a driver of innovation, competitiveness, and long-term success in the global textile market. The message was clear: weaving a sustainable future is not just an ethical imperative, but a strategic advantage.
