Pune, India: Green Fashion India (GFI), an initiative of (MKSSS’s) School of Fashion Technology (SOFT) Pune in Association with Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI), hosted the very informative and interesting Civil20 (C20) under G20 Conference on June 8 and 9 2023 in Pune. The conference, titled "Bharatiya भा रती य" (Indian) A Legacy of Sustainability (Challenges for Growth, Protection, and Regeneration), aimed to promote and practice sustainability in the fashion industry. Experts from India, the United Kingdom and Germany discussed policy recommendations for sustainable fashion practices.
The inauguration by Dr. Gajanan Dange (India Coordinator, Project “LiFE” (Lifestyle For Environment) working group C20 and President YOJAK Centre for Research and Strategic Planning for Sustainable Development) set the pace for the workshops and competitions to raise awareness and sensitize students about sustainable Indian fashion.
Mr. Rahul Mehta (Chief Guest, Chief Mentor of CMAI and Chairman of Advisory Committee of MKSSS, SOFT), along with guests Mr. Ravindra Deo (Chairman, Managing Committee, MKSSS), Arch. Ms. Mohana Kadam (President, Green Fashion India, Managing Committee, Member of MKSSS and Chairman of Local Managing Committee MKSSS, SOFT) and Dr. M. M. Hundekar (Convener of the Conference, Secretary GFI and Principal of SOFT) shared their thoughts during the conference. Insightful keynote speeches were also given by Mr. Naresh Tyagi (Chief Sustainability Officer, Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd. India) who emphasized the role of technology in sustainability and introduced the Project LiFE. Mr. Manohar Samuel (Advisor, Research and Development at Reliance Retail) discussed the environmental impact of post-consumer waste and highlighted the need for efficient recycling processes. Dr. Bosco Henriques (Director, BioDye India Pvt. Ltd. India) and Mr. Manish Karandikar were among the notable speakers at the seminar. Topics such as sustainability, real and artificial dyeing, and waste management were also some of the interesting topics.
The three thought provoking themes that were discussed by the panellists were – a) Sustainable Human Systems in Bharatiya Indian Fashion, b) Growth VS Protection Challenges in the Present Fashion Business Scenario c) Protection of Traditional Legacy in Handlooms, Handmade Prints and Hand embroideries major contributors of Indian and Global Fashion.
The panel discussions were followed by the groups’ brainstorming to find solutions for the respective themes by creating Mind Maps. The groups consisted of renowned industry experts and professionals who fostered a collaborative and diverse environment.
Some of the important policy recommendations that were formulated to drive sustainability in the fashion industry included the following suggestions:
- Encouraging corporates to allocate their CSR funds for sustainability and developmental projects in collaboration with academia.
- Implementing special policies to protect the originality of Indian natural resources.
- Mandating traceability and transparency in the fashion value chain.
- Promoting awareness among consumers regarding garment safety.
- Providing mobile innovation and facility centres to support artisans and protect their intellectual heritage.
The finale of the conference was a fashion showcase that featured four collections made from traditional fabrics. Students from MKSSS’s SOFT showcased their designs, incorporating handicrafts from different regions of India that they had learnt from the workshops held by the college through their term, which highlighted the potential for sustainable and culturally rich fashion.
The MKSSS’s SOFT - CMAI Conference successfully brought together industry experts, academia, and policymakers to address the challenges and opportunities of sustainability in the fashion industry. The event served as a platform for sharing knowledge, fostering collaboration, and generating actionable policy recommendations. Through initiatives like this, GFI and CMAI continue to promote sustainable practices, foster innovation, and drive positive change in the fashion industry in India and beyond.
