News & Insights | Textile Industry

Reliance Industries Leads the Charge with Eco-Friendly Innovations at BharatTex 2024

Published: March 7, 2024
Author: TEXTILE VALUE CHAIN

New Delhi, February 27, 2024 – Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) is proud to share the glimpse of global expansion of the Circular Design Challenge (CDC) alongside the introduction of ECOTHERM™, a game-changing product poised to revolutionize the textile industry. The unveiling takes place at the prestigious “Reliance Sourcing Solutions Pavilion” within BharatTex 2024.

At the heart of this groundbreaking initiative is the CDC in partnership with the UN in India and Lakmé Fashion Week, celebrating its 6th season, which has now transcended borders to reach a global audience. Initially a beacon of eco-consciousness within India’s fashion industry, the CDC expands to the UK, EU, and APAC regions. By inviting designers from around the world to participate, CDC aims to spearhead a movement towards circularity and sustainability in the global fashion ecosystem.

At the “Reliance Sourcing Solutions Pavilion,” attendees will have the opportunity to explore a diverse array of offerings from RIL and its affiliated companies, including Alok Industries, Sintex Industries, Reliance Polyesters (formerly Shubhalaxmi), Reliance Textile Division – Naroda, and Recron Malaysia SDN. BHD. Additionally, the Pavilion features R|Elan™ Hub Excellence Program (HEP) Partners, comprising ten leading companies and a buying house, all collaborating to drive innovation and excellence in the textile sector.

Among the highlights of the Pavilion is the introduction of ECOTHERM™, a research-driven functional product that offers a unique combination of properties tailored to meet the diverse needs of today’s consumers. This innovative fiber boasts several key attributes, including: 

Light Weight: With a specific gravity near to acrylic and approximately 18% lighter than polyester, ECOTHERM™ provides unparalleled comfort without compromising on performance.

High Bulk: Blending regular ECOTHERM™ with high-shrinkable ECOTHERM™ in a 50:50 ratio produces yarn with high bulk and air pockets, akin to acrylic or wool.

Thermal Properties: ECOTHERM™ delivers excellent thermal insulation properties comparable to acrylic and wool, ensuring warmth and comfort in any environment.

Excellent Resilience: Known for its exceptional resilience, ECOTHERM™ maintains excellent shape retention and fittings, enhancing garment longevity.

Soft Feel: ECOTHERM™ offers an unparalleled soft feel compared to other fibers, ensuring a luxurious wearing experience.

High Dyeability: With dyeability approximately 150-200% over regular PSF, ECOTHERM™ allows for deeper shades and competitive dyeing costs.

Versatility: Available in a wide range of deniers and cut lengths, ECOTHERM™ is suitable for various applications in apparel and home textiles.

Moreover, ECOTHERM™ offers economic value by providing cost benefits for garments, with stable pricing compared to fluctuating acrylic fiber costs and offers opportunity for co-branding products. This facilitates robust marketing communication, co-branding strategies, and collateral support, enhancing the visibility and appeal of the products in the market. 

In conjunction with the launch of ECOTHERM™, RIL also introduces the “Reliance Rishta” aimed at supporting the Indian textile industry and downstream customers. Through this initiative, RIL provides specialized products, trend forecasts, application development support, marketing assistance, and a HEP to selected cohorts, fostering collaboration and growth in the sector.

Furthermore, RIL extends its product development support to textile companies and retailers, aiding them in becoming more self-reliant by offering indigenous import substitution products tailored to their specific needs. From cotton replacements to sustainable denim solutions, RIL is committed to driving innovation and resilience in the textile industry.

Innovations in textile technology are revolutionizing the industry, offering sustainable alternatives to traditional cotton-based products. RIL’s Cotluk Fibers, a result of advanced technology, are seamlessly integrated into Vortex and Siro Spinning processes, providing fabrics that mimic the look and feel of cotton while mitigating environmental impact. Additionally, Sapan filament yarn offers a user-friendly solution for warp or weft applications, boasting a spun like hand-feel ideal for various garments such as dresses, shirting, and bottom weight fabrics.

For those seeking comfort and sustainability, RIL’s Dull PBT emerges as a game-changer, providing superior stretch and comfort in garments. This sustainable solution caters to the growing demand for eco-conscious textiles while ensuring flexibility and ease of movement. Moreover, the denim revolution spearheaded by innovative yarns aims to minimize the environmental footprint of denim production by offering water-saving alternatives to traditional indigo dyeing methods.

Furthermore, import substitution initiatives like RIL’s Low Melt Yarn and BSY are poised to transform the textile landscape by reducing reliance on imported materials. Low Melt Yarn serves as a vital component in sports shoes, offering a domestic alternative. Similarly, BSY caters to the ladies’ dress material market, including burka fabric. These domestically developed solutions not only support the growth of the domestic fabric industry but also contribute to national self-sufficiency and sustainability goals.

Collaboration lies at the heart of RIL’s approach towards sustainability. By partnering with leading designers and industry players, RIL aims to make sustainable fabrics not only desirable but also accessible to consumers. Through initiatives like the Circular Design Challenge (CDC) and R|Elan™ show at various fashion extravaganzas, RIL strives to foster a culture of sustainability and circular practices within the fashion ecosystem.

The CDC has been pivotal in driving India’s fashion industry towards eco-consciousness. Now, it aims to be a beacon of change on an international scale, promoting circularity and sustainability in the global fashion ecosystem. This expansion marks a significant milestone in our collective journey towards a more sustainable future, as we unite creative minds from diverse backgrounds to champion environmental stewardship through fashion innovation.

Reliance Industries is at the forefront of driving excellence through its HEP program. This strategic initiative focuses on strengthening the entire value chain by standardizing manufacturing processes, leveraging cutting-edge technologies, and adopting industry best practices.

In collaboration with over 50 key industry players, RIL empowers them to create innovative fabrics using R|Elan™ technologies. Under the HEP initiative, RIL shares its latest expertise, specifications, and expert consultation to enhance and sustain the quality of textiles for apparel manufacturers.

The HEP initiative not only reinforces the end product’s quality but also generates significant value for partners across all tiers of the value chain. This commitment aligns seamlessly with our motto of bringing smiles to end consumers’ faces.

Our robust pan-India network ensures a seamless production process, adhering to timelines and maintaining consistent quality. Brands and retailers can rely on this efficient supply chain with confidence.

As RIL march forward on a journey towards a greener tomorrow, the company remains steadfast in its pursuit of excellence and sustainability. Through relentless innovation and collaboration, RIL aspire to shape a fashion industry that not only delights consumers but also nurtures planet for generations to come.

Visit the “Reliance Sourcing Solutions Pavilion” at BharatTex 2024 to experience the future of textiles firsthand and discover the transformative potential of ECOTHERM™ and other groundbreaking innovations from RIL and partner companies.

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