The South India Textile Research Association (SITRA) has proposed an ₹80 crore (US$9.6 million) green textile processing project aimed at helping India’s textile and apparel exporters meet evolving global sustainability requirements.
The proposal includes the establishment of a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Tiruppur, one of India’s largest garment manufacturing hubs, along with the strengthening of research and development facilities at SITRA’s headquarters in Coimbatore.
SITRA has sought financial assistance from both the Tamil Nadu Government and the Union Government to support the initiative.
The project focuses on developing sustainable textile processing technologies that reduce water and salt consumption, enabling manufacturers to comply with increasingly stringent environmental standards demanded by international buyers.
The institute has already developed saltless dyeing technology and is currently advancing research on waterless dyeing as part of its ongoing efforts to promote environmentally responsible textile manufacturing.
According to SITRA Director Prakash Vasudevan, the proposed Centre of Excellence will be developed on 2–3 acres and integrated with a Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP). Textile processing units connected to the CETP will gain access to advanced sustainable processing technologies developed through the centre.
The proposal has also received industry backing. During the Union Textile Minister’s recent visit to Tiruppur, Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) Chairman A. Sakthivel urged Textile Minister Giriraj Singh to extend government support to the project.
If approved, the initiative is expected to strengthen India’s capabilities in sustainable textile processing while supporting exporters in meeting global environmental compliance requirements.
