Chemical dyes used in the region’s conventional textile factories have adverse health effects on workers, including skin diseases. The chemicals also often end up polluting rivers. The issue is being exacerbated by global demand for fast fashion—cheaply made clothing that is often thrown away before too extensive use.
One dye house, Colours of Nature, uses natural colorants made from plants. These products have traditionally ended up in small, high-end boutiques, but increasingly larger retailers, such as Target, are stocking clothing made from sustainable textiles. The higher cost is a barrier to wider adoption, however. T-shirts made from such fabrics can start at $40. Market participants hope the higher price will encourage consumers to consider the full human and environmental impact of their purchases and use the garment longer.
India is the second-largest manufacturer of textiles globally, behind China. The industry employs over 35 million people in the developing country.