Arvind Envisol, a subsidiary of the well-established Arvind Ltd., has emerged as a key player in the field of effluent treatment, providing innovative and cost-effective solutions that address both environmental and operational challenges faced across industries, including in the textile sector. Established in 2012, the Ahmedabad-based company has not only transformed the way effluent treatment plants (ETPs) operate but has also significantly reduced their lifecycle costs, providing a greener and more sustainable future for businesses.
Arvind Envisol’s ability to recycle up to 98%+ of water and offer robust Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) solutions has made it a pioneer in the industry. The company’s expertise extends across various sectors, with an emphasis on the textile industry, where it has built strong credibility by integrating cutting-edge technology with a deep understanding of the sector’s unique needs. In this interview, CEO Mr. Abhishek Tikmani delves into the company’s evolution, key divisions, and its commitment to driving sustainable growth through innovation.
Core Competency: Lowering Lifecycle Costs of ETPs
Arvind Envisol’s central strength lies in significantly reducing the lifecycle costs of effluent treatment plants (ETPs). This includes not only the capital expenditure (CAPEX) but also the operational expenses over a span of 10 years, which accounts for most of the long-term costs associated with running a ZLD based ETP.
With water scarcity becoming an increasingly critical issue, Arvind Envisol’s solutions focus on achieving a recovery rate of up to 98% of water, which can be recycled back into production processes, thereby reducing both fresh water consumption and the associated costs.
According to Mr. Abhishek Tikmani, the company’s focus is on offering complete Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) systems that cater to industries that generate high volumes of effluent, like textiles. ZLD solution not only ensures compliance with environmental regulations but also cuts down on waste water treatment costs while optimizing water usage.
Expansion and Diversification of Divisions
Since its inception in 2012, Arvind Envisol has diversified its operations and now boasts five key divisions.
1. Project Division (EPC & Turnkey Projects):
Arvind Envisol initially began with executing EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) turnkey projects for Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) systems. Over time, the company has expanded its offerings to include a range of advanced technologies to meet the varied needs of different industries, with a special focus on textile sector. The company has undertaken large-scale projects in India and abroad, with notable work in Ethiopia and Bangladesh, where it has delivered turnkey ETP solutions for textile mills.
2. Service Contracts and Maintenance Division:
The company also offers comprehensive service contracts for its own ETP projects as well as projects from other suppliers. These service contracts not only ensure efficient and long-term performance but also come with warranties and guarantees, including penalties for downtimes. Arvind Envisol has established itself as a trusted partner for textile mills in India, particularly in regions like Tiruppur, where the company has successfully upgraded and optimized several Centralized Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) by integrating advanced processes like high-recovery reverse osmosis and ultra filtration, which were set up even before Arvind Envisol was started.
3. Components Manufacturing Division:
Following the disruptions in global supply chains during the Covid-19 pandemic, Arvind Envisol made a strategic move to manufacture its own ETP & ZLD components. Today, the company manufactures over 150 essential components for wastewater treatment plants. This division also serves as an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), ensuring a steady supply of critical parts at competitive prices. With the success of this venture, Arvind Envisol is planning to set up a new facility for membrane manufacturing, which is a key element in water treatment processes.
4. Solid Waste Recycling Division:
Arvind Envisol is expanding its sustainability efforts beyond water treatment. Its solid waste recycling division focuses on providing equipment for the recycling of HDPE plastics. The company has also set ambitious plans to diversify into recycling UPVC, membranes, and even solar panels in the near future, further reinforcing its commitment to environmental sustainability.
5. Centre of Excellence for R&D:
At the heart of Arvind Envisol’s technological edge is its Centre of Excellence, dedicated to research and development in wastewater treatment. The company has partnered with universities and other research institutions to innovate and refine its technology.
Focus on the Textile Industry: Expertise and Innovation
The textile industry has long been identified as one of the most water-intensive and polluting sectors, and Arvind Envisol’s expertise in this area has been crucial to its growth. The company began by providing effluent treatment solutions to textile mills and has since become a go-to supplier for Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) solutions. Arvind Envisol’s deep understanding of textile processes—such as dyeing, printing, and finishing—has allowed it to tailor its solutions to meet the unique needs of these mills.
As Mr. Tikmani explains, Arvind Envisol’s designs are highly adaptable, allowing them to handle effluents from various processes like woven fabrics, denim, and knit fabrics. Additionally, the company has pioneered solutions that allow mills to reuse salts from effluents, a practice that was previously unconsidered in conventional ETPs. This not only helps the mills reduce their environmental footprint but also brings down operating costs, aligning with Arvind Envisol’s core philosophy of minimizing lifecycle costs.
The company’s expertise in water treatment also extends to its parent company, Arvind Ltd., which now has a 20 MLD effluent treatment plant at its own textile facility. The treated water from this plant is recycled back into the manufacturing process, serving as a real-world testing ground for Arvind Envisol’s innovations.
Arvind Envisol has firmly established itself as a leading innovator in the field of effluent treatment, setting new benchmarks for cost-efficiency and sustainability in industrial water management. By offering end-to-end solutions that cover everything from EPC projects to service contracts, components manufacturing, and waste recycling, the company is positioning itself as a comprehensive partner for industries looking to reduce their environmental impact while improving operational efficiency.
