Suketu Shah: We are seeing a strong move towards eco-conscious textile blends

Vishal Fabrics (VFL) is a denim manufacturing and fabric processing unit that was incorporated in 1985. VFL stands for a denim revolution that brings equality back to fashion, and change the market trend, forever. Vishal Fabrics is a reputed entity that is known for dyeing, printing and processing of denim, and other wide range of fabrics. Suketu Shah, CEO, Vishal Fabrics, in this interview with Divya Shetty, gives a glimpse of the current state of the Indian denim industry and also shares his company plans.

How would you describe the current state of the denim industry in India and globally? What major shifts have you observed post-pandemic?

The Indian denim industry is at a promising juncture, poised for sustained growth. As the world’s third-largest denim producer, India is expected to witness a CAGR of 8 per cent between 2025 and 2030. Post-pandemic, the surge in demand for casual, comfort-driven fashion has been a key growth driver, further supported by rising sustainability trends that are sparking innovation across the sector. Globally, while the past two years were marked by uncertainty—particularly due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict—recent quarters have shown positive momentum. This revival is offering much-needed relief to Indian manufacturers, both in domestic and export markets. After an initial post-pandemic boom driven by empty pipelines, the industry faced a slowdown. Today, with demand stabilising, we are confident that the denim sector is on the cusp of a strong and resilient comeback.

Is Indian denim today at par with international quality standards in terms of performance, finish, and innovation? How does Vishal Fabrics ensure global competitiveness?

With over two decades of deep-rooted experience in the textile industry, I take great pride in witnessing the remarkable evolution and growing global stature of the Indian denim sector. Over the past few years, our industry has made significant strides in aligning with international quality standards, focusing on key parameters such as performance, finish, and colour innovation. Today, Indian denim stands shoulder to shoulder with the best in the world, thanks to our abundant cotton supply and cutting-edge manufacturing infrastructure.

India has emerged as a vital contributor to the global denim landscape, driven by technological advancements and a commitment to excellence. At Vishal Fabrics, we are dedicated to maintaining and exceeding these global benchmarks. Through the integration of advanced machinery, robust quality assurance systems, and a strong R&D focus, we ensure our products meet the expectations of leading global brands.

Sustainability and innovation are at the heart of our operations. We continuously invest in eco-friendly technologies and responsible manufacturing practices that not only elevate product quality but also minimise our environmental footprint. Our in-house laboratories and stringent quality control processes adhere to international standards, enabling us to compete effectively with global players. As we move forward, Vishal Fabrics remains committed to reinforcing India’s leadership in the global denim industry by setting new standards in quality, sustainability, and innovation.

What are some of the latest trends you are seeing in denim—be it in fabric finishes, blends, or consumer preferences?

As we observe the evolving landscape of denim fashion, it is evident that the market is embracing a seamless fusion of classic influences and modern sensibilities. Consumers today are gravitating towards relaxed silhouettes, wide-leg fits, and nostalgic, retro-inspired designs that deliver both style and comfort. This shift underscores a broader trend: the demand for versatile and timeless pieces that align with individual expression.

On the innovation front, there is a marked resurgence in fabric finishes such as raw, brushed, and stonewashed denim, which are being favoured for their unique textures and depth. Moreover, we are seeing a strong move towards eco-conscious textile blends. Recycled fibres, organic cotton, and premium materials like cashmere are being integrated into denim fabrics, enhancing both wearability and environmental responsibility. This is a testament to the industry’s commitment to sustainability without compromising on quality or luxury.

In the Indian market specifically, the 3/1 weave structure is regaining prominence. While international markets have consistently favoured this weave, India had momentarily shifted focus to knit-look and dobby weaves. The resurgence of 3/1 indicates a renewed appreciation for authentic denim aesthetics. Denim, being an ever-evolving fashion statement, thrives on subtle yet impactful innovations that allow consumers to stand out. We are also witnessing a dual trend: on one hand, soft finishes are trending, offering a tactile comfort consumers appreciate; on the other hand, there is a growing preference for high-weight, non-stretch denim with straight fits—indicative of a return to heritage styling.

Finally, the rise in recycled fashion reflects a conscious shift among consumers who are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of the apparel industry. This evolution affirms our belief that the future of denim lies at the intersection of fashion, innovation, and sustainability.

Could you highlight some of Vishal Fabrics’ recent innovations in denim that cater to evolving fashion or functional needs?

At Vishal Denim, we place the consumer at the heart of everything we do. Their preferences and feedback guide our innovation strategy, and our marketing team remains consistently engaged on the ground to anticipate emerging trends and identify what’s next in denim fashion.

We have engineered a range of specialised fabrics with controlled shrinkage properties, specifically designed to meet the high standards of leading garment brands and export houses. This ensures optimal fit and reduces production concerns for our partners. Our overdyed colour palettes are not only on-trend but also in high demand—offering garments a clean, lustrous finish that resonates with today’s fashion-forward consumers. Additionally, we are investing in the development of fabric lines tailored specifically for women, aligning with evolving market needs.

Vishal Fabrics stands at the forefront of denim innovation, seamlessly blending aesthetics with functionality. Our denim collections are thoughtfully designed to deliver superior comfort, breathability, and adaptability—qualities essential for contemporary lifestyles. We take pride in applying advanced functional finishes that enhance durability, stretch, and weather resistance.

Sustainability remains a cornerstone of our operations. With a zero-discharge effluent treatment plant already in place, we continue to push boundaries in energy and water conservation across our manufacturing processes. These efforts underscore our commitment to responsible production practices, as we strive to lead the industry in sustainable, high-performance denim solutions.

Sustainability is now a key focus across the textile value chain. What sustainable practices or eco-friendly processes has Vishal Fabrics adopted in denim manufacturing?

At Vishal Fabrics, sustainability is not just a trend — it is a core principle that guides our operations across the entire textile value chain – our commitment to environmentally responsible manufacturing is both comprehensive and deeply embedded in our business strategy.

Vishal Fabrics has adopted state-of-the-art, eco-friendly practices that align with global sustainability standards. Our advanced Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) enables us to reuse up to 97 per cent of water, supporting our 100 per cent Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) policy. This ensures that no untreated water leaves our facility, preserving precious natural resources. In our efforts to minimise our carbon footprint, we have implemented an innovative waste heat recovery system. By utilising a Plate Heat Exchanger, we capture waste heat to preheat demineralised water — an initiative that has reduced steam consumption in our deaerators by 4–5 metric tons per day. As a result, we save approximately 15 metric tonne of fuel each month. Our rooftop solar power system further enhances our energy efficiency and significantly lowers our carbon emissions. Additionally, we have introduced a Caustic Recovery Plant (CRP), which optimises the use of alkali in our processes and contributes to reduced chemical consumption.

We are also fully compliant with global environmental safety standards, using only Oeko-Tex certified dyes and chemicals. This ensures that our processes are safe for the environment and contribute to a cleaner, healthier planet.

At Vishal Fabrics, sustainability is not a separate initiative — it is an integral part of our denim production process and long-term vision. We remain committed to pioneering responsible practices that not only protect the environment but also set a benchmark for the textile industry.

What role do you see technology and automation playing in the future of denim production, and how is Vishal Fabrics gearing up for that transformation?

At Vishal Fabrics, we firmly believe that the future of textile manufacturing lies at the intersection of innovation, efficiency, and sustainability. As we continue to evolve, our strategic investments in state-of-the-art technology and automation reflect our unwavering commitment to responsible growth. Every new-generation equipment we adopt is meticulously evaluated not only for its operational excellence but also for its ability to optimise power consumption and enhance overall efficiency. Our focus on sustainable innovation is evident in the integration of advanced water-saving systems and eco-friendly processes across our operations. By automating key functions, we are not only enhancing productivity but also significantly reducing our environmental footprint.

The denim industry is on the cusp of transformation, and Vishal Fabrics is proud to be at the forefront. Through mass customisation, improved process efficiency, and substantial waste reduction, we are redefining denim manufacturing. Our journey from conventional, labour-intensive methods to a forward-looking, technology-driven model underscores our dedication to creating a more responsible and sustainable future for the textile industry.

What are the company’s future plans in terms of capacity expansion, product diversification, or exploring new export markets?

At Vishal Fabrics, our vision for the future is rooted in strategic growth, innovation, and global expansion. We are actively pursuing product diversification and exploring new export markets to meet evolving customer needs and capitalise on emerging opportunities. Recognising the rising global demand for denim, we are in the process of enhancing operational efficiencies by embracing cutting-edge technologies. Within the denim segment, product innovation and diversification are ongoing priorities—allowing us to stay aligned with dynamic fashion trends and functional performance requirements. We are also making significant strides in strengthening our export capabilities by building a robust value chain from fibre to fabric. With the right talent in place and strategic partnerships underway, we are positioning Vishal Fabrics to collaborate with leading national and international brands.

These forward-looking initiatives are designed to ensure sustainable growth and establish Vishal Fabrics as a globally competitive leader in the textile industry.