A panel discussion hosted by Canopy at Lakmé Fashion Week highlights India’s potential in the global fashion industry’s shift towards sustainable materials.
An exclusive panel discussion focusing on the pivotal role of Indian fashion designers and businesses in advancing Next Gen material innovation and circular fashion was convened by Canopy, a solutions-driven environmental not-for-profit organization. This event took place in collaboration with Lakmé Fashion Week and the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI).
Next Gen Solutions refer to alternatives that replace traditional wood-based paper and textiles, utilizing materials that would otherwise be incinerated or disposed of in landfills. These innovative approaches are designed to create sustainable supply chains for the fashion industry, enhance the livelihoods of farmers and textile collectors, and contribute to forest conservation efforts.
The discourse was moderated by writer Namrata Zakaria and featured a distinguished panel that included Nicole Rycroft, the Executive Director of Canopy; celebrated Indian fashion designer Amit Aggarwal; sustainable fashion advocate Urvashi Kaur; and Sara Sozzani Maino, the former Head of Vogue Talent and Creative Director at Fondazione Sozzani.
During the discussion, the panelists underscored India’s significant potential to lead the global fashion industry’s transition toward the use of more circular materials. They emphasized India’s rich textile heritage, robust entrepreneurial spirit, technical capabilities, and the availability of textile and agricultural waste as key factors supporting this transformative shift. The panel highlighted how Indian designers are successfully marrying high-style aesthetics with low-impact textiles by integrating innovative Next Gen materials with time-honored production methods.
In addition to acknowledging India’s unique strengths, the discussion also called for enhanced transparency and collaboration throughout the fashion value chain. Canopy’s role in connecting designers and brands with innovative, forest-free alternatives was an important theme of the event.
Nicole Rycroft, the Founder and Executive Director of Canopy, articulated the opportunity that lies ahead for India, stating, “India has a great chance to be an early production hub of Next Gen materials for the global fashion industry as well as for its designers and brands to set the pace for sustainability.” This statement encapsulates the aspirations for India to become a frontrunner in sustainable fashion practices on an international stage.
Source: Noah Wire Services
