The Indian fashion industry is undergoing a major transformation as sustainability becomes a core business priority. The Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) has launched the SU.RE website and SU.RE Sustainable Supply Chain Directory, connecting over 600 verified sustainable vendors with apparel brands. These initiatives aim to streamline responsible sourcing, ethical manufacturing, and circular fashion solutions, positioning India as a leader in sustainable fashion.
A Digital Hub for Sustainable Fashion
The SU.RE – Sustainable Resolution platform serves as a centralized resource for education, collaboration, and access to sustainable suppliers. It provides fashion brands with tools to enhance their environmental and ethical impact. Key features include:
Insights & Education – Access to industry trends, case studies, and best practices in sustainable fashion.
Supply Chain Directory – A searchable database linking brands to eco-conscious fabric manufacturers, recyclers, and packaging suppliers.
Industry Collaboration – A dedicated hub for networking, sustainability events, and partnerships to drive systemic change.
Developed in collaboration with the Centre for Environment Education (CEE) and the Global Alliance for Textile Sustainability (GATS), this initiative simplifies access to sustainable sourcing while promoting innovation in eco-friendly materials and circular fashion practices.
Tackling Industry-Wide Sustainability Challenges
The fashion industry faces significant environmental and ethical hurdles, from high water and energy consumption to supply chain opacity. The SU.RE initiative is designed to address these pressing concerns by advocating for:
Reducing Water & Energy Use– The average consumer washes clothes 200 times per year, consuming nearly 15,000 liters of water and energy.
Minimizing Textile Waste– Less than 50% of discarded textiles are reused or recycled.
Enhancing Transparency & Labor Standards– Many apparel supply chains suffer from weak enforcement of labor laws and a lack of traceability.
By linking brands with trusted sustainable vendors, SU.RE is actively working to increase textile circularity, reduce waste, and improve labor conditions across India’s fashion sector.
India’s Largest Sustainability Commitment in Fashion
Launched in 2019 by CMAI, in partnership with Reliance Brands Limited (RBL) and supported by the United Nations in India, SU.RE represents the largest voluntary commitment to sustainability in the Indian apparel industry. The initiative follows a five-point sustainability manifesto, guiding fashion brands toward responsible production:
Environmental Awareness– Acknowledging the ecological footprint of garment manufacturing.
Sustainable Sourcing– Prioritizing certified raw materials and eco-friendly textiles.
Responsible Decision-Making – Implementing traceable, renewable production methods.
Transparent Communication– Engaging consumers through sustainability labels, digital campaigns, and in-store messaging.
Long-Term Commitment– Aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to achieve systemic industry change by 2030.
A Milestone for India’s Apparel Industry
The SU.RE website and Sustainable Supply Chain Directory were officially unveiled at Bharat Tex 2025, marking a pivotal moment in India’s journey toward a globally recognized sustainable fashion industry. This initiative solidifies India’s position as a leader in ethical and responsible apparel production, supporting the country’s rapidly growing sustainable fashion market, projected to expand at a CAGR of 45%, reaching INR 25,000 Cr by FY30.
About CMAI
With over 61 years of industry leadership, the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) represents 5,000+ members and serves over 35,000 retailers nationwide. As a key advocate for industry-friendly policies, CMAI supports GST reforms, PLI schemes, export incentives, FTAs, and sustainability initiatives. Committed to advancing ESG principles, CMAI continues to drive positive transformation across India’s fashion industry.
Conclusion
By launching SU.RE, CMAI is setting a new standard for sustainable apparel production in India. Through digital innovation, industry collaboration, and supply chain transparency, the initiative empowers brands to integrate circularity and ethical sourcing into their operations. As the demand for sustainable fashion accelerates, SU.RE offers a scalable solution to ensure long-term environmental and social impact.