Giriraj Singh Launches Book On Handloom Sector’s Carbon Footprint

Union Minister of Textiles, Giriraj Singh, today launched the book “Carbon Footprint Assessment in the Indian Handloom Sector: Methods and Case Studies”, a significant step toward promoting environmentally responsible practices in India’s traditional textile industry.

Jointly developed by the Office of the Development Commissioner for Handlooms, Ministry of Textiles, and the Department of Textiles & Fibre Engineering at IIT Delhi, the book provides practical tools and case studies to measure and reduce the carbon footprint of handloom production.

“Real progress in sustainability requires measuring the carbon impact at every stage of textile production. Without quantifying data, we cannot identify areas for improvement or assess the effectiveness of our efforts,” stated Giriraj Singh during the launch.

The book presents simple, low-cost methodologies tailored for the handloom sector, with real-world case studies on iconic Indian products such as cotton bedsheets, floor mats, Ikat and Banarasi sarees. It aligns with global climate reporting standards while addressing India’s unique operational landscape.

India’s handloom sector employs over 35 lakh people, including more than 25 lakh women, making it a key driver of rural livelihood and women’s economic empowerment. Known for its low energy consumption, eco-friendly processes, and flexibility in small-batch production, the sector is increasingly gaining recognition in both domestic and international sustainable fashion markets.

The publication is the result of extensive collaboration among IIT Delhi, Indian Institute of Handloom Technology, Weavers’ Service Centres, grassroots weaver groups, Greenstitch Pvt. Ltd., and other key stakeholders.

The Ministry of Textiles has urged industry stakeholders, researchers, and the public to engage with the book’s findings and apply its recommendations to help build a greener and more resilient textile industry.