“Sharpening of sustainability tasks, measurements and improvement programs through the value chain, has gained momentum and this augurs well for the future”
– Mr. Manohar Samuel, Advisor – Sustainability, Grasim Industries, Aditya Birla Group, panelist Virtual Technical Seminar
Sustainability has become the buzzword in almost every industry today. It is no different in the case of the textile industry. It is clearly driving the future growth and providing direction for the industry. The Covid pandemic has added yet another dimension – safety. The more aware consumer of today is increasingly looking for protection from viral and microbial attacks in every product he is using, whether it is a mask, apparels or home textiles.
Given this background, there is palpable excitement around the Virtual Technical Seminar, that is being organized on 3rd December, a day prior to the Buyer Seller Meet (BSM) being organized by India ITME Society, with the topic ‘Safety and Sustainability – Strategy to drive success in post Covid scenario for the textile industry’.
Mr. Manohar Samuel, Advisor – Sustainability, Grasim Industries, Aditya Birla Group, is one among the eminent list of panelists, who will be deliberating on the topic during the webinar.
In a brief chat he threw light on the importance of safety and sustainability for the industry and the Grasim Group’s key sustainability initiatives.
Here are the edited excerpts.
Sharing his thoughts on the importance of safety and sustainability for the textile industry, particularly in the post pandemic era, Mr. Samuel mentions: “Sustainability in the fashion & clothing Industry has been one of the most important focus areas in the last 2-3 years. This is highly encouraging since the industry globally uses nearly 4% of GHG, 4.5% of fresh water, releases nearly 20% of waste water and sends > 50 Mn tons of waste to landfill in a year. Brands have taken the lead in asking for eco enhanced fibres, traceability of supply chain and have also shared extra costs in a few cases in the process. Post Covid, consumers have articulated their desire for more sustainable, comfortable and safety providing clothes, as much as participated in recycled versions. Sharpening of sustainability tasks, measurements and improvement programs through the value chain, has gained momentum and this augurs well for the future.”
Grasim is considered one of the leading global manufacturer of chemicals, fiber and textiles. The group is also known for its strong focus on sustainability. Looking back at the Aditya Birla Group’s sustainability journey so far and sharing its vision and target for a sustainable future, Mr. Samuel observed: “We have always focused on sustainable business practices since our philosophy dictates that for a sustainable world, sustainable business leadership is the way. Yes, we ranked 11th Globally in The Dow Jones Sustainability Index, in our sector after a substantial 26% YoY improvement in our score. We have moved up 6 ranks from last year and are near the industry best in Environmental reporting and Policies, Water Related Risk assessment, Social reporting, Human Capital development, Corporate citizenship, Philanthropy and Stakeholder engagement.”
Sustainability focus
“Another accolade is that, Birla Cellulose has been ranked #1 in The MMCF Industry by Canada based NGO Canopy, in their Hot Button Report 2019. This is for leadership shown in Forestry Management Practices, Innovation, Circularity Programs and Value Chain Collaboration. We have received a dark green shirt rating and leading score of 33, the best score until date,” he adds.
Highlighting another achievement on the front, Mr. Samuel pointed to Birla Cellulose’s recently launched ‘Liva Reviva’, a recycled Viscose fibre with excellent upcycled quality, RCS Certification, traceability of supply chain through the Green Track block chain platform and branding support services.
“Another safety providing innovation is Liva with added protection of antimicrobial fibres by Birla Cellulose. Injecting antimicrobial agent in the viscose fibre manufacturing stage itself, offers added protection to the wearer from bacteria and viruses, lasting over multiple washes”, he explains.
Pointing out to a few key targets set up for further improving the group’s sustainability quotient, Mr. Samuel states: “Birla Cellulose has aspirational goals on sustainable parameters and I wish to share a few such as – Reduce water intensity by 50% in VSF manufacturing by 2025, sulphur release to air by 70% at all fibre sites by 2022 and reduce the Loss Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) below 90% over baseline of FY’15.”