Tex-Eco Initiative: future-proofing Indian textile and garment exporters for global ESG compliance
India’s Tex-Eco Initiative is aiming for global compliance. AI-generated image for illustration purposes. Credits: FashionUnited India's Union Budget 2026-27, revealed earlier this week, outlines strategic shifts for the textile and garment industry to enhance its global supply chain role, focusing on value, sustainability and technology. The Tex-Eco Initiative was unveiled as one of the “ Integrated Programme for Textiles "' pillars: It is designed to align Indian textile manufacturing with stringent global ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards. Its primary goal is to ensure that “Made in India” apparel is compliant with the upcoming 2026-2030 regulations in the EU and North America, and that Indian exporters — especially MSMEs — are not locked out of any of these markets due to non-compliance. Thus, the government is essentially future-proofing India's second-largest employment sector. FashionUnited has taken a closer look and put together the details in five key areas regarding the Tex-Eco Initiative’s sustainability requirements and operational focus: 1.