Arvind Mills - Sustainable Textiles from India for Garment Manufacturing
Updated: Aug 27
Summary:
Looking for sustainable fabric suppliers in India? Arvind Mills is leading the way with eco-friendly fabrics for fashion brands, using less water, cutting carbon emissions, and promoting recycling. Partnered with NoName, a top sustainable clothing manufacturer in India, they’re making fashion greener, smarter, and better for the planet.
Introduction:
The fashion industry accounts for around 10% of global carbon emissions, using more energy than aviation and shipping combined. As environmental concerns grow, so does the demand for sustainable fashion, pushing brands to adopt eco-friendly fabrics and ethical sourcing practices.
But without a steady supply of organic, traceable, and sustainable materials, it’s tough for brands to make real change.
That’s where Arvind Mills, a leading sustainable textile supplier in India, makes a difference.
With decades of innovation, Arvind focuses on garment manufacturing fabrics that prioritize environmental responsibility.
Its approach includes:
Reducing carbon emissions
Conserving water
Using renewable energy
Promoting social impact
In this blog, we explore how eco-friendly fabrics for fashion brands from India, especially from Arvind, are helping the industry shift toward cleaner, greener manufacturing practices.
Sustainable Practices by Arvind Mills
The following are the sustainable practices by Arvind Mills:
1. Water Efficiency:
Water is a precious resource, and its conservation is paramount in sustainable manufacturing practices.
Arvind Mills recognizes this and has implemented various measures to enhance water efficiency across its operations.
Retrofitting Water Taps and Faucets:
One key initiative is retrofitting water taps and faucets with water-saving aerators.
These aerators regulate and reduce water flow without compromising user experience.
Arvind Mills has reduced water flow rates from 11-12 liters per minute to 4 liters per minute.
This simple intervention is expected to save approximately 2500–3000 KL of water annually.
Collaboration for Improved Water Efficiency:
Arvind Mills understands that improving water efficiency requires collaboration throughout the supply chain.
As part of its sustainability commitment, it works with vendor partners to improve water efficiency in manufacturing.
By working closely with these partners, Arvind Mills aims to:
Identify innovative solutions
Minimize water consumption
Maintain product quality
Maintain production efficiency
This collaborative approach helps create a culture of sustainability. It also ensures that water resources are used responsibly and efficiently.
2. Minimizing Waste:
Textile waste is a significant environmental concern. Tons of discarded fabric end up in landfills each year.
Arvind Mills recognizes the importance of minimizing waste. It is actively pursuing strategies to reduce, recycle, and reuse textile waste throughout its value chain.
Recycling Cutting and Reject Waste:
Arvind Mills is committed to recycling cutting and reject waste generated during manufacturing.
Efficient waste management practices help minimize the amount of textile waste sent to landfills.
Through recycling technologies and processes, these waste materials can be repurposed into new products or materials.
This helps reduce their environmental impact.
Unlimited Campaign for Garment Recycling:
To raise awareness about textile waste, Arvind Mills launched the Unlimited campaign.
The initiative encouraged customers to bring their old and unused garments for recycling.
The campaign collected:
5,700 garments
Approximately 1.3 tonnes of clothing
These garments are being evaluated for their potential to be reused or recycled.
This further highlights Arvind Mills' commitment to sustainable practices.
Transforming Waste into a Resource:
Arvind Mills views waste as a valuable resource rather than a burden.
It has implemented measures to improve recyclability across its facilities.
This includes:
Optimizing processes to minimize waste generation
Maximizing the reuse of materials
Increasing recycling at every stage of the textile process
From empty chemical carboys to comber noil generated during spinning, Arvind Mills is dedicated to measuring, assessing, and minimizing waste creation.
3. Environment Management Systems:
Arvind Mills has established robust Environment Management Systems (EMS) as part of its commitment to sustainability and responsible operations.
These systems are aligned with its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) policy.
They ensure that environmental considerations are integrated into its manufacturing facilities.
Implementation of ISO14001 Standard:
Arvind Mills adheres to the ISO14001 standard for environment management.
The standard provides a framework for addressing environmental impacts.
It covers:
Water management
Energy management
Waste management
Air quality management
By implementing ISO14001, Arvind Mills demonstrates its commitment to internationally recognized environmental standards and reducing its environmental footprint.
Verification and Third-Party Audits:
To maintain the integrity of its EMS, Arvind Mills undergoes rigorous verification and third-party audits.
These audits:
Are conducted by specialized verification companies
Assess the effectiveness of the EMS
Verify adherence to ISO14001 standards
External scrutiny helps demonstrate transparency and accountability in environmental performance.
Continuous Improvement and Environmental Performance:
Arvind Mills is dedicated to continuously improving its EMS.
It regularly reviews its environmental performance by:
Monitoring key performance indicators
Evaluating environmental performance
Identifying areas for improvement
Striving for excellence in environmental management
This helps Arvind Mills minimize its environmental impact and maximize its sustainability efforts.
4. Decarbonization and Climate Change:
With increasing climate change risks, Arvind Mills is focusing on decarbonization as a key part of a sustainable future.
Its approach includes both mitigation and adaptation strategies.
The goal is to:
Reduce its carbon footprint
Build resilience against climate-related challenges
Understand potential climate risks
Develop appropriate adaptation plans
Understanding Climate Change Risks:
Climate change can affect:
Lives and livelihoods
Ecosystems
Economic activity
Social conditions
Arvind Mills conducted a qualitative analysis of physical and transition scenarios to proactively manage these risks.
By evaluating its resilience to climate change, Arvind Mills can better understand potential impacts and develop localized adaptation plans.
Physical Climate Risk Adaptation Plan:
As a key player in the textile industry, Arvind Mills faces risks related to:
Raw materials
Water use
Energy efficiency
To address these challenges, Arvind Mills is strengthening its sustainable raw material portfolio.
It directly sources sustainable cotton from farmers practicing:
BCI agriculture
Organic agriculture
Regenerative agriculture
By prioritizing sustainable sourcing, Arvind Mills reduces its environmental impact and builds resilience against climate-related risks.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction:
Arvind Mills is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius.
Its initiatives include:
Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi)
Ambitious targets to reduce its carbon footprint
Development of low-carbon products
These low-carbon products also enable customers to reduce their Scope 3 emissions.
Avoided Emissions and Sustainable Sourcing:
A significant portion of Arvind Mills' emissions is covered in the Scope 3 emissions of its customers.
To reduce these emissions, Arvind Mills is:
Increasing its sourcing of renewable electricity
Incorporating organic cotton
Using BCI cotton
Developing more sustainable products
Through external Life Cycle Assessments, Arvind Mills quantifies the environmental benefits of sustainable sourcing.
5. Circular Fashion:
At the core of Arvind's business philosophy is the commitment to designing products in a fundamentally sustainable manner.
Through circular fashion, Arvind Mills integrates sustainability throughout the product lifecycle.
This includes:
Sourcing raw materials
Product development
Manufacturing
Product use
Recycling
Integration of Sustainability Throughout the Product Lifecycle:
Arvind Mills' approach to circular fashion goes beyond production processes.
It takes a holistic view of sustainability across the entire product lifecycle.
By prioritizing material issues and sustainability, Arvind Mills ensures that its operations reflect a commitment to:
Environmental responsibility
Ethical practices
Sustainable product development
Initiatives for Low Carbon Products:
As part of its Circular Fashion Initiatives, Arvind Mills is taking proactive steps to design low-carbon products.
These initiatives include:
Using Recycled Materials: Arvind Mills incorporates recycled cotton, polyester, and nylon into its products. This reduces the demand for virgin resources and supports more sustainable production.
Sourcing Sustainable Materials: Cotton is a key raw material for Arvind Mills. The company has invested in promoting regenerative, organic, and Better Cotton agriculture. It also uses sustainable materials such as Tencel and Hemp.
Integration of Renewables: Arvind Mills has integrated renewable energy sources into its electricity mix. This includes solar rooftop and wind-solar hybrid systems. These initiatives reduce reliance on fossil fuels and help lower carbon emissions.
Through these initiatives, Arvind Mills demonstrates its commitment to circular fashion and a more sustainable future.
By prioritizing recycled materials, sustainable sourcing, and renewable energy, Arvind Mills is helping create a fashion industry that is environmentally conscious and socially responsible.
6. Biodiversity and Fibre:
The textile industry's impact on biodiversity often receives less attention than its impact on climate change.
Textile production can affect:
Ecosystems
Soil health
Water quality
Natural resources
Arvind Mills recognizes the importance of protecting biodiversity and has implemented measures to address these impacts.
Biodiversity Risk Assessment:
Arvind Mills conducted a comprehensive biodiversity risk assessment.
The assessment evaluated the impact of its operations and value chain on biodiversity.
It identified key risks and dependencies.
The findings help guide strategies for mitigating negative impacts and promoting biodiversity conservation.
By adopting the AR3T framework, Arvind Mills has developed targeted actions to address biodiversity-related risks.
These include:
Transitioning to deforestation-free supply chains
Promoting regenerative agriculture
Advocating for biodiversity criteria in certification standards
Fibre Sustainability Initiatives:
Arvind Mills recognizes the importance of a transparent and traceable supply of fibers.
Its sustainable fibre initiatives focus on:
Improving traceability
Improving quality
Minimizing environmental impact
These initiatives include:
Sustainable Cotton Supply Chain: Arvind Mills is committed to creating a sustainable cotton supply chain, from farms to fabric production. It sources cotton from farms using organic and regenerative agricultural practices.
Reducing Dependence on Virgin Material: Arvind Mills is reducing its dependence on virgin materials by incorporating recycled fibres and recycling post-industrial waste. This diverts waste from landfills and supports the circular economy.
Exploring Alternate Natural Fibres: Arvind Mills is exploring alternate natural fibers as sustainable alternatives. This helps diversify its fibre portfolio and reduce reliance on resource-intensive materials.
Through these initiatives, Arvind Mills addresses the textile industry's impact on biodiversity while promoting sustainability across its supply chain.
By prioritizing biodiversity risk assessment, sustainable fibre sourcing, and water stewardship, Arvind Mills sets a precedent for environmentally responsible textile production.
7. Chemical Management:
Textile manufacturing involves extensive use of chemicals.
These are important for processes such as:
Dyeing
Finishing
Fabric treatment
However, improper use and disposal can harm the environment and human health.
Arvind Mills recognizes the importance of responsible chemical management. It has adopted a lifecycle approach to ensure the safe and sustainable use of chemicals.
Commitment to Safer Chemistry Frameworks:
Arvind Mills is committed to safer chemistry frameworks and eliminating hazardous chemicals from its production processes.
Key initiatives include:
Compliance with ZDHC MRSL: On average, 99% of the chemicals used in Arvind Mills' manufacturing facilities comply with the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL).
Pioneering Role in ZDHC Programme: Arvind Mills became the first textile mill globally to join the ZDHC programme in 2016. The programme aims to eliminate hazardous chemicals from the textile and footwear supply chain.
Eliminating Hazardous Chemicals: The company follows safer chemistry frameworks to systematically eliminate hazardous chemicals from its processes. This helps minimize environmental impact and improve product safety.
Innovative Chemical Solutions:
Arvind Mills is also adopting innovative solutions to improve chemical management.
Some notable initiatives include:
Biobased Materials: Arvind Mills has developed denim products using minimal synthetic chemicals. These products incorporate biobased materials instead of synthetic indigo dye, pre-wetting chemicals, and auxiliaries.
Bio Black Pigment: In collaboration with Levi's Well Thread products, Arvind Mills introduced Bio Black, a sustainable black pigment derived from wood waste. It is used for printing and coating on white and natural indigo bases.
These innovations reduce environmental impact and respond to growing consumer demand for sustainable products.
Lifecycle Approach to Chemical Management:
Arvind Mills' lifecycle approach evaluates the environmental and health impacts of chemicals from sourcing to final disposal.
This comprehensive strategy ensures that every stage of the chemical lifecycle is reviewed for potential improvements.
By doing so, Arvind Mills can:
Minimize the ecological footprint of its products
Identify opportunities for innovation
Improve chemical safety
Contribute to a healthier environment
Sustainable Clothing Manufacturer in India
As a leading sustainable clothing manufacturer in India NoName partners with Arvind mills, to use their innovative textile products when manufacturing garments for fashion brands worldwide, playing a significant role in advancing the country's sustainability efforts.
Dedicated to promoting sustainable practices in clothes manufacturing, NoName Clothing sets the benchmark for ethical and environmentally conscious fashion.
The company uses eco-friendly materials throughout its manufacturing processes, ensuring minimal environmental impact and maximum resource efficiency.
By integrating sustainability into every aspect of their operations, NoName Clothing not only reduces its carbon footprint but also inspires other fashion brands to follow suit.
Their commitment to sustainable practices in clothes manufacturing has positioned them as a pioneer in the Indian fashion industry, demonstrating that style and sustainability can go hand in hand.
Through innovative approaches and a steadfast dedication to the environment, NoName Clothing continues to lead the charge toward a more sustainable future, setting an exemplary standard for others to emulate.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Arvind Mills exemplifies a deep commitment to sustainable practices in the fashion industry.
Through water efficiency, waste minimization, robust environmental management systems, climate change adaptation, circular fashion, biodiversity initiatives, and innovative chemical management, Arvind Mills sets a high standard for sustainability.
Their comprehensive approach not only mitigates environmental impact but also fosters a culture of responsibility and innovation.
For those seeking to support and embrace sustainability in fashion, NoName Clothing is a leading sustainable clothing manufacturer in India.
Their dedication to eco-friendly materials and sustainable practices in clothes manufacturing ensures that fashion can be both stylish and environmentally responsible.
By choosing NoName Clothing, you contribute to a greener future and support a brand that prioritizes the planet. Embrace sustainable fashion with NoName Clothing and be part of the change towards a more sustainable world.
FAQs
What makes Arvind Mills sustainable?
Arvind Mills uses organic cotton, eco-friendly dyes, and water-saving technologies. Their sustainable textile practices make them a top choice in India’s green fashion movement.
Is Arvind Mills a good supplier for fashion brands?
Yes, Arvind Mills is one of India’s most trusted textile suppliers, known for high-quality sustainable fabrics ideal for fashion brands focusing on ethical production.
Where to buy eco-friendly fabrics in India?
Along with Arvind Mills, NoName is a leading clothing manufacturer in India, offering sustainable textile sourcing, fabric innovation, and ethical manufacturing solutions.
WhatsApp: +91-9717 508 508
Email: hello@nonameglobal.com
Website: www.nonameglobal.com
Online meeting: https://calendly.com/nonameglobal/meet
About the Author
This blog is written by Shraddha Srivastava, a fashion expert and industry observer known for breaking down complex trends into practical, actionable insights. With a strong understanding of garment manufacturing, retail, consumer psychology, and brand strategy, she also brings hands-on knowledge of apparel import–export processes, global compliance, and cross-border sourcing. Shraddha helps fashion brands navigate sourcing, imports, and market expansion, making growth simple, scalable, and data-driven.
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