Knowledge sharing platform needed for sustainable water management
On International Water Day, Fibre2Fashion spoke to people from the textile industry
about steps being taken for sustainable water management, and also what needs to
be done by the industry.
At Arvind, our approach towards sustainability in water conservation is to reduce the process of water consumption and to enhance recycling efforts for utilising wastewater. Currently, more than 50 per cent of our water requirements are met from recycled water and only the balance portion comes from fresh water sources. In Santej, Arvind has installed highly efficient zero liquid discharge plant, which helps us recycle 100 per cent of the wastewater coming from the textile processes. In Bengaluru, 100 per cent of the water used in Arvind’s textiles facility has been treated wastewater from the municipality and does not use any fresh water for production processes.
With advancements in technology, the textile industry should try and explore areas wherein it can use recycled water. We must also look for platforms wherein water sustainability practises are being showcased which can thereby help many small and medium scale industries to take up similar initiatives.
As a company, our philosophy always has been to make products with increased focus on environmental management performance and sustainability of our entire supply chain. With the continuous depletion of groundwater level each year, it is imperative to implement systems and design processes which minimise the use of water in the denim fabric production cycle. A major part of our focus has been on the reduction and reuse of water in the production processes.
As a part of our sustainable initiatives, our custom designed counter flow systems reuse the water in the production processes, resulting in a considerable amount of process water savings over the year. We have redesigned the sulphur dyeing method, a common dyeing process in denims, which now significantly reduces the use of water to 3.5 litre/kg from 10 litre/kg. We have also installed a state-of-the-art caustic recovery plant where the recovered water separated from the caustic is reused in the process. By the year 2020, we aim to further decrease the fresh water consumption by 25 per cent.
As for textile industry, it should come forward and work together in this direction as a common goal to adopt means which promote sustainable use of water in the production processes. Experts from machine manufacturers, chemicals and auxiliary’s suppliers, and wastewater treatment should also be made part of this process. This knowledge sharing platform will spread awareness and will further promote innovations in this field. A lot needs to be done in this direction.
At Mustang Socks & Accessories, we are constantly careful about the environment and conservation of natural resources. Right from choosing our raw materials to our production process, we ensure that there is minimalistic or almost negligible harm caused to the environment. Towards the usage of water, we have set-up facilities to purify our borewell water, which is then used for factory processes as well as for drinking. We also ensure that the wastewater is purified through RO and effluent treatment plant, and the excess water is further used for watering plants.
Apart from the internal set-up, we work with vendors who understand the importance of conserving resources while also constantly evolving the base of scientific research. Their set of social and ethical concerns are regularly reviewed.
Within the textile industry, water is definitely required in various stages of production. However, with the advancement of technology, there are several means and methods that the industry can adopt to ensure wastewater management. This should become the primary objective, perhaps a mandatory practice for every manufacturing unit in the textile industry. We have to mutually work towards the cause to make a difference.
Monte Carlo has always been a very socially and environmentally responsible organisation. We take utmost care in all our manufacturing processes, so that we use as little natural resources as possible and have taken a number of green initiatives as well. We ensure minimum usage of water in our modern and state-of-the-art machinery for making yarns and garments. We even try to reuse the water to the extent possible.
The industry as a whole can also come up with similar measures and make sure that the future generations have enough water and other natural resources to thrive. In fact, the industry has already begun to be responsible and has taken a number of measures lately.
Published on: 22/03/2018
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.
