Arvind to convert cotton stalk to biomass to further coal-free goal
India-based textiles and clothing manufacturer Arvind Limited and investment firm Peak Sustainability Ventures are partnering on a large-scale cotton stalk torrefaction plant in Gujarat, with a capacity of 40,000+ tonnes per year.
The project will convert cotton stalk into torrefied biomass, a cleaner substitute for coal in boilers at Arvind’s manufacturing operations, reducing fossil fuel usage.
Arvind estimates only 15% of the cotton plant - the cotton fibre and seed - is used for textile and other products, with the remaining 85% of the crop is burnt or left in the field. Arvind has a farmer network of over 90,000 cotton farmers. While Arvind currently is using cotton stalk for thermal energy at its manufacturing units, the fuel characteristics of the stalk are substantially improved through torrefaction.
In the future, both parties may explore producing biochar from cotton stalks to provide to farmers, which can in turn improve soil health and crop yield and promote regenerative agricultural practices.
For Arvind, this project helps accelerate its transition towards a 100% coal-free company by 2030.
Punit Lalbhai, vice-chairman at Arvind, said: “We are innovating in all parts of our value chain to improve our sustainability and long-term business and meet our SBTI targets. This torrefaction project with Peak is one of the best examples of circular economy and waste-to-energy we have seen in the textiles space, exemplifying what a regenerative textile ecosystem can look like.”
Image: Artist's representation
