How Kariwala Industries is championing sustainability and women's empowerment

What do Zara, M&S, Tesco, L’Oreal, Kate Spade New York, Morrisons, and at least another 490 companies have in common? All their garments, bags, and employee workwear are sourced from Kolkata-headquartered Kariwala Industries, one of Asia’s largest textile exporters.

Established in 1989 as a humble family-run enterprise, Kariwala Industries has evolved into a prominent Indian textile manufacturer and exporter, with an emphasis on high-quality workwear and eco-friendly products. The company initially concentrated on selling work garments, but over the decades, it broadened its range to encompass industrial workwear, corporate uniforms, personal protective clothing, eco-friendly bags, and sustainable accessories that cater to diverse consumer needs.

Kariwala Industries sets itself apart through its unwavering commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. It complies with rigorous environmental standards and holds numerous certifications, including Fairtrade, the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), and which validate its sustainable production methods. The company also prioritises energy conservation and the implementation of practices such as rainwater harvesting and zero waste to landfill policies.


Perhaps Kariwala Industries’ most notable feat, however, is its dedication to women's empowerment. The textile giant is the first 100% women-managed manufacturing facility in all of Asia, having successfully trained over 5,000 women, boasting a 90% employment rate among its trainees, and expanding its skill development programmes to empower even more Indian women, tackling social challenges such as gender bias and limited opportunities.

Because its mission transcends business success and spans ethical practices, active community engagement, and workplace well-being, Kariwala Industries has been honoured with a multitude of accolades, including the ‘Clothing and Apparel MSME of the Year’ at the ET MSME Awards 2024. Aside from standing out among thousands of contenders at India’s largest awards for micro, small, and medium enterprises, Kariwala Industries is also a recipient of the UN Women Asia Pacific WEPs Award (2020) in 2020 and was recognised by UN Global Compact for its exemplary leadership in promoting gender equality.

Kariwala Industries currently exports its diverse product offerings to 44 countries worldwide. It has set an ambitious goal to expand its international presence to 100 countries by the end of this year. The company’s unique combination of superior craftsmanship, environmental responsibility, and strong social commitment positions it as a leading entity in India's textile export industry and as a model for sustainable and inclusive manufacturing practices.

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The ET Make in India SME Regional Summits, ET MSME Day, and ET MSME Awards are flagship initiatives to celebrate the versatility and success of India’s MSME sector. If you lead or are part of a micro, small, or medium enterprise, register for the ET MSME Awards 2025 before August 31, 2025.