Parthiv Panchal
Director ONYX Machinery Private Limited
We prioritise making our machines user-friendly
ONYX Machinery, with over 40 years of experience in textile machinery manufacturing, brings innovative, energy-efficient technologies to the forefront of the garment manufacturing, processing, and finishing sector. Rooted in sustainability and quality, the company continuously strives to improve and serve the industry with products designed for maximum efficiency and respect for the environment. In an interview with Fibre2Fashion, Director Parthiv Panchal discusses how their machinery can help the garment manufacturing industry become more sustainable.
What are some of the major environmental challenges faced by the garment manufacturing industry in India, and what are some innovative solutions being implemented to address them?
The most significant environmental challenge currently confronting the garment processing industry is pollution, resulting from substantial energy and water consumption. Over the past few years, numerous innovations have been implemented to curb energy and water usage. These include nanoparticle technology, foam technology, laser technology, sustainable drying technology, and ozone technology, among others.
How do you see technological advancements impacting the future of the garment manufacturing, processing and finishing industry in terms of sustainability and efficiency?
The garment processing sector has a more significant environmental impact than any other part of garment production, aside from fabric processing. Technological advancements, however, are enabling this industry to become more sustainable by minimising water and energy consumption and utilising greener chemicals.
Innovative technologies such as nanoparticle and foam technologies operate at a 1:0.75 – 1:1 liquor ratio, significantly less than the traditional 1:3 to 1:8 ratio. Sustainable drying systems consume nearly 70 per cent less energy than conventional tumble-drying systems. Moreover, ozone technology streamlines the process and reduces water usage.
These innovations highlight how technology can help mitigate the environmental footprint of the garment processing industry.
Can you discuss the role of regulations and certifications in promoting sustainability within the textile processing and finishing sector? How do these impact manufacturers and consumers?
Certainly, regulations and certifications play a crucial role in advocating for sustainability within the textile processing and finishing sector. They are effectively encouraging the processing industry to adopt more sustainable and environmentally friendly production processes. These measures not only benefit the environment but also impact manufacturers and consumers in a few significant ways.
For manufacturers, adhering to these regulations and achieving certifications can initially present challenges, including potential upgrades to equipment, changes to traditional methods, and increased costs. However, these steps can lead to long-term benefits such as reduced resource consumption, improved efficiency, and a stronger reputation for environmental responsibility.
Consumers are increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of their purchases. Therefore, they are more likely to choose products from companies that have demonstrated a commitment to sustainability. As a result, manufacturers who adhere to these regulations and secure sustainability certifications can attract a larger customer base, enhancing their market position.
In essence, while the adoption of greener practices may present some initial hurdles, the long-term gains for manufacturers, consumers, and the environment make this a worthy pursuit.
What are some of the key trends and innovations in the textile industry that are driving sustainability and reducing the industry’s environmental footprint?
As mentioned earlier, nanoparticle technology, foam technology, ozone technology, sustainable drying system, and laser technology are the latest trends in garment processing industry, followed by ZLD (zero liquid discharge) plants, which are driving sustainability and reducing environmental footprint of garment production.
What motivated ONYX Machinery to expand into the garment machinery manufacturing industry?
Sustainability is the primary motivation for ONYX Machinery’s expansion into the garment machinery manufacturing industry. We are deeply committed to championing the value of our natural resources at the core level of production.
Indeed, the term ‘sustainability’ is often associated with higher costs. However, we believe that the true cost lies in not following the path of sustainability. The consequences of overlooking sustainable practices are far-reaching and significantly more expensive in the long run, even if this is not immediately apparent. By placing sustainability at the heart of our operations, we aim to help the industry understand and acknowledge these costs, thereby promoting more responsible manufacturing practices.
How does ONYX Machinery balance the use of advanced technology with user-friendliness in its product design and manufacturing processes?
At ONYX Machinery, we prioritise making our machines user-friendly, avoiding unnecessary complications in design. Our goal is to ensure that our programming and automation are comprehensible and accessible even to less skilled workers. This approach allows us to maximise the potential of our technology, ensuring it can be effectively utilised across different levels of our operation, contributing to overall efficiency and productivity.
Could you provide an example of how ONYX Machinery’s sustainable technologies, specifically in drying systems, have significantly reduced energy consumption in the industry?
One notable success story for us at ONYX Machinery is our sustainable drying system. We take pride in the fact that this innovation has made a substantial impact in the industry, helping to reduce energy consumption in garment drying by up to 70 per cent.
What sets your machinery apart from other similar machinery manufacturers?
Our machines stand out due to their automation and user-friendly operating systems. These features make our machines both efficient and easy to utilise.
Looking ahead, what are the future goals and aspirations of ONYX Machinery in terms of advancing sustainability in the garment manufacturing sector?
Our goal is to keep developing more and more sustainable technologies and be part of every garment manufacturer’s sustainable production journey.
Published on: 08/08/2023
DISCLAIMER: All views and opinions expressed in this column are solely of the interviewee, and they do not reflect in any way the opinion of Fibre2Fashion.com.
