Moglix will be introducing innovative materials like bamboo and hemp

Moglix is an Asia-based E-commerce company intensively inclined towards B2B procurement of industrial supplies in particular textiles, MRO, safety, electricals, lighting, cleaning & housekeeping, office stationary & supplies, power tools and many more industry essentials. Amit Gupta, Director, Moglix, underscores how is company is addressing environmental concerns in the textile industry with Divya Shetty.

Do you believe the textile industry has been successful in embracing sustainable practices?
The textile industry has made significant progress in embracing sustainable practices in the recent years, but there is still much more work to be done, particularly from a global perspective. The industry has historically been a major polluter, contributing to approximately 8 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions and 20 per cent of global wastewater pollution. While there has been an increasing awareness among industry stakeholders about the importance of sustainability, it is true that a proactive approach to environmental responsibility is still lacking in many cases.
One common pattern in the industry is that many companies are driven to adopt sustainable practices and produce eco-friendly products primarily in response to the demands of their customers or clients. They see the market potential and economic benefits of meeting these requirements. However, for the textile industry to truly succeed in embracing sustainability, it will require a fundamental shift in mindset.
The real success will come when textile industry suppliers take ownership of the transition toward sustainable practices and products. This proactive approach means going beyond meeting customer demands and actively seeking innovative ways to reduce their environmental impact. It involves investing in research and development to create more sustainable materials and production processes, even when there is no immediate customer demand for such products. It also entails adopting long-term sustainability goals and making these a core part of their business strategy.

How is your company addressing environmental concerns in the textile industry?
Moglix is deeply committed to addressing environmental concerns in the textile industry by taking a multifaceted approach to promote sustainability. Our efforts are directed towards sourcing sustainable materials, promoting sustainable manufacturing processes, and reducing waste in collaboration with both our suppliers and customers.
Sourcing sustainable materials: Moglix offers a diverse range of sustainable materials, including organic cotton, recycled polyester, and recycled nylon, to our customers. We work closely with our suppliers to ensure that they adhere to sustainable practices in their production processes. This helps to reduce the environmental impact and fosters eco-friendly supply chain process.

• Promoting sustainable manufacturing processes: We actively encourage our customers to adopt sustainable manufacturing processes within their operations. This includes advocating for practices such as waterless dyeing and closed-loop production systems, which have a significantly lower environmental footprint. Moglix provides training and support to assist our customers in implementing these sustainable practices effectively.
• Reducing waste: Moglix aids our customers in minimising waste by offering access to a wide array of sustainable packaging solutions. We also work closely with our suppliers to help them reduce waste in their production processes, further contributing to the reduction of environmental impact across the textile industry.

Our commitment to sustainability extends to the careful selection of both our suppliers and clients. We actively seek out suppliers who are proactively offering sustainable products and are committed to adopting sustainable manufacturing practices. This ensures that we are aligned with partners who share our vision of a more sustainable textile industry.
Thus, we have strategically positioned our business to collaborate with clients who are environmentally conscious and have clear plans to reduce and ultimately eliminate carbon footprints from their supply chain. Approximately 25 per cent of the new products created by our team are sustainable, and we are dedicated to doubling this percentage over the next five years, reflecting our long-term commitment to environmental sustainability in the textile industry.
Are you receiving enough support from the government to implement those practices?
The Indian government is taking steps to provide some support to the textile industry in implementing sustainable practices. They have initiated various schemes aimed at promoting the use of renewable energy and reducing water consumption within the industry. However, while these efforts are a positive step, there is still room for further support from the government.
Moglix, as a player in the sector, is actively engaged in sourcing and supplying sustainable products and practices. They are committed to this initiative and are willing to explore government support in the future. Moglix’s intention to reach out to the relevant authorities demonstrates their proactive approach to fostering sustainability in the textile industry.
Additionally, Moglix has plans to explore opportunities in special economic zones focused on sustainable practices and products. This forward-looking approach aligns with the broader industry trend towards sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Is the company engaged in research and development of new sustainable materials? If yes, please cite with examples.
Yes, Moglix is actively involved in research and development efforts aimed at creating new sustainable materials. We have already made significant strides in this area, with a focus on materials such as recycled polyester, bamboo, and hemp. Specifically, we currently utilise recycled polyester in our products, with 60 per cent of the polyester content coming from post-consumer waste sources. Additionally, we are actively collaborating with innovative partners in the industry who are dedicated to producing sustainable and traceable materials.
Furthermore, we are in the process of expanding our sustainable material portfolio. Moglix is exploring the development of new types of recycled polyester made from 100 per cent post-consumer waste. In addition to recycled polyester, we are also working on introducing innovative materials like bamboo and hemp into our product range, with a special emphasis on hemp products in India.
In our commitment to advancing sustainable solutions, Moglix has ambitious plans for the future. We are on the verge of establishing a knowledge centre that will double as a dedicated Research and Development (R&D) facility for sustainable materials. This centre will play a pivotal role in our on-going efforts to drive innovation and contribute to the development of sustainable materials that benefit both our customers and the environment.
What are your projections for the Indian textile and apparel industry in terms of sustainability, and digitalisation?
I believe that the Indian textile and apparel industry is poised for significant growth in the coming years. The industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10 per cent over the next five years. This growth will be driven by factors such as a growing population, a rising middle class, and increasing disposable incomes.
The industry is also likely to see significant progress in terms of sustainability in the coming years. This is due to a number of factors, including:

• Growing consumer demand for sustainable products: Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the environmental impact of the textile industry and are demanding more sustainable products.
• Government support: The Indian government is providing some support to the textile industry to implement sustainable practices.
• Innovation: Companies are developing new sustainable materials and manufacturing processes.

I also believe that digitalisation will play a major role in the future of the Indian textile and apparel industry. Digitalisation can help the industry to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and improve sustainability. For example, digital technologies can be used to track the flow of materials through the supply chain, to reduce waste, and to improve energy efficiency.
Overall, I believe that the Indian textile and apparel industry is well-positioned for growth in the coming years. The industry is likely to see significant progress in terms of sustainability and digitalisation, which will help it to become more competitive and to meet the needs of its customers.