The cotton textile industry in India presents significant opportunities for growth, particularly in the realms of sustainability and social responsibility. India’s home textile industry is making significant strides in the right direction to keep up with global standards and norms. At the forefront of this progressive charge is Welspun Living one of the country’s top textile companies. What began as a modest endeavor under the visionary leadership of CEO Dipali Goenka has now evolved into a global powerhouse in the textile industry. This transformation is a testament to the company’s unwavering dedication to innovation and its strong commitment to sustainable practices.
In an in-depth interview with Bloomberg reporter Avril Hong, Ms. Goenka delved into the company's inspiring journey so far and its goals to achieve a sustainable future. The conversation primarily revolved around Welspun Living's groundbreaking sustainability initiatives and its ambitious goal of achieving gender parity across the organisation. The interview offered a unique perspective into the company's strategies, challenges, and future aspirations as a leading manufacturer of home textile products.
As we explore Welspun Living's remarkable growth trajectory and its pioneering efforts in sustainability and diversity, we gain valuable insights into how the company is shaping the future of the textile industry.
At the heart of Welspun Living's ESG and sustainability journey lies a revolutionary water management system. The company has achieved a remarkable feat by completely eliminating its reliance on freshwater through a state-of-the-art Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) in Anjar. This arid region, once devastated by an earthquake, is now a testament to Welspun's commitment to environmental stewardship.
As Dipali Goenka eloquently puts it, "The story begins at Anjar. It's an arid region in the Western part of India. It got devastated by a massive earthquake in 2001. After this earthquake, we decided to build this plant."
This 30 MLD STP treats nearly 7 billion litres of sewage annually, transforming waste into a valuable resource. By partnering with local municipal bodies, Welspun not only meets its water needs but also contributes to the community's well-being. The treated water supports both agricultural and domestic use, creating a win-win situation for all stakeholders.
This decision was driven by a profound sense of responsibility, as Goenka further explains, "We, as a company guzzle 30 million litres of water everyday. Can you imagine if we, as a textile company are using that much water and there's no water left for the community or the farmer? We believe we are the agents of change and we need to make an impact. This is why we started this facility. We take their sewage water and recycle it. We give royalties to these communities. The farmers get water for irrigation, and the community gets drinkable water. And we can carry out our operations. All thanks to this facility."
Beyond the STP, Welspun has also implemented cutting-edge technologies to reduce water intensity in its operations, significantly surpassing industry standards. This holistic approach has culminated in a water-positive model that serves as a benchmark for the textile industry.
Welspun Living's water stewardship story is a powerful example of how businesses can be a force for good while driving sustainable development.
Welspun Living is committed to minimising its environmental impact and has set ambitious targets for carbon reduction. The company has been diligently working to enhance energy efficiency, adopt cleaner fuels, and increase the use of recycled materials.
To ensure transparency and accountability, Welspun meticulously monitors and reports its Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions to the public. The company has also initiated the calculation of Scope 3 emissions, aligning with global standards. With a clear roadmap in place, Welspun aims to derive 20% of its energy from renewable sources by 2025 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2030.
To further strengthen its sustainability strategy, Welspun is adopting the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) methodology. By aligning with this globally recognised framework, the company aims to contribute to limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C.
"This is done as part of our strategy as a textile company. We chalked out a complete roadmap for sustainability. Every year, every quarter, we report back on our water and conservation. We have milestones and targets. Everything has a roadmap. Carbon Neutrality by 2030 is part of this roadmap."
Welspun Living's unwavering dedication to sustainability is evident in its comprehensive approach and measurable goals.
The company's journey towards carbon neutrality is a significant step forward in creating a more sustainable textile industry.
Welspun Living is not only focused on environmental sustainability but is also leveraging technology to drive positive change. Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a powerful tool for the company to enhance its operations and contribute to a broader societal impact.
A significant part of Welspun Living's sustainability efforts lies in its support of the farming community.
"India is home to small farms and farmers who lack education and awareness on modern and progressive farming techniques."
To address this, Welspun has partnered with an AI startup as part of the Better Cotton Initiative. This collaboration empowers over 26,000 farmers with crucial data-driven insights.
"We have partnered with an AI startup, which helps farmers see what the quality of soil is, what kind of seed they're going to get for the next year, whether there is a pink ballworm infestation, information on the weather, the climate, etc. Because you know, the livelihood of the farmers depends on it and India is an agricultural country, at the end of the day," explains Goenka.
By providing farmers with real-time information on soil conditions, seed selection, pest management, and weather patterns, Welspun is helping to improve crop yields, reduce waste, and enhance the overall livelihoods of farming communities.
AI is also revolutionising Welspun Living's internal operations. The company produces an astounding 150 tonnes of towels using sustainable fabrics daily, a process that traditionally involved manual counting and quality inspection. To streamline this process and improve accuracy, Welspun has integrated AI into its production line.
"In our factory, when we do our towel counting, we're producing more than 150 tonnes of towels every day. And our employees are counting these towels. AI helps them spot if there are any faults in the towel. And that is where we see AI as an enabler in our everyday operations as well," says Goenka.
By automating quality control and increasing efficiency, Welspun is not only reducing operational costs but also minimising waste and improving product quality.
Welspun Living's adoption of AI underscores its commitment to innovation and sustainable practices. By combining human expertise with cutting-edge technology, the company is creating a positive impact on both the environment and the communities it serves. It’s safe to say that Welspun Living is constantly raising the bar for sustainable textiles and green manufacturing.
Welspun Living has solidified its position as a global leader in the home textiles industry. With a strong emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction, the company has garnered a reputation for producing high-quality products that resonate with consumers worldwide. From luxurious bed linens to plush towels, Welspun Living offers a diverse range of home solutions that cater to various lifestyles and preferences.
Welspun Living has cemented its position as a leader in the cotton textile industry in India and has emerged as a global textile powerhouse characterized by its unwavering commitment to sustainability and innovation. Its revolutionary water management system, which relies entirely on recycled water, stands as a testament to its environmental stewardship. With ambitious goals of carbon neutrality and a data-driven approach to agriculture, Welspun Living is redefining the textile industry. By harnessing the power of AI and prioritising the well-being of its stakeholders, the company is not only thriving but also creating a positive impact on the world. Welspun Living's journey serves as an inspiration for businesses seeking to balance profitability with environmental responsibility and social impact. If you want to follow their inspiring journey, explore their initiatives and detailed reports on their website.
