Abstract

This study seeks to understand the sustainability-related risks and opportunities in the Indian fashion designer wear sector. With this understanding, companies can focus on enhancing sustainability in the material focus areas. Analyzing sustainability reporting frameworks and literature on sustainable fashion design strategies used in the Indian fashion industry and international market helped identify material issues for the apparel sector. This analysis informed in-depth interviews conducted with seven firms. In vivo coding revealed themes that formed the basis of a coding schedule to conduct content analysis of 141 firm websites. Data triangulation created a list of areas of material focus: waste, water, and energy management; circularity; chemicals and materials used; biodiversity conservation; communication of sustainability practices to stakeholders; ethical labor conditions; climate risk mitigation; investment into sustainability practices; consumer behavior; local craft and artisans, culture; product design, production processes, packaging, distribution, and after-sales support. The research proposed a materiality assessment framework for the Indian fashion designer wear sector.