New Delhi : The Apparel Made-Ups & Home Furnishing Sector Skill Council (AMHSSC), in collaboration with bluesign®, proudly announces the launch of the “Foundation to Apparel Sustainability” eLearning course. This pioneering initiative aims to enhance the Indian apparel sector’s proficiency in sustainable practices and foster a culture of sustainability.
AMHSSC is committed to advancing skill development in the apparel sector, ensuring a workforce that meets the industry’s evolving needs. bluesign®, is a gold standard for sustainable textiles. From fibre to finished product, they collaborate with brands, manufacturers, and chemical suppliers to create safer workplaces and textile products that have a minimal impact on the environment and people. This partnership combines their expertise to offer a comprehensive eLearning course to impart essential knowledge on sustainable practices within the apparel industry. The course is designed to equip participants with the skills necessary to implement sustainability principles, aligning with global development goals such as eradicating poverty, promoting good health and well-being, and achieving gender equality. It addresses critical environmental impacts like greenhouse gas emissions, water scarcity, pollution, and social issues, including working conditions and labour rights.
This collaboration will profoundly impact both students and industry professionals. The course prepares students to become leaders sustainably by providing in-depth knowledge and practical skills. It also enhances industry professionals’; understanding of sustainable practices and the latest advancements in responsible manufacturing and alternative materials.
The eLearning course covers many essential topics for understanding and implementing sustainable practices in the apparel industry. It explores the principles of sustainable fashion, highlighting the transition from fast fashion to slow fashion, sustainable design, and the circular economy. Participants will delve into responsible manufacturing practices, assessing the progress and advancements in using alternative materials such as recycled and organic fibres.
The course also addresses significant challenges posed by the industry’s lack of standardized definitions and regulations and provides an overview of upcoming global sustainability legislation. Participants will learn about the best available techniques (BAT) for the apparel industry, emphasizing circular approaches such as mechanical and chemical recycling, upcycling, downcycling, closed-loop and open-loop recycling, fiber-to-fiber recycling, and apparel reuse and recovery technologies. The course covers advanced methods like anaerobic digestion, fermentation, composting, thermal recovery, and converting apparel waste into building materials. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of consumer education in driving demand for sustainable fashion, encouraging informed purchasing decisions, and promoting brands committed to ethical and sustainable practices.
Padma Shri Dr. A Sakthivel, Chairman of AMHSSC, remarked, “The introduction of this eLearning course marks a pivotal moment for the Indian apparel sector. It addresses the urgent need for sustainability in fashion and equips our industry with the tools to meet global standards. This initiative will benefit our current professionals and inspire future generations to adopt and champion sustainable practices in their careers.” By staying informed about global sustainability legislation and the best available techniques, industry professionals will be better equipped to navigate the evolving landscape of the fashion industry, reduce environmental impact, and meet consumer demand for sustainable products.
Dr. Vijay Kumar Yadav, CEO of AMHSSC, added, “This eLearning course is a significant step towards a more sustainable future for the Indian apparel industry. By equipping our workforce with the knowledge and skills to implement sustainable practices, we are contributing to global sustainability goals and ensuring our industry’s long-term viability and ethical integrity. We are proud to collaborate with bluesign® in this important endeavor.”
Mr. Daniel Rufenacht, CEO, Bluesign Technologies AG said “With all the global shifts going on in India with its long history in textile production it’s important that the industry is equipped on understanding the challenges in the industry and is updated on the global legislation that have come into place. It is important that we equip the industry on sustainable practices and help in reducing the impact on our future. We are happy to collaborate with AMHSSC in the endeavour.”
Ms. Katharina Verena Mayer, CRM Director for South Asia said “The collaboration with AMHSCC empowers us to prioritize sustainability and environmental responsibility, showcasing our commitment to continuous improvement in environmental performance. The eLearning course will equip the industry and they will benefit by meeting the global standards in sustainability. This collaborative approach will enhance the industry on sustainability, enabling us to stay ahead while reducing our environmental footprint.” This collaboration signifies a transformative moment in the Indian apparel sector, paving the way for a new generation of professionals well-versed in sustainability principles.
The course promises to bridge the knowledge gap and provide practical solutions to the industry’s pressing environmental and social challenges. By fostering a culture of sustainability, AMHSSC and bluesign® are shaping the future of fashion and contributing to a healthier planet and a more equitable society.
