Founded in 1974 by Mrs. Sarla Ahuja, Shahi Exports has become synonymous with sustainability, women’s empowerment, and global textile innovation. As India’s largest apparel exporter, the company now operates over 50 factories across eight states and employs nearly 100,000 people, with a workforce composed of over 70% women. On its 50th anniversary, Shahi Exports reflects on its journey and looks ahead to a future driven by sustainability and digital innovation. Mr. Ramalingam. T, CEO and Director of Shahi Exports Knits Division, shares insights into the company’s progress, milestones, and goals.
A Legacy of Empowerment and Inclusive Growth
From its inception, Shahi Exports was envisioned as a space where women could achieve economic independence. Mrs. Sarla Ahuja’s founding mission was to empower women through meaningful employment, and her values still shape the company’s operations today. By providing a platform where women can excel both personally and professionally, Shahi Exports has grown into a leader in the global textile industry. Its focus on well-being has attracted a workforce of nearly 100,000, with over 70% women—a reflection of Shahi’s commitment to social responsibility.
Under the leadership of Mr. Ramalingam, Shahi has embraced an inclusive approach to expansion. As the Knits Division CEO, he highlights the critical role of employees in driving innovation and excellence. “The company’s foundation rests on empowering individuals, particularly women, who form the backbone of our workforce,” he explains. Shahi has maintained a steady trajectory of growth across diverse apparel categories, including ladies’ wear, knits, and men’s bottoms. This growth, built on strong ethical and sustainable practices, reinforces Shahi’s reputation as a socially responsible market leader.
Sustainability as a Cornerstone of Operations
Sustainability has become a defining feature of Shahi Exports. The company’s “Responsible For” framework guides its people and planet strategies, including the target of achieving 100% renewable electricity by 2026. Currently, Shahi has achieved 70% of this goal by implementing solar power and energy-saving technologies like LED lighting and energy-efficient designs. The company adheres to the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) guidelines, ensuring that its processes minimize environmental impact.
By aligning operations with sustainable practices, Shahi not only reduces its carbon footprint but also sets a benchmark for others in the industry. Mr. Ramalingam underscores the importance of this commitment: “Sustainability isn’t an afterthought for us; it’s integral to our ethos. With every innovation, we consider how we can further minimize our environmental impact, whether through renewable energy or efficient water management.” This commitment has placed Shahi at the forefront of the industry’s shift toward greener, more responsible production practices.
Strategic Expansion and Global Partnerships
In response to evolving market demands, Shahi Exports has also focused on strategic global partnerships to drive growth. As consumer preferences shift towards durable and cost-effective textiles, particularly in sportswear and athleisure, Shahi has entered into a promising collaboration with Little King Global, a prominent Taiwanese synthetic fiber manufacturer. This partnership will bring advanced technology to a new processing facility in Shimoga, enhancing Shahi’s manufacturing capabilities and generating local employment.
The collaboration with Little King Global aligns with Shahi’s broader strategy to diversify its product offerings and expand its global reach. According to Mr. Ramalingam, “This partnership is an essential step in strengthening our presence in the high-performance sportswear market. By combining Shahi’s manufacturing expertise with Little King’s innovation in synthetic fibers, we’re well-positioned to meet the growing demand for sustainable and durable athletic apparel.”
Ethical Sourcing and Workforce Development
Shahi Exports is committed to ethical sourcing and maintaining a transparent supply chain. The Knits Processing Division recently completed the YESS (Yarn Ethically and Sustainably Sourced) program, which enhances the company’s ability to assess and manage supply chain risks. This program aligns with global standards, allowing Shahi to identify and mitigate potential risks more effectively.
In addition to sourcing materials ethically, Shahi places a strong emphasis on workforce development. The company has partnered with initiatives like the Organic Cotton Accelerator and Better Cotton Initiative to promote sustainable cotton sourcing. Moreover, through programs such as Gap Inc.’s P.A.C.E. (now part of RISE – Reimagining Industry to Support Equality), Shahi has trained over 86,000 women in soft skills, gender sensitivity, menstrual hygiene, and more. By investing in training, Shahi fosters a safe and supportive environment, empowering employees to reach their full potential.
Shahi also prioritizes employee well-being through its grievance redressal systems, like Inache, a digital tool, which ensures that every employee has a safe and supportive workplace. These initiatives reflect Shahi’s commitment to not only sustainable business practices but also a workplace culture that values and uplifts its people.
Embracing Innovation for a Digital Future
As digital transformation reshapes the textile industry, Shahi Exports is leading the charge with advanced technologies. The company has adopted Industry 4.0 and 5.0 technologies, such as AI-based fabric identification and RFID-enabled productivity tools, to streamline operations and improve efficiency. Virtual sampling and on-demand manufacturing, facilitated by tools like CLO 3D and Browzwear, enable Shahi to minimize waste and accelerate production timelines.
Mr. Ramalingam highlights the impact of these technologies on Shahi’s ability to remain competitive. “By embracing digital tools, we’re not only improving operational efficiency but also making strides toward a more sustainable production model. Virtual sampling alone has helped us significantly reduce waste, aligning with our sustainability goals,” he explains. This commitment to innovation positions Shahi at the cutting edge of the textile industry’s digital transformation.
Commitment to Traceability and Sustainable Fibers
In a world where consumers increasingly value transparency, Shahi Exports has made traceability a priority. Through QR code technology, the company offers real-time tracking of materials throughout the production process. This approach provides consumers with transparency into Shahi’s ethical practices and strengthens customer trust.
Sustainable fiber integration is another key focus for Shahi. Currently, 56% of the fiber content used by Shahi comes from sustainable sources, reflecting the company’s dedication to reducing environmental impact. By working with organizations like Fashion for Good and incorporating recycled materials such as PET bottles and pre-consumer cotton fibers, Shahi promotes a circular economy and reduces textile waste.
Looking Ahead
As Shahi Exports celebrates its 50th anniversary, the company remains deeply committed to empowering women, driving innovation, and leading the textile industry’s sustainability efforts. With a continued focus on ethical sourcing, digital transformation, and renewable energy, Shahi is well-positioned to set new standards in sustainable manufacturing.
Reflecting on the journey, Mr. Ramalingam shares, “Our core values—empowerment, sustainability, and excellence—are the same today as they were fifty years ago. Mrs. Ahuja’s vision continues to inspire us, and as we look to the future, we see endless possibilities for growth, innovation, and positive impact.” With its unwavering dedication to responsible practices and innovation, Shahi Exports is poised to shape the future of the textile industry for years to come.
