CMAI Launches SU.RE Website & Supply Chain Directory To Boost Sustainable Fashion

The Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI) has launched the SU.RE website and the SU.RE Sustainable Supply Chain Directory, marking a significant step toward sustainable fashion in India. The platform connects over 600 verified vendors across key categories, including fabric manufacturers, recyclers, sustainable packaging experts, and certification bodies, providing brands with valuable resources to enable responsible sourcing and foster collaborations.

The SU.RE – Sustainable Resolution website serves as an educational and collaborative platform, offering industry insights through news articles and case studies on sustainability efforts. The Open Source Supply Chain Directory connects brands with sustainable vendors specializing in fabrics, trims, manufacturing, packaging, and recycling, facilitating seamless sourcing and best practice sharing. The platform also supports knowledge exchange and transparent communication through dedicated sustainability initiatives and events.

Developed in collaboration with the Centre for Environment Education (CEE) and the Global Alliance for Textile Sustainability (GATS), the SU.RE Sustainable Supply Chain Directory streamlines connections between brands and eco-conscious suppliers, encouraging a smoother transition to greener production processes. The initiative comes at a crucial time as India’s sustainable fashion market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 45%, expanding from INR 2,700 Cr in FY24 to INR 25,000 Cr by FY30.

Sustainability is becoming a necessity for the fashion industry, which faces significant environmental and ethical challenges. Washing clothes 200 times a year consumes nearly 15,000 liters of water and energy, while less than 50% of textile waste is reused or remanufactured. Additionally, the industry grapples with weak labor law enforcement and transparency issues, particularly in the informal sector. Responsible sourcing and ethical manufacturing practices are critical for long-term sustainability.

The SU.RE initiative, launched in 2019 by CMAI in partnership with Reliance Brands Limited (RBL) and supported by the United Nations in India, is India’s largest voluntary commitment to sustainable fashion. Its five-point manifesto includes:

• Environmental Awareness – Understanding the environmental impact of garment production.
• Sustainable Sourcing – Prioritizing certified raw materials with a positive environmental impact.
• Responsible Decision-Making – Ensuring sustainability across the value chain through traceable, renewable materials and processes.
• Transparent Communication – Engaging consumers and media through product labeling, social media, and in-store messaging.
• Long-Term Commitment – Aiming for a significant shift toward sustainability by 2030 to address climate change and support the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The launch of the SU.RE website and directory at Bharat Tex 2025 marks a major milestone in India’s journey toward a more sustainable and globally competitive apparel sector.