Many of the reports you have read are based on unverified data from a so-called campaign group called the Or Foundation. This group bases claims on one deeply flawed study carried out by their American founder many years ago. When you examine that report and its methodology it’s absurd that their figures have dominated the global debate; their research just doesn’t stand up to scrutiny.

The trade supports over 2 million people in different parts of the country. The worse that will happen after such a ban (by the EU) is rendering these people without employment. It will trickle down to their livelihoods making it extremely difficult for them to earn a decent living. This industry contributes hugely to the tax revenue of the country—that too will be greatly affected.

Moving to sustainable solutions represents everyone's responsibility. I don’t think that solutions are immediately feasible, and it might take a decade to find the optimal ones that are less detrimental for environment but still hold the same functional and protective values which is critical for transport oversees and distribution.

AI is poised to revolutionise the manufacturing process in the denim industry, offering numerous advantages in terms of process improvement and efficiency. Moreover, AI holds promise for enhancing garment tracking within laundry operations, further optimising processes and ensuring seamless workflow management.

One way we ensure transparency and traceability is by providing equal opportunities and incentives to all growers everywhere, regardless of the standards they adhere to, their singular agronomic practices or geographic region. Through the Sourcery Connect App we ensure that all growers are recognised and rewarded for demonstrating commercial and environmental excellence.

Presumption of conformity is exactly the thing that the European Commission wanted to avoid. It is already the current situation, in which companies can make a claim on the market without being properly checked. We believe that the only way to make the Directive robust is to keep the compulsory role of third-party independent verification for all claims, regardless of the size of the company or the nature of the claim. This is the only way to significantly reduce the number of misleading claims on the market.

The scale of the problem of plastic pollution is such that we must use all possible means available to tackle it. We must get rid of the plastic we don't need and recycle what is essential. In some cases, there is no feasible alternative to plastic for a number of applications and industries due to hygiene, safety and carbon footprint considerations. We must therefore reduce consumption wherever possible, reuse as much as possible before recycling.

Following Renewcell's bankruptcy, the obstacles encountered by innovators and multinational corporations take centre stage. It's evident that the traditional linear fashion model is deeply flawed, and simply introducing new developments won't suffice. Brands need strategic objectives with a clear roadmap and organisational framework to effectively navigate these challenges.

It is our position that fashion brands and western markets have created the conditions where price and profit rules over everything, pushing all other concerns, whether they are worker safety, environmental sustainability, or in many cases even quality, to the side. Those same fashion brands are now pushing manufacturers to cut emissions, or use less water, or change their processes, while still keeping prices just as low—pushing costs on to the manufacturers.

I strongly believe that transhistorical community value systems can present a powerful counterpoint to the logic of generating profit now, but whether these skills survive into the future depends very much upon whether we are prepared to invest in one beautifully crafted genuine article instead of cheap imitations. Brands and retailers have a vital role to play too. Working towards more sustainable sourcing, they should trace all material inputs, adhering to the *Nagoya Protocol where they utilise indigenous knowledge.

If a biological pathway for production of a certain colour is identified then we can introduce it into our microorganism. Even if the pathway is not studied but we know that a certain microorganism produces a certain colour we can define the genes necessary for colour production, although this would take more time.

From an agricultural level, reducing carbon emissions can come from various practices like limited or no tillage, optimised fertiliser use/use of natural alternatives and crop rotation. All of these things can improve the biodiversity of the soil which in turn can sequester more carbon, preventing it from being released into the atmosphere. Measuring carbon capture also allows growers to receive carbon credits which they can then monetise. Switching diesel powered machinery with renewable power can reduce GHG emissions too.

Many retailers are placing smaller orders for their seasonal lines, then waiting to see which products sell well before replenishing those stocks weighted accordingly to popularity. It of course makes sense, but the replenishment orders are coming with shorter lead time demands and this is putting additional pressure on supply chains at a time when they are already facing many challenges like the Red Sea conflict, inflated input costs and in some countries USD liquidity issues.

There is a trend in legislation towards greater due diligence requirements meaning global brands/retailers are facing more and more scrutiny on matters happening outside their direct operations. Increasingly, poor social or environmental actions in their supply chains are not something to which they can turn a blind eye. Competition for water in areas where basic social needs are still only partially met may well be one of those cases and represent a potential long-term risk to brand reputations.

There is not one single solution that fits all, with farmers' situations rapidly changing across the state. For example, we work with one community that is located in a coastal region where saline water is a large challenge for agriculture. We also work with another community deep inland where their water table has dropped dramatically over the last 20 years.

The industry is extremely sure that this EFTA will further increase collaboration between the signing countries and will confirm the commitment of India and EFTA to develop trade and investment relations in a way that is conducive to sustainable development.

Although India has granted duty-free advantages to almost all garment categories, most of the synthetic garments are excluded from the duty-free agreement and hence will not get any advantage.

If you look at the history of some of the economically successful countries also, you will find that the countries which are producing and exporting high value added have been able to sustain their economic growth in comparison to raw material exporting countries. These not only generate huge revenue but also create huge employment as it has the potential to trickle down the benefits.

Functional fabrics have also become increasingly important for consumers. With a growing awareness of health, sustainability, and comfort, consumers seek clothing that supports their lifestyle. Therefore, functions such as moisture-wicking materials, odour-resistant fabrics, or environmentally friendly textiles are becoming increasingly popular.

Most are interested in the idea to focus on global sustainability (i.e. a future where everyone on the planet can live flourishing lives on a regenerative planet in balance). This is exciting, but also a little sad as I realise that for many (especially in the Global North) sustainability is just about making the current unsustainable system a little less bad.