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Sustainability & Recycling

Giriraj Singh Launches Carbon Footprint Assessment Book for Handloom Sector

• By  Textile Excellence
• August 07, 2025

Union Minister of Textiles Giriraj Singh launched a new book titled Carbon Footprint Assessment in the Indian Handloom Sector: Methods and Case Studies on August 6, 2025. Jointly prepared by the Office of the Development Commissioner for Handlooms and the Department of Textiles and Fibre Engineering, IIT Delhi, the book provides simplified methodologies to measure and reduce the carbon footprint in handloom production using real-world case studies.

The Indian handloom sector employs over 35 lakh individuals, including more than 25 lakh women, making it a crucial contributor to rural livelihoods and women’s economic empowerment. The sector’s eco-friendly nature, low energy dependence, and flexibility in small-batch production align strongly with India’s sustainability goals.

This new publication offers practical tools and techniques for low-cost data collection and carbon emission tracking, tailored specifically for iconic handloom products such as Ikat sarees, Banarasi sarees, floor mats, and cotton bedsheets. It draws from extensive research and collaboration with IIT Delhi, weaver groups, Weavers’ Service Centres, Indian Institute of Handloom Technology, and Greenstitch Private Limited.

The book also aligns global climate reporting frameworks to India’s unique handloom ecosystem, setting a roadmap for climate-conscious innovation in traditional crafts. The Ministry has encouraged all stakeholders to adopt these methods to make the textile sector greener and more resilient.

This new publication offers practical tools and techniques for low-cost data collection and carbon emission tracking, tailored specifically for iconic handloom products such as Ikat sarees, Banarasi sarees, floor mats, and cotton bedsheets. It draws from extensive research and collaboration with IIT Delhi, weaver groups, Weavers’ Service Centres, Indian Institute of Handloom Technology, and Greenstitch Private Limited.