In the dynamic landscape of the Indian textile industry, RSWM Limited stands out as a leader committed to innovation and sustainability. This special series delves into the achievements of the company’s three key business divisions – Kints, Yarns & Melange, showcasing their significant contributions to shaping the textile market…
RSWM Limited, the flagship company of the LNJ Bhilwara Group, boasts a net worth of USD 1.2 billion and stands as one of India’s top manufacturers and exporters of recycled fibre, synthetic, cotton, and blended yarns, along with denim and knitted fabrics. Led by Riju Jhunjhunwala, the Chairman and Managing Director, RSWM Ltd. exports a wide variety of yarns and fabrics across more than 80 70 + countries worldwide. With state-of-the-art technology, the company produces a range of high-quality cotton, mélange, synthetic, and sustainable yarns, in addition to greige, dyed, novelty, and value-added yarns, as well as knitted and denim fabrics. RSWM Ltd.’s 10 – 12 manufacturing facilities in Rajasthan ensure efficient production and on-time delivery, reinforcing its position as a leader in the textile industry.
During an exclusive interview at Yarnex’24, IMAGES Business of Fashion had the opportunity to engage with three of RSWM’s Business Heads. They shared insights into their respective divisions and presented their Autumn/Winter 2024 collections, showcasing a range of innovative products and solutions that reflect the company’s commitment to quality and sustainability in the textile industry.
RSWM Limited: Pioneering Innovation in the Global Yarn Market
For over 60 years, RSWM Limited has established itself as a leader in the textile industry. With 12 advanced manufacturing units across North India, the company operates 625,000 spindles, 172 looms, and 95 circular and flat knitting machines. This robust infrastructure allows RSWM to produce an impressive 150,000 174000 MT of yarn annually, including 120,000 121,000 MT of grey yarn and 30,000 32,000 MT of dyed yarn, catering to a variety of textile applications such as knits, woven fabrics, and home furnishings. The company’s innovative specialty yarns, like Slub and Neppy, keep pace with the latest trends in fashion and textiles. ADD: mélange Yarns 21000MT
“This isn’t just about numbers; it’s a testament to our commitment to top-notch textile manufacturing on a large scale. Our journey has been one of steady growth, constant innovation, and adapting to the ever-changing market, all while expanding into exciting areas like greige yarns, dyed yarns, combed compact cotton yarns, etc,” says B.K. Sharma, Business Head, DYB, RSWM Limited.
Global Reach & Quality Assurance
Sharma reveals that RSWM Limited exports a significant portion of its yarn to over 78 countries, making it a trusted supplier for international brands such as Zara, IKEA, Target, H&M, PVH, Calvin Klein, and Tommy Hilfiger. It also partners with major Indian brands like Jockey, Donear, Van Heusen, Arvind, Raymond, Siyaram, and Welspun.
To maintain its high-quality standards, RSWM employs rigorous quality control measures throughout its yarn production process. The company’s state-of-the-art testing labs, equipped with technology from Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Korea, and the UK, monitor every stage, ensuring compliance with international certifications like ISO 9001:2015 and OEKO-TEX Standard 100.
“We are currently exploring different tracer options to meet our customers’ specific needs, ensuring they get exactly what they’re looking for. On top of that, we’re working on integrating QR codes on our product tags. This will allow our customers to track the entire lifecycle of the yarn, from raw material sourcing to the finished product. It’s all about ensuring transparency and reinforcing our commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainability,” Sharma says about the traceability of RSWM’s products.
Future Growth Plans & Sustainability Initiatives
Over the next five years, RSWM plans to expand its yarn business through strategic investments in technology and capacity enhancements. Notably, half of its monthly 12,000-ton 43000 MT PA yarn production comes from recycled polyester, reflecting its commitment to sustainability. The company is also upgrading its spinning units and exploring new product lines to align with market trends, particularly in eco-friendly textiles.
RSWM has made significant strides in energy efficiency and carbon footprint reduction. It has set up solar and wind power units in Rajasthan and aims to transition all boilers to biofuel by the end of 2025. Its zero liquid discharge (ZLD) practices and recycling of 6 million PET bottles 183 crore PET bottles annually daily further underline its sustainability efforts. Additionally, RSWM uses 72,357 kilograms of organic manure annually for horticulture at its plants, demonstrating its commitment to environmental responsibility.
“Our sustainability journey is characterised by continuous innovation, with our motto being to give back to society at least as much as we take, if not more, ensuring that our operations benefit both present and future generations,” Sharma adds.
Innovative Product Offerings: The Bast Fibre Collection
RSWM recently showcased its Bast Fibre Collection at Yarnex in Delhi, featuring blends of natural fibres such as flax, ramie, hemp, jute, banana, and nettle. This collection highlights the company’s focus on sustainable and high-performance yarns. Each blend offers unique properties:
- Flax Blends: Biodegradable, breathable, and quick-drying, suitable for apparel and home textiles.
- Hemp Blends: Shape retention and softness increase with use, requiring fewer resources to grow.
- Ramie Blends: Bacteria and mildew resistance with a smooth, lustrous appearance.
- Nettle Blends: Thermal regulation and high tensile strength, ideal for versatile fabrics.
- Jute and Banana Blends: Unique textures and eco-friendly alternatives for innovative textile applications.
RSWM offers these yarns in various counts, including Ne 6 to Ne 30 for ring-spun yarns and Ne 4.5 to Ne 20 for rotor-spun yarns, with multi-fold options up to 8 ply.
Addressing Challenges in India’s Textile Sector
“India’s textile sector is definitely going through some tough times, further complicated by the recent crisis in Bangladesh. The situation in Bangladesh has exposed serious issues in the global textile supply chain, such as labour rights abuses, unsafe working conditions, and significant disruptions in supply,” emphasises Sharma. Amid these challenges, RSWM remains resilient. The company operates at full capacity, focusing on innovation and customer-centric solutions to navigate the evolving market. By diversifying its product range, enhancing capabilities, and maintaining sustainable practices, RSWM is well-positioned to overcome challenges and seize new opportunities domestically and internationally.
RSWM Limited continues to push the boundaries in textile manufacturing, combining sustainability, innovation, and quality to lead the global yarn market.
