Conversation with Salil Chawla, Director, and Christine Rai at Bharat Tex 2025 – DFU Publications
Christine Rai, Founder of Indian Inc., now Triberg Indian Inc., and a founding member of the Sourcing Consultants Association of India (BAA), shared her insights on sustainability in the textile sector.
On Modi Ji’s 5F Initiative and Sustainability in Indian Textiles
The 5F initiative, a key focus of Bharat Tex, aligns well with the sustainability agenda in the Indian textile industry. With extensive experience in this space, Christine Rai emphasized the critical role of implementation. She noted that while government support for sustainability, export growth, and financial aid is commendable, the ease of execution is paramount.
According to her, India has the technological and intellectual capability to streamline processes. Sustainability certifications, registrations, and other compliance measures should be digitized, preferably through a single app, to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles.
The complexity of excessive paperwork drains momentum, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which form the backbone of the industry. Simplification will unlock significant potential, driving real change.
She also expressed strong support for Bharat Tex, now in its second year, predicting its growing influence. If the government can simplify compliance and offer practical solutions, manufacturers will readily align with sustainability goals.
Global Push and Pull Factors in Sustainability Regulations
Discussing external pressures, she highlighted the increasing global regulatory framework, particularly from the EU, which is setting stringent sustainability benchmarks.
With the 2026 deadline approaching, Indian manufacturers cannot afford to delay action. Global brands and retailers have already committed to net-zero and climate-neutral goals, making it imperative for India to stay ahead of compliance requirements.
From a consumer standpoint, awareness around sustainability is rising, though it remains at an early stage. While climate concerns are not yet mainstream among Indian shoppers, the shift is inevitable.
Christine Rai reflected on past regulatory changes—such as California’s Proposition 65—and how Indian businesses eventually adapted. She remains confident that India will rise to the challenge again, provided the right knowledge-sharing and training mechanisms are in place.
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Role of Industry Bodies and Regional Training
She stressed the importance of regional awareness programs to equip exporters with the necessary insights on evolving global regulations like the EUDR. The BAA, with its strong network in manufacturing hubs such as Moradabad, Karur, Salem, and Erode, can play a crucial role in bridging this knowledge gap. By collaborating with government agencies, they can conduct targeted training sessions and ensure seamless compliance adoption.
Policy Advocacy and Future Steps
While policy advocacy is not her primary focus, she suggested that government partnerships with organizations like BAA could be instrumental. With established connections to agencies like Vriksh and European regulatory bodies, BAA has the expertise to support sustainable practices at the ground level.
Final Thoughts on Sustainability in Textiles
Sustainability is no longer an option but a necessity. Christine Rai underscored the urgent need to reduce chemical pollution and adopt cleaner practices. India has already made significant strides, and the momentum must continue to ensure a better future for the next generation.