The Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI), in partnership with the Global Alliance for Textile Sustainability (GATS), will launch the Eco-Stitch Sustainability & Circularity Hub at Bharat Tex 2026. This initiative aims to position India as a leading global sourcing destination for sustainable textile and apparel manufacturing, responding to shifting priorities toward sustainability, traceability, and responsible production.
Eco-Stitch Hub: A Flagship Initiative
The Eco-Stitch Hub, themed 'Sustainable, Circular and Competitive Bharat,' will showcase India's integrated capabilities across the entire textile and apparel value chain. This includes fiber, yarn, fabrics, recycling, garment manufacturing, technology, traceability, and sustainable fashion. The hub is designed to demonstrate how India's textile industry is adapting to evolving global sourcing expectations while enhancing export competitiveness.
The collaborative pavilion will feature immersive thematic experiences and exhibitor showcases, including the India Impact Wall, Circularity at Scale, From Waste to Global Wardrobe, Made in Circular Bharat, Material & Innovation Library, and the Circular Bharat Forum. These zones will highlight strengths in recycled and natural fibers, resource-efficient manufacturing, circular production models, digital traceability, and export-ready product innovation.
Business Platform for Global Partnerships
Beyond an exhibition, the Eco-Stitch Hub will serve as a business platform connecting manufacturers, exporters, brands, recyclers, technology providers, startups, certification agencies, policymakers, and global institutions. It will facilitate international buyer walkthroughs, B2B meetings, sustainability-focused knowledge sessions, CEO dialogues, product launches, sustainability report releases, MOU signings, presentations, case studies, product demonstrations, and strategic partnerships.
Santosh Katariya, President of CMAI, stated, "Global buyers are increasingly evaluating sourcing destinations through the lens of sustainability, transparency and regulatory preparedness. Through the Eco-Stitch Sustainability & Circularity Hub at Bharat Tex 2026, CMAI is bringing together the entire textile and apparel value chain to showcase India's ability to deliver sustainable manufacturing at scale." He added that the initiative reflects the industry's commitment to making sustainability a strategic business advantage.
Industry Leaders Emphasize Collaboration
Naveen Sainani, Hon. Gen. Secretary & Chairman of the ESG Committee at CMAI, expressed, "CMAI has been working closely with stakeholders across the textile value chain to build greater industry preparedness for emerging sustainability requirements and enhance India's competitiveness. The Eco-Stitch Hub is a natural extension of this vision, bringing together the ecosystem to accelerate innovation, circularity, knowledge exchange and global partnerships."
Parvinder Singh, Founder-Director of GATS, stated, "CMAI & GATS bring together the Sustainability & Circularity Hub at Bharat Tex, showcasing India's capabilities in responsible manufacturing, circular materials, recycling innovation and traceable textile value chains." He noted that a CXO Blueprint and a Sustainable Textiles Accord will be released to guide the industry toward measurable sustainability and circularity outcomes.
Regulatory Drivers and Global Context
Sustainability has become a business imperative due to evolving global regulations, such as the EU's Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), Digital Product Passport (DPP), Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). International buyers now seek manufacturing partners that combine scale with environmental compliance, transparency, resilience, and innovation.
The Eco-Stitch Hub is partnered by organizations including Grasim, GIZ, UNEP, UNIDO, Alliance for Textile Sustainability, Centre for Responsible Business (CRB), Conserve India, Fashion for Change (FMC), IDH, Green Stitch, Grant Thornton, H&M, Fashion for Good, Canopy, Otteri, Reput, Restart Alliance, Recore, and Ramsons. These partners will highlight their innovations and successful sustainability initiatives under one roof.
Reinforcing India's Global Position
With sustainability expected to define the next phase of global textile and apparel trade, the Eco-Stitch Hub will reinforce Bharat Tex 2026 as a platform where business, innovation, policy, and partnerships converge. This initiative aims to shape the future of India's textile and apparel industry while strengthening the country's position in global value chains.
