Intellecap CAIF Advances Sustainability in Perundurai Textile Cluster under EU SWITCH-Asia Programme
Intellecap CAIF’s advances Sustainability Practices in the Perundurai Textile Cluster, under the EU SWITCH-Asia Programme, in collaboration with Perundurai SIPCOT Textile Processors Association
Mumbai, 26th August, 2025: Intellecap’s Circular Apparel Innovation Factory (CAIF) are pleased announce the launch of EU SWITCH-Asia program “Catalysing the Green Transition of India’s Textile Sector” in the Perundurai textile cluster, in collaboration with the Perundurai SIPCOT Textile Processors Association (PSTPA). The program is part of a broader initiative, a 3.5-year program, in partnership with the H&M Group which aims to build a structured and scalable approach to decarbonizing suppliers across key textile clusters and brand-linked supply chains in India. The program is designed to accelerate sustainability and decarbonization practices in India’s leading textile clusters and to empower SMEs with the knowledge, tools, and resources needed to meet global sustainability standards and strengthen export competitiveness in international markets.
The event was held at Hotel Turmeric, Erode, and had over 70 participants representing 34 units from the cluster. The event brought together local manufacturers, sustainability teams from international brands such as H&M, financing institutions such as SIDBI & BII and government officials. The program launch featured interactive panel discussions, technical training, and inspiring insights from Industry Leaders. The launch was followed by technical training on GHG inventorisation and energy management including case study presentations from local manufacturing units.
Perundurai is one of India’s leading textile processing hubs, home to a high concentration of dyeing and printing units that are integral to both domestic and global textile supply chains. As the cluster looks to strengthen its competitiveness and reduce environmental impact, key transition goals include shifting from coal to biomass-based fuels, improving energy and water efficiency, and adopting sustainable wastewater and chemical management practices.
Siddharth Lulla, Partner, Intellecap who introduced the decarbonization program and how it is customized to the needs of the SMEs said, “Our decarbonization program is designed to meet the unique realities of SMEs in the Perundurai cluster—by tailoring low-carbon solutions that are not just viable, but scalable. We’re not asking them to leap into sustainability; we’re building a bridge that fits their pace, their context, and their ambition. It reaffirms Intellecap CAIF’s commitment to contextualized, ecosystem-driven sustainability efforts, under the EU SWITCH-Asia Programme”
Noted leaders from PSTPA such as Suresh Manoharan shared insights around cluster’s priorities regarding green transition, while Brajesh Chaudhary, Program Specialist- Sustainability at H&M shed light on the role of evolving brand mandates and policies around sustainability. A Arumugam, GM-Processing, BKS Textiles and M Govindasamy, Senior Manager, Arthanari Loom Centre presented case studies of successful sustainability interventions at their units. Ankit Gupta, Partner, Intellecap, SIDBI Erode (Kaushlendra Kumar, Manager), British International Investment (Deepak Kumar, Executive) shed light on various options of green financing available for enabling the transition.
This initiative marks a significant step forward for the Perundurai textile cluster, reinforcing its role as a major dyeing hub in the Tirupur and Karur export value chains. The cluster is already undertaking a feasibility study for a common biomass briquetting plant to phase out coal from operations, which marks the first step towards branding Perundurai as India’s sustainable dyeing hub.
By aligning with global climate goals and emerging buyer expectations, the program by Intellecap’s Circular Apparel Innovation Factory (CAIF) is set to not only strengthen environmental compliance but also enhance the competitiveness and resilience of SMEs in the region.