Sustainable Indian Textiles in the Era of Fast Fashion: Balancing Economic Growth with Environmental and Social Responsibility

Abstract

India ranks among the world's top textile producers and exporters, holding a 3.9% share of the global market, contributing 2.7% to the national GDP, and accounting for 35% of export revenues. While the textile sector serves as a major economic engine, the rapid expansion of fast fashion has introduced shorter production cycles and lower costs at the expense of greater environmental and social challenges throughout the supply chain in India. This qualitative research examines how fast fashion has reshaped the Indian textile industry, with particular attention to its environmental footprint, regulatory challenges, and labour implications. This study analyses enforcement gaps in the four Labour Codes (2019–2020), poor traceability beyond Tier-1 suppliers, and the fragmentation of supply chains that characterise the sector. Drawing on international best practices, this study proposes circular economy approaches to promote sustainability, anchoring these recommendations in policy incentives, stakeholder trust-building, consumer education, and robust waste treatment systems. The findings suggest that India stands at a pivotal moment in shaping the future of sustainable textiles by balancing economic progress with environmental stewardship and social inclusion.