Fashionfor Good and Arvind Ltd. announced the launch of Future Forward Factories
India, an ambitious initiative with two interconnected components: developing a
comprehensive blueprint for sustainable textile manufacturing and constructing
a pioneering facility that brings these innovations to life, with an aim to
reduce 93% of GHG emissions compared to conventional manufacturing. This
initiative focuses on transforming the operations of the Tier 2 factories - the
backbone of the supply chain - into environmentally responsible and
economically viable.
The
initiative to deliver an open-source, modular blueprint for sustainable tier-2
textile manufacturing that can be adopted industry-wide, by building a
first-of-its-kind physical facility that demonstrates the principles and processes
in action. This physical facility would have significant investment in bringing
innovations from concept to reality, putting "money on the ground" to
prove the commercial and environmental viability of these approaches.
Anchor
partner Arvind’s proposed physical facility to be set-up in Gujarat for cotton
woven and knits which will achieve up to 93% reduction in GHG emissions
compared to conventional manufacturing. This pioneering facility is projected
to save roughly 60 litres of water per kg of fabric while operating as the
industry's first near net-zero textile production centre. Along with potential
impact savings, the blueprint will also focus on maximising the commercial
feasibility of a Future Forward Factory, and assessing and developing
subsidies, grants and incentives to close the viability gap. The physical
facility implementation would be subject to viability gap funding support from
the Industry stakeholders to make some of the leading innovations financially
viable.
"We
are at a critical moment in the fashion industry's journey towards
sustainability. With Future Forward Factories, we are taking decisive action to
catalyse transformation through both knowledge-sharing and practical
implementation," said Katrin Ley, Managing Director of Fashion for Good.
"By developing a blueprint and working with Arvind to build an actual
facility that addresses the challenges of Tier 2 manufacturing - where 52% of
the industry's CO2 emissions and almost all water and chemical usage
occurs - we can demonstrate real-world solutions that drive systemic
change."
The
blueprint incorporates strategies to achieve multiple environmental and social
objectives:
-
Near net-zero operations through renewable energy integration and advanced
process technologies
-
Water Reduction by minimising fresh water usage and incorporating waterless
technologies for processes like printing
-
ZDHC level 3 compliance for chemicals, with potential reductions in the
quantity of chemistry required due to innovative processes
-
Improvement in wastewater quality through novel treatment approaches, leading
to a lower requirement for wastewater treatment
-
Developing a framework to enable a Just Transition that ensures worker
well-being as factories adopt climate-friendly technologies.
"We
are excited to join forces with Fashion for Good to drive this transformative initiative,"
said Punit Lalbhai, Vice Chairman of Arvind Ltd. "As a leader in the
textile sector, Arvind is committed to pioneering sustainable manufacturing
practices. By both developing a blueprint and constructing an innovative
facility, we will demonstrate how these technologies can be implemented at
scale to address the textile industry's biggest environmental challenges."
The
initiative is already backed by a strong network of committed catalytic
funders; Laudes Foundation, Apparel Impact Institute, and IDH, and on-ground
partners; Bluwin, Wazir Advisors, Grant Thornton Bharat and Sattva Consulting,
who are collaborating to deliver actionable insights and practical solutions.
Future
Forward Factories is launching at the Global Fashion Summit 2025 to socialise
both the blueprint development and facility construction aspects of the
initiative. The open-source blueprint is scheduled for public release in
September 2025, providing the industry with a practical roadmap.
Beyond
this facility, Future Forward Factories extends an open call to other suppliers
to partner with Fashion for Good in developing further blueprints tailored to a
range of manufacturing setups, expanding the industry's collective ability to
scale innovative practices.
We are at a critical moment in the fashion industry's journey towards sustainability. With Future Forward Factories, we are taking decisive action to catalyse transformation through both knowledge-sharing and practical implementation," - Katrin Ley, MD, Fashion for Good
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