Indian fashion retailers make significant strides in sustainability

Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited (ABFRL)

ABFRL's sustainability performance in FY23 is marked by substantial achievements in energy efficiency. The company has sourced 68 per cent of energy from renewable sources across its owned facilities and 26 per cent across all operations. ABFRL generated approximately 26 lakh units of solar power, contributing to a considerable carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) reduction of around 2,000 tonnes. Water conservation has been a highlight, with ABFRL achieving a 'water positive' status and storing over 104,878 kl of rainwater for reuse on-site, plus an additional 64,934 kl via community harvesting. Waste management has seen a significant milestone, with the company reaching 'Zero Waste to Landfill' status and recycling over 90 per cent of its waste. All waste at ABFRL-owned facilities is now fully traceable. The company's green infrastructure includes 12 lakh square feet of green building-certified spaces, with 10 lakh square feet in the process of re-certification. One of the company’s facility has achieved the LEED Zero Water certification, and Fashion Craft Ltd, a part of ABFRL, has received the TRUE Zero Waste—Gold Certification.

Trent Ltd

Trent Ltd has focused on reducing carbon emissions, achieving over 7,500 tonnes of CO2e reduction. Their waste management initiatives have led to enhanced circularity across more than 190 stores. Implementing Internet of Things (IoT) and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems has addressed electricity-related carbon emissions, and expanding the use of CNG and EVs has mitigated fuel emissions. The company has invested in the training of over 100 employees in circularity principles and planted over 200 trees, contributing to biodiversity and carbon sequestration. Material sustainability efforts are evident, with Trent Ltd managing scrap disposal by selling to vendors for recycling plastic and paper. The company’s environment sustainability figures show recycled plastics (including packaging) at 326 metric tonnes and other waste figures at 1,873 metric tonnes reused and 2,376 metric tonnes recycled.

Raymond Ltd

Raymond Ltd has reported an ecological footprint with mixed outcomes. While there has been a rise in Scope-1 and Scope-2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from 43,692 MT to 45,651 MT and from 75,422 MT to 83,205.70 MT, respectively, the company has decreased its total energy consumption from 111,207 mWh to 109,610 mWh. The use of renewable energy sources has improved to 12.7 per cent, reducing non-renewable energy consumption to 87.3 per cent. Energy intensity has seen a positive drop to 18.97 mWh per crore rupees turnover. Water management has seen a total water withdrawal increase from 21,98,837 kl to 24,84,647 kl, with water consumption intensity growing from 463.5 KL to 520.3 KL per crore rupees turnover. Concerningly, 69.64 per cent of raw materials were sourced from water-stressed areas.

Waste generation in FY23 saw a substantial rise, with total waste generated jumping to 40,344 MT, from 9,234 MT in FY22. This was primarily due to an increase in construction and demolition waste. The company maintained its production of plastic waste and reduced e-waste to zero. Battery waste and other hazardous waste saw increases. Notably, Raymond Ltd improved its recycling efforts, with recycled materials increasing to 3,586 MT. Reuse and other recovery operations also saw significant increases, demonstrating a commitment to waste management strategies that emphasise circularity.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DP)