Reviving Indian Handlooms: Birla Cellulose’s sustainable drive
09 August 2024, Mumbai
The Indian handloom industry, with its rich heritage, is facing significant challenges, including competition from synthetic fibers, limited investment, and a decline in the weaver community as younger generations seek more stable incomes. Despite government efforts to support this sector, more is needed to preserve its cultural significance.
Birla Cellulose, part of the Aditya Birla Group, has stepped in with an initiative to revitalize this struggling industry. Partnering with regional stakeholders, they are introducing weavers to sustainable fibers like Viscose, Modal, and Excel. These alternatives offer stability against price fluctuations and preserve the luxurious feel of traditional materials like silk.
Their Liva brand plays a crucial role, enhancing the Indian textile value chain by ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality yarn. Through seminars and hub meetings, Birla Cellulose prepares weavers for future demands, aligning with the "Make in India" vision. The initiative also supports projects like developing Ikat using Excel yarn in Odisha, dyed with natural organic colors.
Birla Cellulose’s efforts have already trained 5,000 weavers across seven states, supplying around 15 lakh kilograms of yarn annually. Their mission is to support the revival of India’s handloom industry by promoting sustainable, biodegradable fibers, ensuring the industry’s future while advancing environmental sustainability.
