1Both authors are affiliated to Department of Fibres and Textile Processing Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, India
This study evaluates the environmental implications and decarbonization potential of biomass fuel utilization within the Indian textile industry through a structured literature-based analytical review. It examines energy consumption patterns, greenhouse gas emissions, biomass resource availability, technology-specific barriers, and emerging renewable energy alternatives including solar thermal systems and industrial electrification pathways.
The analysis integrates published literature, Indian textile sector statistics, and a comparative assessment of biomass technologies to evaluate their sustainability performance. Findings indicate that the Indian textile industry remains highly dependent on fossil fuels for thermal energy and electricity generation, contributing significantly to industrial carbon emissions. Biomass-based thermal systems provide an opportunity to reduce fossil fuel dependence, particularly through the utilization of agricultural residues and textile biowaste. However, challenges related to sustainable sourcing, logistics, moisture variability, air emissions, and lifecycle carbon accounting limit their large-scale implementation.
The study further highlights that solar thermal systems and electrification pathways offer complementary low-carbon alternatives with lower operational emissions. Policy support, improved biomass supply-chain management, technology modernization, and integrated circular-economy strategies are essential for achieving sustainable industrial decarbonization in the textile sector.
Biomass Energy, Textile Industry, Industrial Decarbonization, Circular Economy, Renewable Energy, Solar Thermal Systems, Carbon Emissions
