Innovating for a Sustainable Future in Textiles
Mr Rajendra Gupta
During the Yarn Expo 2024 held in Surat, the TVC Media Team had the privilege of interviewing Mr. Rajendra Gupta, the Director of Perfect Filaments Limited. This company is recognized for its extensive range of specialised yarn products, including Inherent Fire-Retardant Yarn, Inherent Antimicrobial Yarn, Inherent Wicking Effect Yarn, Dope Dyed Yarn, Cationic Yarn, Full Dull Yarn, Melange, and Discat Yarns. Perfect Filaments prides itself on its adaptability, customising products to meet specific end-user requirements, and has recently made significant advancements in sustainable textiles by introducing biodegradable and bio-compostable yarns.
With a remarkable production capacity of 100 tons per day for both Polyester Partially Oriented Yarn (POY) and texturizing, Perfect Filaments serves a diverse clientele in both domestic and international markets. The company places a strong emphasis on research and development, holding nine patents across various countries, including the USA, Europe, China, Australia, and India.
To further enhance its production capabilities by approximately 20%, Perfect Filaments is investing $4 million in capacity expansion. The company is also focusing on recycling yarn manufacturing, utilising bottle flakes and used garments to promote sustainability.
Mr. Rajendra Gupta, a commerce graduate with over 30 years of experience in the textile industry, leads the company with a vision for innovation and growth. Under his guidance, Perfect Filaments Limited continues to push boundaries in product development while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainability and customer satisfaction.
In discussing innovations, Mr Gupta highlighted the company’s focus on specialty yarns, particularly in the polyester textile sector. The product range includes recycled yarn, which is increasingly in demand in Europe and the Americas due to heightened environmental awareness. Perfect Filaments produces GRS-certified recycled yarn and has developed Siklo yarn, a biodegradable option that decomposes naturally, unlike conventional polyester. The company also manufactures unique products such as glow-in-the-dark yarn and fire-retardant yarn suitable for public spaces.
Siklo yarn, sourced from America, is significant for its environmental benefits, and Perfect Filaments holds a monopoly on its production in India. Mr. Gupta noted that environmentally conscious consumers are willing to pay a premium for fabrics made from this innovative yarn.
The market for recycled yarn is rapidly evolving, driven by growing consumer awareness of sustainability. Currently, exports account for about 25-30% of the company’s recycled yarn sales, with approximately 35-40% of total revenue derived from exports. However, challenges remain in promoting recycled yarn in India, as many consumers still prefer cheaper polyester fabrics and are not fully aware of the benefits of recycled options. Awareness is gradually increasing, particularly among younger generations.
Looking ahead, Mr Gupta expressed optimism about the future of recycling in textiles, citing European regulations that will require 30% of fabrics to be made from recycled yarn, with plans to increase this to 100% by 2030, significantly boosting demand.
Currently, Perfect Filaments produces about 25 tons of yarn daily, with the capability to scale up to 100 tons. While there are no immediate expansion plans, the company is continuously exploring new product lines and innovations. The approach to innovation involves developing new yarns and fabrics, showcasing them to the public, and providing samples to buyers for consumer approval, with a success rate of about 20-30%.
With an annual revenue of around 500 crores, of which 20-25% comes from recycled products, Mr Gupta encourages the younger generation and startups in the textile industry to be innovative and hardworking. He believes that today’s youth have the potential to drive significant change in the industry.
In conclusion
Mr. Rajendra Gupta’s insights during the interview underscore Perfect Filaments Limited’s dedication to innovation and sustainability within the textile sector. The company is focused on producing a diverse array of specialty yarns, particularly recycled and biodegradable options, to meet the increasing demand for environmentally friendly materials. With a substantial portion of its production aimed at exports, Perfect Filaments is strategically positioned to capitalise on international market trends, especially in regions where sustainability is becoming a priority. Mr. Gupta’s vision for the future emphasises the need for greater awareness and acceptance of recycled products among local consumers, as the company continues to innovate and expand its offerings to solidify its leadership in the textile industry while contributing to a more sustainable future.
