Innovation

The company through its sustainable practices has reduced the water usage in the manufacturing of textiles, as part of their game-changing approach. The scope of the work carried was strictly maintained to ensure guaranteed results of growth in terms of setup expansion, all the company needed was to ensure proper setup in terms of its location aiming towards sustaining the environment, to this Welspun ensured to setup their flagship facility in Anjar, Gujarat; this plant now serves as a symbol of the company’s approach towards sustainability by standing out owing to its values that an organization of this scale holds. To support its water necessities, it employs techniques such as harvesting rainwater and using sophisticated systems for recycling water, thus enabling the organization to refrain from the consumption of fresh water.

The implementation of the water recycling plant helped the organization a lot, as it allowed the organization to be able to treat up to 61.7 million cubic meters of waste and retain billions of gallons of previously used water for all 15 stages of water dependent processes. Such measures enable to maintain the quality of textiles manufactured while at the same time saving water thus allowing the organization to become independent of any water bodies. So, harvesting the rainwater and relying less on outside sources allowed the organization to not only become self-sustained, but also helped in maintaining the target of being ecofriendly.

Increasing the alternatives of water raises sustainability options, which are a big contribution to water issues globally alongside being more ecofriendly thus providing a compliant manufacturing option, because the practices that can be employed are endless, from beginning to end. These approaches taken by Welspun aid to tackle water constraints all over the world, as on their approach they align with UN SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – being able to solve most water issues worldwide. The proposed goals also include SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, hence having its focus on ecofriendly business operations while also promoting a responsible approach towards water use and consumption aiding the brand towards sustainable growth.

Inspiration

In the interview, it was noted how the company is involved in sustainable practices such as conserving water. The leader highlighted the fact that there is a water catastrophe and more responsible water usage has to be done especially in areas like textile manufacturing where water usage is very high. They pointed out that water is a critical ingredient that needs to be protected for coming generations.

In 2001 Anjar region, which was profoundly affected by the Gujarat earthquake, formed a part of the community that Welspun catered to. The people in the area motivated Welspun in terms of resilience and set an impetus for the company to focus their efforts in rehabilitation and building the area for the longer term. Promoting welfare amongst the populace by supporting communities with environment friendly practices such as water preservation also formed a part of the company’s outreach endeavors.

The region of Anjar provided vision in terms of Welspun’s affinity to “give back” to the community all the while stressing on the social and environmental values that the region demanded. The company implemented measures that inter alia included the provision for rainwater harvesting and reclamation to address the dire scenario that surrounded water scarcity. 

It is imperative for the company to support the people of Anjar highlighted the leadership and their support tied back into the broader cause of sustainability. Welspun’s direct impact on the wider class of Anjar would foster a healthy ecosystem, it is no surprise that the company has made it an operational necessity to focus on water management systems as a relevant outcome.

 Mr. Majumdar states the main goal of the leadership which aligns with CEO Mrs. Goenka's vision is "At Welspun, our mission is to create a water-secure planet, and we champion various conservation efforts. 100% of our water needs are met through recycling and reuse."

Overall impact

The novelty introduced by Welspun Living has transformed the textile industry in terms of short- and long-term sustainability. To begin with, the firm’s claim of using zero freshwater and instituting water recycling systems in turn has cut back water usage at its Anjar plant. By making it an annual feature to reuse treated wastewater and rainwater, billions of liters of water is saved in Welspun annually so as to prevent the depletion of local water sources and also to reduce the environmental impact of its operations.

Evidence of this impact includes reduced dependency on fresh water, enhanced water efficiency, and the treatment of 7 billion liters of wastewater annually. All such efforts have made it possible to achieve a 30% cutback in water consumption per unit production making genuine progress towards water conserving practices. It is reinforced by the Welspun’s employment of modern technologies that IoT-based real time monitoring systems which makes improvement to be a constant factor in the business.

In the longer plant perspective, these innovations assist in relation to the UN SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation goals aimed at reversing the shortage of water accessible at a global scale. Also, the company is focused on SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, ensures its consistent leadership in sustainable manufacturing.

The effectiveness of this strategy inspired other companies in the textile sector to implement comparable water conservation measures, increasing the influence of Welspun within the sector.

Initiatives undertaken by Welspun Living such as water recycling or rain water harvesting or even treating wastewater indicate that if well planned and executed, these measures indeed lead to efficiency rather than being mere constraints. In its continued quest to lessen its ecological footprint, Welspun is showing the industry the way forward, establishing that environmental stewardship and business expansion can be mutually achieved.

Business benefit

The water conservation exercises which were undertaken by Welspun Living have resulted into several business benefits. The company has enjoyed operational effectiveness after its costs of water and energy have been reduced thereby increasing savings and general profits. The company has also minimized the use of freshwater and sources over recycled water which has seen the utility bills cut down and makes Welspun more competitive in textile production.

The enhanced corporate image due to the commitment of the company to social responsibility has also increased its brand and opened up new vistas of the market. The Welspun has been able to win considerable awards like the National Water Award and official certificates like the OEKO-TEX, GOTS thus able to define itself as a forerunner in sustainable practices. This has enabled Welspun reach out to those consumers who are inclined to buy products which do not harm the environment.

The engagement of staff in the company has also improved turnover retention rate all thanks to the emphasis on sacrifice brought about by the management. Enhancing job satisfaction and minimizing attrition rate is bound to attract foreign employees who are in line with company values and policies. Awarding such employers by various forums dealing with sustainability aspect has also improved the employer image of Welspun as innovative and focused organization.

The above gains in the long run have brought about new investments, enhanced collaborations with retailers who are sustainability driven and made Welspun an attractive supplier within the worldwide supply chains. The firm’s management overseeing water usage has not just enhanced efficiency but has also strengthened the status of the company as an industrial leader in the long-lasting approach to making goods.

Social and environmental benefit

Welspun Living’s water saving measures have been beneficial not only to the local community but the environment too, particularly in the area of Anjar, Gujarat where the company’s headquarter is situated. By removing the need for using freshwater and incorporating advanced water recycling and rainwater harvesting systems, Welspun has helped to lessen the water dependence on the local waters’ structure consequently combating water scarcity in the area. These sustainable practices have also worked for Anjar which has water shortages as the strain on the local water supply has been relieved by Welspun’s initiatives.

Apart from that, Welspun’s activities have been beneficial to the Anjar region for its clean water projects. Thus, the company also focuses on construction of clean drinking facilities to nearby locations like providing reverse osmosis (RO) water purification systems which eases the safety of drinking water. With these initiatives, it is ensured that the advantages of its sustainable endeavors go well beyond its own business operations and promote the health of the society at large. Besides, Welspun has also been aiding local and community educational elsewhere projects like rainwater harvesting systems and ground water recharge so as to promote water conservation and environmental education.

These efforts demonstrate how businesses can be of great help in the environmental problems as well as the social wellbeing.

Interview

Arnab Majumdar, Ex General Manager at Welspun for last 26 years. Currently Plant Head at Shardha Terry Products.