Archroma India is fully aligned with global safety and quality standards

Archroma is a global, diversified provider of specialty chemicals serving the branded and performance textiles, packaging and paper, and coatings, adhesives and sealants markets. Archroma works with about 4,500 employees in 42 countries and with over 30 production sites. Anjani Prasad, Managing Director & Regional Vice President-South Asia at Archroma, in this interview with Divya Shetty,discusses the company’s future plans and its efforts towards promoting more sustainable textile production.

Can you share some of the latest innovations Archroma India has introduced in textile printing chemicals? How do these innovations improve the printing process and the final product quality?

At Archroma India, we are consistently focused on enhancing the performance and sustainability of textile printing processes. One of our most recent innovations is the Printofix TF range, a high-performance solution for textile printing that delivers enhanced colour vibrancy and fastness. This innovation is part of our broader commitment to developing eco-efficient processes and advanced chemistries. We aim to optimise printing precision while reducing water and energy consumption, ensuring that the quality of the final product is superior, with deeper shades and less environmental impact.

What certifications does Archroma India hold to ensure the quality and safety of your textile specialty chemicals? How do these certifications align with global standards?

Archroma India is fully aligned with global safety and quality standards. We hold several certifications, including OEKO-TEX Standard 100, ZDHC (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals) Compliance, and bluesign approval. These certifications ensure that our chemicals meet stringent safety requirements and are free from hazardous substances. Furthermore, our commitment to sustainable chemistry is reflected in our adherence to the Responsible Care program, which focuses on the safe handling of chemical products throughout their life cycle. This alignment with international standards ensures that we can deliver safe and environmentally friendly products to textile manufacturers globally.

Could you elaborate on the types of textiles that Archroma India primarily serves with its chemicals? Are there any specific textile segments or applications that are a major focus for your company?

Archroma India serves a wide range of textile segments, including apparel, home textiles, and technical textiles. Our chemicals are widely used in both natural and synthetic fibre processing. One of our primary focuses is the denim segment, where we offer innovative solutions that reduce water usage and energy consumption during dyeing processes. We are also concentrating on performance textiles, especially in the areas of moisture management, antimicrobial treatments, and UV protection, which are seeing increased demand across sectors such as active wear and outdoor gear.

What are some of the current challenges facing the textile specialty chemicals industry in India? How is Archroma India addressing these challenges?

The textile specialty chemicals industry in India faces several challenges, including regulatory compliance, sustainability pressures, and raw material volatility. At Archroma, we are addressing these issues by investing in research and development to create products that are compliant with emerging regulations, such as the ZDHC guidelines. Additionally, our focus on sustainable chemistry allows us to develop products that help our customers meet their own sustainability goals, such as reducing water and energy consumption, while also improving the efficiency of their manufacturing processes.

Are there any government policies or regulations that have significantly impacted Archroma India, either positively or negatively? How do you see government support evolving in the future?

Government regulations, particularly around environmental sustainability, have a significant impact on our business. Policies like the National Textile Policy and regulations promoting the adoption of sustainable practices have been beneficial for companies like ours, which are focused on eco-friendly solutions. However, navigating the regulatory landscape can be complex, and we continue to work closely with policymakers to ensure that we are aligned with both national and international requirements. Looking ahead, we expect further government support in the areas of green chemistry and sustainable textile parks, which will help drive the next phase of growth for our industry.

Sustainability is a growing concern in the textile industry. How is Archroma India contributing to more sustainable textile production? Can you provide examples of sustainable measures your company is implementing?

Sustainability is at the core of Archroma India’s operations. We have pioneered several initiatives to promote sustainable textile production, such as our EarthColors technology, which uses natural waste materials from the agricultural and herbal industries to create dyes. Additionally, we offer the ONE WAY sustainability service, a tool that allows manufacturers to evaluate the environmental impact of their production processes. This has helped many of our customers reduce their carbon footprint, lower water and energy consumption, and increase their overall sustainability.

What are Archroma India’s strategic plans for the next five years in the Indian market? Are there any new product lines or expansions on the horizon?

Our strategic focus for the next five years is on deepening our presence in India while continuing to innovate and lead in sustainable textile solutions. We are expanding our portfolio to include more advanced functional finishes and smart textiles that cater to the evolving needs of the market. We are also exploring the expansion of our colour management services, which help textile manufacturers, achieve colour consistency and reduce waste. In addition, Archroma is looking to partner with key stakeholders in the textile value chain to co-create sustainable solutions that drive industry transformation.

How important are collaborations and partnerships for Archroma India? Are there any recent or upcoming partnerships with textile manufacturers or other stakeholders that you would like to highlight?

Collaborations and partnerships are vital to our success. Recently, we partnered with several leading global brands and textile mills to introduce more sustainable and performance-driven solutions. One example is our collaboration with Denim Mills to reduce water consumption and carbon emissions in denim production. We are also working closely with PM Mitra Parks to develop eco-friendly infrastructure that aligns with India’s vision of becoming a sustainable textile hub. These partnerships enable us to push the boundaries of what is possible in textile manufacturing, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of innovation in the industry.

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“We expect further government support in the areas of green chemistry and sustainable textile parks, which will help drive the next phase of growth for our industry.”

“We are concentrating on performance textiles, especially in the areas of moisture management, antimicrobial treatments, and UV protection, which are seeing increased demand across sectors such as active wear and outdoor gear.”