Giriraj Singh Launches Carbon Footprint Guidebook for Sustainable Handloom Sector

India’s handloom sector is more than just an industry; it is a living heritage, integral to the rural and semi-rural economy, and a beacon of sustainable craftsmanship.

In a landmark move for sustainable development in the textile sector, Union Minister of Textiles, Shri Giriraj Singh officially launched a pioneering publication titled “Carbon Footprint Assessment in the Indian Handloom Sector: Methods and Case Studies”. Jointly developed by the Office of the Development Commissioner for Handlooms, Ministry of Textiles, and the Department of Textiles & Fibre Engineering, IIT Delhi, the book represents a significant stride toward environmental accountability and eco-friendly innovation in one of India’s most culturally significant industries.

This strategic document marks the first comprehensive effort by the Indian government to equip the handloom sector with practical tools and methodologies to measure and mitigate its carbon footprint. It aligns with India’s broader climate action goals and sustainable development agenda, offering a much-needed roadmap for decarbonizing a sector deeply rooted in tradition yet facing modern environmental challenges.

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Handloom Sector: A Cultural and Economic Lifeline

India’s handloom sector is more than just an industry; it is a living heritage, integral to the rural and semi-rural economy, and a beacon of sustainable craftsmanship. It directly employs over 35 lakh individuals, with more than 25 lakh women contributing as weavers and allied workers—making it not just an economic pillar, but a vital tool for women’s empowerment and livelihood generation.

Known for its low capital intensity, minimal energy usage, eco-friendly processes, and ability to produce small batches, the handloom industry has long been a sustainable alternative to industrial textile production. Its openness to innovation and adaptability to changing market trends makes it well-positioned to lead in the global push for ethical fashion and mindful consumption.

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About the Book: A Climate Action Toolkit for Artisans

The newly launched book serves as a comprehensive guide for handloom producers, artisans, policymakers, and sustainability practitioners. It offers:

• Step-by-step methodologies to measure carbon emissions associated with handloom production.

• Real-world case studies from across India, covering products like:

  • Cotton bedsheets

  • Handwoven floor mats

  • Ikat sarees

  • Banarasi sarees

  • And other iconic regional weaves.

• Low-cost data collection tools tailored to the decentralized nature of the sector.

• Emission tracking methods that align with international climate reporting standards, but are adapted to suit India’s unique socio-economic and operational landscape.

By demystifying carbon assessment and offering practical implementation strategies, the book aims to foster self-reliance and environmental awareness at the grassroots level.

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Collaborative Research Backed by Expert Institutions

The creation of this guidebook was a result of an extensive collaborative research initiative. Key contributors include:

• Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, Department of Textiles and Fibre Engineering

• Indian Institute of Handloom Technology (IIHT)

• Weavers’ Service Centres

• Grassroots weaver communities

• Greenstitch Private Limited – a private sustainability consulting firm

• Various government agencies supporting the textile and climate action agendas

These stakeholders combined scientific rigor with cultural sensitivity, ensuring the methodologies are both technically sound and practically implementable in rural and traditional weaving environments.

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A Vision for Sustainable Handloom and Fashion

Minister Giriraj Singh hailed the book as a milestone in India’s journey toward sustainable textiles, emphasizing its role in transforming the handloom industry into a climate-resilient sector. He stated, “This report will empower India’s handloom workers with tools that support green manufacturing while preserving our rich textile traditions. It underscores the Government of India’s strong resolve to lead the global narrative on sustainable fashion.”

The handloom sector’s inherent sustainability, when combined with scientifically backed carbon management practices, can set an example globally for integrating tradition with environmental responsibility.

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Call to Action for Stakeholders

The Ministry of Textiles has encouraged media, private sector players, artisans, sustainability advocates, and the general public to engage with the findings and tools in the book. It aims to serve as both an educational resource and an operational manual for those working to reduce emissions, enhance transparency, and meet consumer demand for eco-friendly products.

Stakeholders are urged to adopt these practices not just as a compliance measure but as a competitive advantage in a global market increasingly driven by green standards and ethical production values.

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Looking Ahead: Greening India's Textile Future

This initiative is in line with India’s broader objectives under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The carbon footprint book is expected to catalyze policy changes, improve market access for sustainable handloom products, and contribute to climate-smart livelihoods.

As climate consciousness grows globally, India’s handloom sector, with its rich heritage and low-impact production, is uniquely positioned to become a flagbearer of sustainable fashion and resilient craft economies.