RSWM wins silver at the Financial Express Green Sarathi Awards for sustainability
The company has achieved an annual reduction of 800,000 metric tonne in carbon emissions and is on track to achieve 75 per cent biofuel integration across its operations by 2025.
RSWM, the flagship company of the LNJ Bhilwara Group, has been honoured with the Silver Award in the prestigious Financial Express Green Sarathi Awards under the “Sustainable Fashion and Textile” category. This recognition highlights RSWM’s efforts under its initiative, “Redefining Sustainability – Mapping Initiatives for a Greener Tomorrow,” which focuses on reducing environmental impact and fostering sustainable innovation.
RSWM’s sustainability efforts are six distinct initiatives that underpin its environmental strategy. The first of these is the company’s adoption of renewable energy solutions. The company has an established infrastructure, including a 20 MW wind power unit, an additional 40 MW of wind power capacity, and a 32 MW in-house solar plant. This expansive setup ensures a steady supply of clean energy to its operations which further substantially reducing carbon emissions and advancing its transition toward greener energy sources.
In addition to renewable energy, RSWM has prioritised the integration of biofuels into its operations. The company has achieved an annual reduction of 800,000 metric tonne in carbon emissions and is on track to achieve 75 per cent biofuel integration across its operations by 2025. With an investment of Rs 350 million, RSWM has converted three out of its six coal-fired boilers to operate on biofuel. By 2025, the plan is to transition all boilers, marking a decisive step toward eliminating its reliance on coal and further lowering its environmental footprint.
Further, demonstrating the commitment to sustainable practices, RSWM has optimised its input materials for manufacturing by focusing on organic cotton, recycled cotton, and recycled polyester, each playing a crucial role in advancing the company’s sustainability efforts. Organic cotton offers a natural, eco-friendly alternative by reducing the use of harmful pesticides and promoting sustainable farming practices. 8,162 MT of recycled cotton which is used every year is sourced from both pre- and post-consumer waste which significantly reduces the need for virgin resources. Additionally, RSWM recycles 1,830 PET bottles annually to produce recycled polyester, which now accounts for 50 per cent of its total polyester production, further reinforcing its commitment to environmentally responsible sourcing.
The company’s commitment to sustainability extends to its textile production processes, where it ensures that no fibre waste is discarded. Both pre- and post-production fibre waste are recycled and reintegrated into the manufacturing cycle. This zero-waste philosophy exemplifies RSWM’s dedication to resource efficiency and circular economy practices.
Water conservation remains another cornerstone of RSWM’s sustainability framework. Through its strict adherence to a Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) policy, the company recycles 100% of the waste water generated during production, which is safely reused for operations or converted into potable water for local communities. Advanced rainwater harvesting techniques complement these efforts, ensuring sustainable water management across all facilities.
RSWM also places significant emphasis on organic manure utilisation. Organic waste generated is used flourish the orchards and greenery in all the plants. Some agricultural plots associated with RSWM exclusively rely on organic manure, reducing chemical fertilizer usage and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
RSWM’s sustainability efforts are further validated by certifications such as GOTS, OEKO-TEX Standard 100, Global Recycled Standard, and ISO 14001:2015, which reflect its adherence to global standards for sustainable practices. Guided by its motto, “We Only Take What We Can Give,” RSWM is on track to achieve ambitious goals, including sourcing 50 per cent of its energy from renewables by 2035 and achieving zero workplace accidents. Other Sustainability goals include reducing the water footprint of new textiles by 30 per cent, eliminating harmful chemicals by 2030, and ensuring full supply chain transparency by 2032. Additionally, the company plans to integrate sustainable governance into decision-making, invest in community development projects, and create safer, more inclusive working conditions.
