The textile industry is a key driver of trade and growth but is also highly resource-intensive and environmentally impactful. This chapter introduces the structure of the textile industry and outlines its key processing stages, beginning with raw materials, followed by dry processing and wet processing steps that transform fibers into finished fabrics. Specific emphasis is placed on the environmental footprint associated with each stage of production. The chapter tries to highlights the major sustainability challenges like water pollution from textile effluents, heat and energy requirements, air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from energy-intensive operations and the generation of solid waste and micro-plastics during fiber processing. To address these issues, pathways to sustainability in textiles needs to be explored. By positioning environmental responsibility at the core of textile manufacturing, the industry can transition towards more sustainable practices while maintaining its global significance. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the textile processing chain and its associated sustainability context, setting the foundation for deeper exploration of solutions in subsequent chapters.