Sustainability and India’s ethical edge: Part 2
Innovations, standards, and the road ahead
ndia’s sustainability journey is a blend of tradition, ethics, and forward-thinking policies. From age-old craft traditions to cutting-edge green technologies, the country continues to balance heritage with innovation. Businesses and artisans alike are embracing eco-friendly materials, ethical sourcing, and fair trade principles. With growing global recognition, India is positioning itself as a leader in responsible production.
In Sustainability and India’s ethical edge: Part 1, we explored the country’s deep-rooted practices and regulatory commitments. Now, the focus shifts to innovation, modern recycling and upcycling techniques, globally recognized certifications, and the road ahead. Let’s dive into how these advancements are shaping a more responsible and resilient future.
Modern innovations in recycling and upcycling
In recent years, Indian companies and startups have embraced contemporary sustainable practices and cutting-edge technologies to drive sustainability across various sectors.
Contemporary recycling and upcycling
• Banofi Leather
Creates sustainable leather alternatives from banana crop waste, providing an eco-friendly and biodegradable option to traditional leather.
Also read: Green wave: The rise of plant-based materials and Banana craft: a wholesome Indian tradition
• Malai eco
Produces biocomposite materials from bacterial cellulose grown on agricultural waste, used in sustainable fashion and accessories.
• Fleather (by Phool)
Upcycles temple flower waste into leather alternatives, reducing waste and contributing to sustainable fashion.
Also read: Debunking myth: Eco leather vs faux leather
• Doodlage
Transforms industrial waste and discarded textiles into fashionable garments, promoting a zero-waste fashion approach.
Also read: The environmental impact of conventional vs. farm to fashion clothing
• The Retyrement Plan
Upcycles old tires and ropes into trendy furniture and home decor, merging sustainability with design.
Also read: Rethinking waste: Recycling vs. upcycling or both
Technological advancements
• Renewable energy
Growing adoption of solar and wind energy reduces reliance on fossil fuels, contributing to a greener energy mix.
• Waste-to-energy plants
Converts waste into usable energy, reducing landfill use and greenhouse gas emissions.
• Precision farming
Utilizes drones and IoT devices to monitor crop health, soil conditions, and water usage, making agriculture more efficient and sustainable.
Green technology
• Renewable energy innovations
Increasing use of solar and wind power to reduce carbon footprint and promote sustainable energy practices.
• Waste management
Technologies like waste-to-energy and waste-to-compost are transforming waste into valuable resources, minimizing environmental impact.
• Sustainable agriculture
Precision farming technologies enable resource optimization, reduce environmental impact, and improve crop yields.
Startups and innovations
India has seen a surge in innovative recycling and upcycling initiatives that are making a significant impact on sustainability. Here are some noteworthy examples:
• Ecozen
Provides solar-powered cold storage solutions for farmers, reducing post-harvest losses and enhancing food security.
• Chakr Innovation
Develops devices that capture particulate emissions from diesel generators and convert them into ink, reducing air pollution.
• Gegadyne Energy
Works on non-lithium-based battery technology, offering faster charging times and longer battery life, supporting sustainable energy storage solutions.
• Trash to Treasure
This startup recycles plastic bottles and packaging to create fabric. They process around 10 tonnes of plastic daily, transforming it into materials used for clothing.
Also read: The causes & dangers of over-production
• EcoKaari
EcoKaari collects and transforms trash, such as plastic bags and food wrappers, into handcrafted items like tote bags and wallets. They use traditional tools like the charkha, promoting slow fashion and traditional craftsmanship.
• Akshar School
Students bring plastic waste to school instead of paying fees. The collected plastic is recycled into eco-bricks, which are then used for various construction projects.
• Lingchom Secondary School
Students collect plastic bottles and other waste from nearby villages and repurpose them into useful items. This initiative not only cleans the environment but also educates students about sustainability.
• Goonj
Goonj focuses on recycling urban waste into useful products. They collect discarded clothes and other materials, transforming them into items like school bags, sanitary pads, and quilts for rural communities.
• Khaloom
Khaloom produces handwoven fabrics from recycled yarns. They work with local weavers to create sustainable textiles, reducing waste and supporting traditional crafts.
• Rimagined
Rimagined upcycles waste materials like denim, wood, and glass into home decor and fashion accessories. Their products are handcrafted by artisans, promoting both sustainability and traditional skills.
These innovations demonstrate how Indian companies and startups are contributing to a more sustainable future through a blend of traditional practices and modern technology.
Certifications and standards
Certifications play a crucial role in ensuring that companies adhere to sustainable practices and meet international standards. Here are some key certifications relevant to sustainability in India, along with statistics on their adoption:
Environmental certifications
• ISO 14001
This international standard specifies requirements for an effective environmental management system (EMS). It helps organizations improve their environmental performance through the efficient use of resources and the reduction of waste.
• GreenPro Certification
Offered by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), this certification assesses the sustainability of products and services. It covers various categories, including building materials, construction products, and consumer goods.
• Ecomark
A certification mark issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for products that meet specific environmental criteria. It aims to increase consumer awareness and promote environmentally friendly products.
Social and ethical certifications
• Fair Trade in India
This certification ensures that products are made according to fair trade standards, which include fair wages, safe working conditions, and sustainable practices. In India, there are over 200 Fair Trade certified organizations.
• SA8000
A social certification standard for decent workplaces, developed by Social Accountability International (SAI). It covers areas such as child labor, forced labor, health and safety, and fair remuneration.
• Craftmark Certification
Issued by the All India Artisans and Craftworkers Welfare Association (AIACA), this certification authenticates genuine Indian handicrafts and ensures fair wages, safe working conditions, and sustainable practices. Over 150 craft enterprises in India are Craftmark certified.
Also read: How to justify the price tag of handmade products
Industry-specific certifications
• LEED Certification
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a globally recognized green building certification system. It provides a framework for healthy, efficient, and cost-saving green buildings.
• GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)
Ensures the organic status of textiles from the harvesting of raw materials through environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing up to labeling. India has over 2,000 GOTS-certified facilities, making it one of the leading countries in organic textile production.
• FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) Certification
Ensures that products come from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social, and economic benefits.
Renewable energy certifications
• REC (Renewable Energy Certificate)
A market-based instrument certifying that the bearer owns one megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity generated from a renewable energy resource. It helps promote the use of renewable energy sources.
• GreenCo Rating
Developed by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), this rating system evaluates the environmental performance of companies and their products. It covers areas such as energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste management.
Geographical Indications (GI) tags
Geographical Indications (GI) tags are used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation due to that origin. As of 2024, India has 643 registered GI tags. Some notable examples include:
• Darjeeling Tea
The first product to receive a GI tag in India, known for its unique flavor and quality.
• Pochampalli Ikat
A traditional handwoven fabric from Telangana.
• Mysore Silk
Renowned for its quality and craftsmanship from Karnataka.
• Kullu Shawl
A handwoven shawl from Himachal Pradesh, known for its intricate designs.
These certifications and GI tags help companies demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and provide assurance to consumers and stakeholders about their environmental and social practices. They also encourage continuous improvement and innovation in sustainable practices.
Impact of certifications
Certifications and standards play a transformative role in shaping sustainable practices across industries in India. By adhering to these certifications, companies not only ensure compliance with global environmental and ethical standards but also drive substantial change in production processes.
Certified products gain better market access, particularly in regions where consumers demand higher transparency and ethical production. Additionally, certifications foster consumer trust and brand loyalty while pushing businesses to continuously innovate and adopt more sustainable methods. Ultimately, these certifications contribute to the larger goal of reducing environmental impact, improving social conditions, and promoting economic sustainability in India and beyond.
The future of sustainability in India
India stands at the cusp of a transformative journey toward sustainability, driven by emerging trends and robust initiatives. The government’s commitment to green policies, like the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, sets a strong foundation for a greener future. With ambitious goals such as achieving 450 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, India’s focus on sustainable development is clear.
Technological advancements continue to play a pivotal role, with innovations in renewable energy, smart grids, and energy storage solutions making sustainability more accessible and cost-effective. The rise in consumer awareness is also notable, with a significant shift toward eco-friendly products and services, reflecting the growing demand for sustainability.
The concept of a circular economy is gaining momentum, with Indian companies increasingly adopting recycling and upcycling practices to reduce environmental impact. In agriculture, sustainable practices like precision and organic farming are on the rise, contributing to resource conservation and improved yields.
Also read: Understanding circular economy initiatives
India’s rich heritage of traditional crafts, combined with an innovative spirit and a skilled workforce, positions the country as a leading sustainable sourcing destination. The growing market for sustainable products further underscores India’s potential as a global player in sustainability.
Conclusion
As we move forward, the collective efforts of governments, businesses, and consumers will be crucial in advancing these initiatives. By continuing to invest in green technologies and promoting sustainable practices, India can lead the way in global sustainability and set an inspiring example for the rest of the world. Join the movement toward sustainability in India and embrace India’s ethical edge with Qalara. Source responsibly with certified, eco-friendly, and ethically crafted lifestyle and decor products. Be part of a greener future while ensuring quality and authenticity.
~ Written by Utkarsha Rai
Leave a Reply