By: Shersingh Kumar, CEO at Rymbal
- With what mission and objectives, the company was set up? Tell us about your journey since the inception of the company?
There is no denying the fact that the Indian footwear industry is ever-evolving, producing 2.8 billion pairs of footwear each year, but the majority of them end up in landfills after consumption/end of life. This irresponsible way of disposing of footwear poses a significant problem, including increased environmental pollution. However, after recognizing the fact that consumers are increasingly concerned about this and seeking for ‘Green and clean’ solutions, we came up with the concept and built Rymbal as an excellent solution. At Rymbal, we are committed to developing sustainable Polyurethane solutions that are eco-friendly while maintaining superior quality, comfort and performance standards.
The founding team’s passion and dedication laid all the groundwork for what would eventually grow into a thriving enterprise. Thus, since its inception, Rymbal has embarked on a remarkable journey of growth and driving innovation. Furthermore, the focus will remain on establishing a strong foothold in the market and creating value by offering differentiated solutions.
- Tell us how your company’s technology is contributing to sustainability?
Rymbal believes that sustainability is not just a choice but a responsibility towards the environment. As a responsible Polyurethane system manufacturer, Rymbal is taking various initiatives to reduce the environmental impact of the footwear industry and create a sustainable ecosystem. Our current technology offering focuses on eliminating restricted chemicals and limiting their use to permissible bands during the manufacturing of Polyurethane systems. All our formulations are REACH compliant. Additionally, we have successfully developed solutions to reduce/eliminate harmful chemicals such as Phenol, phthalates, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and other chemicals that pose a threat to the environment and human health.
- What is your biggest USP that differentiates the company from competitors?
What sets us apart from competitors is our current investment in R&D and commitment to developing PU solutions for the future of the footwear industry. We recognize that the footwear industry is highly competitive and constantly evolving, driven by changing customer preferences, technological advancements and sustainability concerns. We are committed to developing innovative, eco-friendly polyurethane materials that reduce environmental impact without compromising performance. This includes exploring bio-based or recycled materials and incorporating sustainable manufacturing practices. Our goal is to offer footwear manufacturers sustainable alternatives that align with their environmental goals and resonate with eco-conscious consumers.
- How do you see the trends changing in the industry in the future ahead?
Firstly, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is expanding the scope of footwear types under its gamut by introducing higher-quality footwear being produced in India, which expands the potential for export for Indian footwear firms. Secondly, envisaging a significant shift in Fashion and Sports footwear will enhance creativity and increase the need for comfort and durability. Finally, embracing eco-friendly products in Polyurethanes will almost become a necessity in the coming years given the government’s focus and commitment on reducing carbon emissions. We expect to be on course to meet the evolving needs of the market through our PU systems.
- What are the advantages of using recycled polyurethane over a fresh one?
The Indian footwear industry, given its enormous scale of producing 2.5 billion pairs of footwear annually, can significantly benefit from using recycled polyurethane. Incorporating recycled PU materials in footwear production reduces the industry dependence on conventional petroleum-based resources. This shift not only contributes to sustainability goals by reducing environmental impact but also showcases India as a society committed to addressing environmental concerns. Ultimately, the advantages of using recycled polyurethane in footwear manufacturing are two-fold: environmental benefits and a positive image for the industry.
- What are your plans going forward, how are you planning to add value to your community in the next year?
With the commitment and focus on innovation, Rymbal’s future plans are multidimensional. We will invest further in manufacturing capabilities through capacity addition at our existing plant in Bahadurgarh, Haryana and in a new greenfield facility in the South. We are also eyeing geographic expansion beyond India, exploring export markets to Europe and SE Asia. Additionally, next year we are planning to implement our ESG objectives with a focus on reducing the carbon emissions from the current base of our manufacturing plant. This will add value not only to our community but also to the nation.
