By Ganesh Srinivasan, CEO, Resil Chemicals
At Resil Chemicals, we are dedicated to transforming everyday fabrics into sensory delights, partnering with our customers at every step of the finishing process through our DSIR-recognized research centers. As the demand for silicones and block silicones in innovative textiles grows, we offer a wide range of finishes to cater to every need. Our subsidiary, N9 World Technologies Private Limited (N9WTPL), explores advanced materials like silver and bio-based compounds, adding significant value to our customers’ products.
We are more than just a company – we are a community of passionate individuals committed to preserving our planet through sustainable technologies and our extensive knowledge of silicone and organic chemicals. Our Textile Application Research Centre (ARC) provides comprehensive services to textile manufacturers, with state-of-the-art laboratories and design studios led by skilled textile professionals. This support helps manufacturers address technical challenges at various stages of the textile and garment processing chain.
With over three decades of expertise, Resil Chemicals has become a global leader in providing custom specialty finishes to textile brands and manufacturers. We collaborate closely with our customers to transform fabrics into extraordinary experiences, offering tailor-made solutions and end-to-end execution support. At N9WTPL, we innovate next-generation sustainable technologies for protection, hygiene, comfort, and wellness, delivering unparalleled value and superior service to our customers and their consumers.
Eco-Friendly Textile Innovations
Our eco-friendly textile innovations include products like Greenpel and Greenpel CAT, which offer superior fluorine-free liquid repellence suitable for all textile fiber types, and Aquasil Terrysoft, which provides instant hydrophilicity and superior softness to treated towels. BIORESIN, a zero-formaldehyde resin developed from natural oils with over 90% biodegradability, ensures pleasant softness with a durable press rating. RESIFEEL ABR, derived from natural oils, boasts a bio-based content exceeding 22% as per ASTM D 6866. RESISCOUR ZFW SPL, a biobased wetting agent, effectively reduces surface tension during textile processing. BIOSTONE WASH ENZYME minimizes water usage and waste in denim finishing. ProTecht PAO, ProTecht PMM, and ProTecht SLP PRO-FRESH deliver plant-based anti-odor performance, moisture management, and sustainable freshness respectively. SOLADEL UV ULTRA offers UV protection for all fiber types, while EarthMint and EcoRelease provide plant-based freshness and fluorine-free hydrophilic soil and stain release. Odorel offers durable odor reduction after multiple washes, being a non-biocidal, non-metal, odor capture finish with over 70% biodegradability.
Key Strategies to Enhance Sustainability
To enhance sustainability in the fashion industry, we utilize eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton, bamboo, hemp, and recycled fibers. We optimize manufacturing processes to minimize water and energy consumption, along with reducing waste through improved design and pattern-making. Transitioning from fast fashion to timeless designs, durable construction, and sustainable packaging is essential. We promote a circular economy by encouraging garment reuse and recycling through efficient recycling technologies and closed-loop systems. Mindful consumption practices such as extending garment lifespan, supporting second-hand stores, and promoting upcycling help reduce textile waste. Complying with sustainability certifications like GOTS, ZDHC, OEKO-TEX, Higg Index, Screened Chemistry, and BLUESIGN upholds environmental and social standards, fostering transparency and accountability. Ethical sourcing and fair treatment of workers throughout the supply chain promote fair labor practices and social responsibility. An integrated approach to all these practices can significantly improve the fashion industry’s environmental impact and ethical standards, paving the way towards a more sustainable and responsible future.
Latest Trends and Developments
The latest trends in textile and garment wet processing and finishing emphasize sustainability and innovation. Bio-based and plant-based technologies are gaining traction, with the use of natural dyes from plants and algae and functional finishes incorporating chitosan and aloe vera extracts for antimicrobial, UV-protection, and water-repellent properties. Sustainable processes such as waterless dyeing with supercritical CO2, plasma technology for surface modification, and foam finishing significantly reduce water and chemical usage. Advanced filtration and bioremediation techniques are enhancing wastewater treatment and recycling capabilities. Recycling and upcycling initiatives are transforming post-consumer and industrial waste into new fibers and higher-value products. Digitization and automation leveraging Industry 4.0 technologies, AI, and smart textiles are improving process efficiency and enabling innovative applications in health monitoring, sports, and fashion. Eco-certification and compliance with standards like OEKO-TEX and GOTS, alongside regulations such as EU REACH, ensure adherence to stringent environmental and social criteria, fostering a more sustainable textile industry.
Challenges in the Textile Processing Industry
The Indian processing industry faces several challenges, including a skill gap with a shortage of skilled labor and training programs, a fragmented supply chain lacking integration among farmers, processors, and retailers, and infrastructure/technological bottlenecks with inadequate facilities and limited access to high-quality raw materials. Additionally, there’s variability in product quality due to inconsistent processing standards and a lack of standardized QA practices, as well as the challenge of manufacturing affordable, high-quality products. Solutions include investing in training and skill development programs, enhancing supply chain integration, upgrading infrastructure and adopting advanced technologies, standardizing quality control practices, and focusing on cost-effective production methods.
Resil’s Product Stewardship and ESG Practices
As a socially and environmentally committed entity, we have a well-defined vision and goals towards sustainable development. Our methodology is based on methodically ingraining sustainability values at the source, ensuring they cascade down the supply chain. Our value chain approach to sustainability encompasses the development of safer and better products, environmental protection, human care, and transparent communication of our value creation. Our dedicated product stewardship team continuously evaluates and maintains an environmental, health, and safety database for all our substances and products, forming the basis for our sustainable development. We are instrumental in developing sustainable products by incorporating various programs aimed at replacing hazardous chemicals with safe alternatives, inventing products with augmented recycling capability, reducing carbon footprints in our ecosystems, and conserving resources like water and electricity. We always maintain a high score in the HIGG index module, which testifies to our collective effort towards environmental commitment. Furthermore, our adherence to ethical sourcing ensures fair treatment of workers throughout the supply chain, promoting fair labor practices and social responsibility. We also comply with stringent standards and certifications such as GOTS, OEKO-TEX, and EU REACH, reinforcing our dedication to environmental and social criteria.
At Resil, our commitment to ESG and social and environmental responsibility drives our vision for a circular future. We embed sustainability at the source, ensuring it cascades through the supply chain. Our high scores in the HIGG index module reflect our unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability. Through these comprehensive efforts, we strive to create a positive impact on the planet and society, paving the way for a more sustainable and responsible future.
