Fairtrade NAPP recently participated in Bharat Tex 2025, India’s largest global textile trade fair, held in New Delhi. The event served as a dynamic platform for NAPP to showcase the power of ethical production, sustainability, and smallholder empowerment in the textile industry.

The Fairtrade NAPP delegation was led by:

• Prabhakar Meher – Board Chair, Fairtrade NAPP & Director, Pratima Agro Pvt. Ltd.
• Subhra Prakash Tudu – Regional General Manager, South Asia – Fairtrade NAPP
• Sayali Rajendra Mahadik – Deputy Manager – Fairtrade NAPP & Cotton Lead

They were joined by Fairtrade-certified producer representatives sponsored by Fairtrade India – Switch Asia Funds:

• Bhaleri Kant Pati – Creative Fabrics
• Kishore Ramani – PAPL
• Farmer Representative – Anandhi Texstyles Pvt. Ltd. / Anandi Farmers Association

Also present was the Fairtrade India team, led by Abhishek Jani, CEO, along with representatives from Fairtrade certified Textile Standard Operators such as SAGS Apparel, and Paramount Textile Mills. In addition, several Fairtrade certified textile traders participated with their stalls, engaging directly with visitors and global buyers.

About Bharat Tex 2025

Organised by the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, in partnership with 12 Indian Export Promotion Councils (EPCs), Bharat Tex 2025 aimed to position India as a global textile powerhouse. Building on the success of the 2024 edition, the event showcased over 5,000 exhibitors, welcomed 6,000 overseas buyers from more than 110 countries, and attracted over 120,000 visitors, including policymakers, CEOs, designers, and artisans. It aligned with the Prime Minister’s 5F Vision – Farm to Fibre, Fibre to Factory, Factory to Fashion, Fashion to Foreign – celebrating India’s textile heritage and promoting innovation and sustainability.

Fairtrade NAPP's Key Objectives at the Event

• Global Representation: To highlight Fairtrade’s presence and impact within India’s evolving textile landscape.
• Market Visibility: To create awareness about Fairtrade standards, especially in organic and sustainable cotton sourcing.
• Knowledge Exchange: To understand emerging trends, buyer demands, sustainability innovations, and industry challenges.
• Stakeholder Engagement: To network with stakeholders across the textile supply chain and explore collaborative opportunities

Key Takeaways and Outcomes

The event featured 70 sessions, including 13 on sustainability, and launched initiatives like IndiaTex and the Textile Grand Innovation Challenge. Fairtrade NAPP engaged with spinning mills, dyers, weavers, CMT units, and home textile and handloom exhibitors. The team received inquiries from prospective partners such as Radheshyam Cottex, C.K. Industries, and Ecopal regarding Fairtrade certification. Supply chain consultations were also held with certified traders like Sulochana Spinning Mills, Armstrong Spinning Mills, SAGS Apparel, and Paramount Textiles along with an exploratory discussion with Sattva Consulting on sustainable energy models and logistics solutions to reduce supply chain emissions.

Insights gained from the fair revealed a growing global interest in alternative plant-based fibers like bamboo, jute, flax, and ramie. Seamless clothing, especially in sportswear and knitwear, emerged as a rising trend. Textile recycling stood out as a key area of innovation, reinforcing sustainability and circular economy goals. NAPP representatives also networked with key stakeholders, including Sutlej Textiles and Primark, who expressed interest in sourcing Fairtrade Organic Cotton. Constructive dialogue with Mrs. Prajakta Verma, IAS – Joint Secretary, Fiber Division, Ministry of Textiles – highlighted challenges in implementing sustainability standards and industry readiness. Additionally, interactions with state departments, research organizations, and commercial partners emphasized the increasing buyer focus on sustainability certifications, traceability, and environmental impact communication.

Looking Ahead

Overall, Bharat Tex 2025 served as a vital platform for Fairtrade NAPP to amplify the voices of smallholder textile producers, build strategic connections, and showcase the importance of ethical and sustainable sourcing practices in a rapidly evolving global textile market. The event opened new avenues for collaboration, highlighted the strategic relevance of Fairtrade in global textile value chains, and laid the groundwork for deeper market integration through transparency, sustainability, and impact.