We foresee a promising future for Indian textile industry
India-based Parekh Group is currently developing its new yarn trading division Parekh Fibers Pvt. Ltd. The new division will supply all types of cotton, polyester, viscose and jute blends pan-India and also internationally. Speaking to Fibre2Fashion, Director of the new division, Simran P Parekh discusses cotton and PET waste, the idea behind the yarn trading division, governmental support and more.
How would you describe the current market for sustainable textiles in India?
India has a rich tradition of textile production, and this heritage is now intersecting with a growing environmental awareness, creating a favourable environment for the development of sustainable textiles.
Moreover, there is an increased emphasis on recycled and upcycled textiles. Consumer awareness and preferences significantly shape the market for these sustainable textiles. A growing group of environmentally conscious consumers in India is actively seeking out sustainably and ethically produced textiles, pushing many brands and retailers to incorporate sustainable practices into their supply chains and product offerings.
In conclusion, the market for sustainable textiles in India is expanding and gaining momentum.
Which are your major markets?
Parekh Group is a pan-India cotton, cotton-waste and yarn trading group with its corporate office is in Hyderabad, Telangana. The Group comprises the following:
Parekh Fibers Pvt. Ltd. – yarn trading division – presently functional from the corporate office.
We deal in all major spinning and open-end spinning industry belts in India. The presence of our offices in all key areas provides us with easy access to the major players in the market and enables us to provide the best-in-class services to all of our clients consistently and in large quantities.
What is the USP of Parekh Textiles?
Our team has over 50 years of combined expertise, which enable us to cater to the needs of our clients they did not even know they had.
Consistent Quality – Our healthy relationships with spinning mills allow us to access waste and yarns on priority.
Integrity – We honour our commitments and work honestly.
What are the major applications of cotton and PET waste?
Cotton waste can be used for the following:
Textile recycling: It is often blended with other fibres to create recycled fabrics.
Nonwoven products: It can be transformed into nonwoven materials applications such as wipes, filters, insulation, and padding.
Paper industry: It is used as a raw material in the paper industry, particularly in the production of high-quality papers, currency notes, and speciality papers.
PET Waste is majorly used for the following:
Recycling: PET waste, primarily in the form of plastic bottles, is extensively recycled to produce new PET products.
Polyester fibres: PET waste is often recycled and processed into polyester fibres, which can be used in the production of textiles, carpets, and clothing.
It is worth noting that both cotton and PET waste have the potential for further innovations and applications as research and technology continue to advance in the field of sustainable materials.
Which types of cotton waste are more in demand? Why?
Cotton wastes that retain higher length and strength are more in demand as they are used as substitutes for cotton, which increases the profitability by lowering costs considerably. We now supply various qualities of cotton waste that our buyers are using as substitutes to cotton.
What are the challenges of working with cotton and PET waste?
Working with cotton and PET waste that need to be addressed to maximise their potential as sustainable resources are mainly in terms of contamination and recycling infrastructure.
Contamination: Cotton waste can contain impurities, such as dirt, dyes, and synthetic fibres. Such contamination affects the quality and performance of recycled cotton and requires additional processing steps. Likewise, PET waste, primarily in the form of plastic bottles, can be contaminated with residues, labels, and other materials.
Collection and recycling infrastructure: Establishing a well-functioning collection infrastructure for PET waste and cotton waste, particularly plastic bottles, can be challenging. Adequate recycling facilities and infrastructure, including sorting and processing plants, are necessary to ensure effective and efficient recycling of waste.
Continued research and innovation are also crucial for developing more efficient and sustainable solutions for working with cotton and PET waste.
What is the idea behind setting up a separate yarn trading division?
The primary objective of establishing a yarn division at Parekh Group is to leverage our team’s combined expertise of 45 years, as well as the trust we have cultivated with the spinning mills in the industry. Our goal is to create value by supplying the most suitable yarn to users at the most competitive price.
We perceive substantial potential in the Indian textile industry in the years ahead. With advancements in technology and supportive government trade and export policies, we foresee a promising future for Indian textiles.
How do you integrate sustainability into your operations and product lines?
We incorporate sustainability into our operations and products in several ways. First, we uphold fair labour practices and working conditions and emphasise the importance of educating our stakeholders about the social impacts of our textile products and their sustainability attributes. Transparency in these areas is a core tenet of our approach.
Secondly, we prioritise energy conservation. We utilise energy-efficient machinery, regularly conduct energy audits, and harness renewable energy sources wherever possible.
Finally, we adopt sustainable waste disposal processes at all our warehouses and facilities. This comprehensive approach helps us make sure that our operations are as environmentally friendly as possible.
What are your sustainability goals for 2025?
Sustainability goals are an organisation’s way of contributing to the aversion of changing global climate. At Parekh Group, we believe the following is our contribution:
Promoting GRS (Global Recycle Standard) and organic certified products,
Contribute to the production and utilisation of sustainable textiles, and
Generate awareness around the importance and benefits of sustainable textiles.
What types of governmental support could enhance sustainability in the textile industry?
The government plays a crucial role in promoting sustainability through various policy measures and initiatives. It can foster partnerships among stakeholders in the textile industry and environmental organisations, facilitating knowledge sharing and cooperative initiatives to establish best practices in sustainability.
Secondly, the government can fund and support research and development in areas related to sustainability. This could include eco-friendly dyeing techniques, recycling technologies, and sustainable supply chain management. Such support would foster innovation and the adoption of sustainable practices.
Lastly, it is important for the government to cultivate an environment that encourages collaboration between textile industry stakeholders and environmental organisations. This collaborative approach can lead to more comprehensive and effective strategies for enhancing sustainability in the industry.
Published on: 10/07/2023
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.
