Sustainable Fashion and Environmental, Social and Governance in India's Textile Industry: Pathways Towards Climate Resilience

ABSTRACT The global textile and fashion industry has emerged as both a cornerstone of economic growth and one of the most environmentally taxing sectors. With its water‐intensive cotton cultivation, synthetic fiber dependency, and massive post‐consumer waste, the industry contributes significantly to global carbon emissions and climate change. In India, the textile sector is the second‐largest employment generator after agriculture but also ranks among the top three industrial polluters. Against the backdrop of climate challenges, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) frameworks and sustainable fashion practices have gained prominence as transformative tools for reducing ecological footprints and enhancing accountability. This review explores the nexus of sustainable fashion, ESG and indigenous knowledge systems in the Indian context. It synthesizes global and national literature, highlights the nature of textile waste, examines consumer and policy dynamics and provides alternatives and policy recommendations for effective waste management. By situating sustainable fashion within the broader discourse of climate change and inclusive development, the article underscores how India can align its textile sector with global sustainability goals and its “Vision Bharat@2047”.