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Worldview | India’s Textile Sector Struggles With Waste Management

This week’s round-up of global markets fashion business news also features Turkey’s EU Green Deal and Indonesia’s thrift boom.
A pile of clothing waste.
For India's textile industry, fragmented infrastructure and high compliance costs are slowing sustainability adoption. (Shutterstock)

🇮🇳 India’s Textile Sector Struggles With Energy and Waste Management, Says ICRA ESG. India’s textile industry faces mounting challenges in energy efficiency and waste management, according to an ICRA ESG assessment. Fragmented infrastructure and high compliance costs are slowing sustainability adoption, potentially impacting export competitiveness as global buyers tighten ESG standards. [Fibre2Fashion]

🇮🇳 India’s Clothing and Footwear Inflation Eases to 1.49% in November. India’s clothing and footwear inflation slowed to 1.49 percent in November, according to provisional data, offering relief to consumers amid broader cost pressures. The moderation reflects stable cotton prices and subdued discretionary demand, providing retailers breathing room heading into the festive and wedding seasons. [Fibre2Fashion]

🇨🇳 China’s Economic Growth Seen at 4.9% in 2025: World Bank. China’s economy is expected to grow 4.9 percent in 2025, the World Bank said, citing resilient exports and policy support despite weak domestic consumption and property-sector stress. The outlook signals cautious stability rather than a sharp rebound. [Fibre2Fashion]

🇮🇩 Indonesia’s Thrift Boom Fuels Textile Waste and Industry Strain. Indonesia’s booming second-hand clothing market is intensifying textile waste and squeezing local manufacturers, according to industry groups. While thrifting resonates with youth consumers, policymakers face pressure to balance sustainability, livelihoods, and circular-economy goals. [Fibre2Fashion]

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🇯🇴 Jordan Looks to Asia to Power Textile Growth. Jordan is pivoting toward Asian markets to advance its textile ambitions, leveraging free-trade access and supply-chain partnerships to offset softer demand from the US and Europe. Apparel remains central to the country’s export-led growth strategy. [Fibre2Fashion]

🇹🇷 Turkey Commits to EU Green Deal Compliance. Turkey will align trade and industrial policies with the EU Green Deal, Trade Minister Ömer Bolat said, reinforcing commitments on carbon reduction, traceability, and sustainable manufacturing — a critical move for safeguarding apparel exports to Europe. [Fibre2Fashion]

🇧🇷 Brazil Overtakes India as Bangladesh’s Top Cotton Supplier. Brazil has surpassed India as Bangladesh’s largest cotton supplier, driven by competitive pricing and consistent quality. The shift underscores evolving sourcing strategies as mills prioritise supply security amid global volatility. [Fibre2Fashion]

🇮🇳 Flipkart Moves Closer to IPO After NCLT Clears India Redomiciling. Flipkart has received NCLT approval to shift its domicile back to India, clearing a key regulatory hurdle ahead of a long-anticipated IPO. The move aligns with India’s push to list home-grown tech champions domestically. [Economic Times]

🇰🇷 Jung Kook Named Global Brand Ambassador for Chanel Beauty. BTS star Jung Kook, also known mononymously as Jungkook, has been appointed global brand ambassador for Chanel Beauty, strengthening the house’s reach among Gen Z consumers. The partnership highlights luxury’s continued reliance on K-pop icons to drive cultural relevance and digital engagement. [Economic Times]

🇦🇪 How Brands Are Using Sole DXB to Shape Youth Culture in the Middle East. At Sole DXB, brands are moving beyond traditional marketing to embed themselves in youth culture through music, sport, streetwear, and grassroots communities. Labels including global sneaker giants and regional creatives used the platform for exclusive drops, live performances, and cultural storytelling, positioning authenticity and participation as key currency with Gen-Z consumers. The festival underscores Dubai’s growing role as a cultural connector between Africa, Asia, and Europe, and highlights how experiential platforms are becoming critical for brands seeking long-term relevance in emerging youth markets. [MSN]

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