Effective water management for Textile companies

While water conservation is the need of the hour, this natural resource is extremely crucial for manufacturing and industrial processes in the textile industry. Textile is one of the most water intensive sectors in the world; in fact, producing a single kilogram of cotton requires almost 22,500 litres of water. Every process across the supply chain – from pre-treating yarn to dyeing, printing, bleaching and even finishing – requires clean water. However, we often tend to forget that our processes need clean water, not necessarily freshwater. 

There are several measures that textile manufacturers can take to ensure optimum utilisation of water. Depending on the location and availability of rain, manufacturers can choose to harvest rainwater by collecting surface runoff or opting for a groundwater recharge. At Welspun India’s manufacturing plant in Anjar, a large reservoir collects rainwater that the plant can use throughout the year. It gives me great pride to share that we have achieved zero freshwater dependency at this location.

Textile companies can conduct a water footprint assessment to identify areas where they can reduce water consumption and improve efficiency. This will help them develop a comprehensive water management plan that addresses its unique needs and challenges. We need not shy away from experimenting with out-of-the-box methods to conserve water. In fact, innovation can be key here. For instance, sourcing and treating wastewater from municipalities and reusing it for various processes is an excellent method of innovative water management. Doing this offers dual benefits - to society as well as textile manufacturing companies.

To further promote effective water management in the textile industry, it is important for companies to also prioritise transparency and accountability. This means sharing information on water usage and management practices, as well as holding themselves accountable for the impact they may have on local water resources. By doing so, textile companies can not only improve their own water management practices but also contribute to the overall sustainability of the industry and protect the water resources that are vital for communities and ecosystems alike. The road towards zero freshwater dependence is perhaps not an easy one, but it is certainly a necessary step towards a more sustainable and responsible future.

Effective water management has a myriad of benefits for textile companies. Aside from the enormous environmental impact, the cause of water management motivates manufacturers to innovate better solutions, improves efficiency in processes and boosts brand reputation. Furthermore, as consumers increasingly demand sustainable and responsible products, textile companies that prioritise effective water management can gain a competitive advantage and access new markets.