The FSSC Summit, on 25 April 2025, was a successful day of sharing expertise and professional networking in Chennai, India. It was the first FSSC event to concentrate on textiles and leather, a new industry focus for the Foundation since the introduction of the FSSC 24000 Scheme for Social Management Systems.
Chennai was the obvious city of choice for holding the first FSSC 24000-centric event as a central hub for India’s textile and leather industries, which contribute significantly to exports and employment. The leather sector benefits from a strong raw material base in the area and advanced research facilities like the Central Leather Research Institute. The textile industry thrives with a mix of traditional handlooms and modern manufacturing units.
FSSC partnered with the Andhra Chamber of Commerce, and Summit promotions were supported by the Consultants Consortium of Chennai (CCC), Association of Scientists and Food Technologist (AFST(I) Chennai Chapter), National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies (NABCB), Center for Leather Exports (CLE), and the Regulatory Representatives and Managers Association (RRMA).
The event witnessed an exceptional turnout of 160 participants, including industry professionals, Certification Bodies, consultants, and even students from the local colleges. It started with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, with Mr R Selvam, Executive Director of the Centre for Leather Exports, as the chief guest. He opened the program for the Summit by highlighting the importance of social management standards and how they help exports.
Ms Roop Rashi, Textile Commissioner for the Government of India, was a guest of honor and the second keynote speaker for the event. She discussed how industry, government, and standards can work together to empower people and industry.
The day’s full schedule of speakers then progressed to Colin Morgan, FSSC Market Development Director, who introduced the audience to Foundation FSSC, and Ante Batinic, Technical Manager of Social Sustainability. Ante did a deep dive into FSSC 24000 with his presentation and highlighted the unique structure of the Scheme. The session discussed integrated management systems and how Social Management Systems can assist businesses in meeting impending legal requirements. Following Ante was a panel discussion moderated by Smita Murthy with industry and CB experts examining the role social management systems play in their industry, as well as their implementation and challenges.
An inspiring talk from Dr Nalli Kuppuswamy Chettiar, an 84-year-old philanthropist and textile industry veteran from Chennai, bookended the event.
The FSSC Summit was an outstanding industry event for India overall, with the participants expressing great interest and asking many questions. FSSC is grateful that the first FSSC Summit specific to textiles and leather raised such awareness about FSSC 24000 and social sustainability for the global supply chain, and we will continue to build on its success.
