Gap Inc, Arvind unveil new water treatment facility

Global apparel retailer Gap Inc and global textile manufacturer Arvind have unveiled a new water treatment facility that will eliminate use of freshwater at Arvind’s denim manufacturing facility in Ahmedabad, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts of both companies to reduce the amount of water used in the apparel production pipeline.

The new facility will save eight million litres of fresh water per day, or 2.5 billion litres of freshwater on an annual basis, preserving the local community’s vital freshwater resources. The apparel industry is one of the most intensive users of water in the world and in India, 54 per cent of the population faces high to extremely-high water risk.

Arvind’s denim manufacturing facility in Ahmedabad – the first mill in India to manufacture denim – will now operate entirely with reclaimed water using Membrane Bio Reactor (MBR) technology, which will treat domestic wastewater drawn from the surrounding community without chemicals in the process. A newly constructed pipeline will draw wastewater from the local municipal line. In the face of local water scarcity challenges, the facility will also reduce business risk for Arvind, Gap Inc and the other brands that source from the facility due to the new reliable source of wastewater.

“We’re proud to reach this milestone in our ongoing efforts to end water-wasting processes and reduce our environmental impact. This project is an important example of innovative, sustainable solutions we can unlock through partnership across the apparel industry,” said Christophe Roussel, EVP of global sourcing at Gap Inc.

“Arvind is a strong and valued partner to Gap Inc and a global leader in responsible, innovative textile manufacturing. We are excited to continue to expand our relationship through this critical effort.”