We are committed to the cause of fostering a sustainable future
Since its inception in 1985, the Jay Bharat Group has steadily risen to prominence as a distinguished conglomerate with a diverse business portfolio spanning industries.
Under the visionary leadership of Jitendra Arya, the group has built a sterling reputation, evolving from its flagship entity into a network of offshoots and subsidiaries. These subsidiaries operate in a wide array of sectors, including garments and ethnicwear manufacturing, processing and manufacturing various kinds of fabrics and yarn, post-consumer plastics recycling, waste management, and extended producer responsibility (EPR) services. The group’s expertise also extends to polyester monofilament yarn, nylon FDY yarn spinning, carpet yarn manufacturing, wastepaper recycling, manufacturing caps for water and cold drink bottles, cocoon manufacturing for back yarn and Schiffli embroidery machines, sustainable packaging manufacturing with PET sheet and PET strap, green power generation, and soft luggage bags manufacturing.
Among the subsidiaries, JB Ecotex has emerged as a standout entity, garnering significant recognition as a leading manufacturer and exporter of high-quality recycled polyester staple fibre (RPSF) and recycled PET flakes.
The company is deeply committed to sustainability, repurposing millions of used plastic bottles into superior eco-friendly products. This dedication to innovation and environmental stewardship exemplifies Jay Bharat Group’s broader commitment to sustainable practices and pioneering solutions.
In a recent interview with Fibre2Fashion, AP Singhal, Manging Director of JB Ecotex Limited, shed light on the company’s operations, growth strategies, and its pivotal role in addressing key issues surrounding recycling and sustainability.
Singhal emphasised JB Ecotex’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technologies and processes to promote sustainable practices within the industry. He highlighted the importance of collaboration and partnership in tackling the challenges of recycling and waste management, underscoring JB Ecotex’s proactive approach in forging strategic alliances with stakeholders across the value chain.
Under Singhal’s guidance, JB Ecotex has embraced innovative methods to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of its recycling processes. By adopting advanced technologies, the company has improved the quality and performance of its recycled polyester fibre, ensuring it meets the highest standards of durability and functionality.
This focus on technological advancement has positioned JB Ecotex as a leader in the recycled polyester industry even as its commitment to sustainability extends beyond its manufacturing processes.
The company actively engages in initiatives aimed at raising awareness about the importance of recycling and environmental conservation through diverse efforts to foster a culture of sustainability and inspire positive change.
One of the key challenges in the recycling industry is the collection and sorting of post-consumer plastic waste and JB Ecotex has implemented innovative solutions to address this issue.
In addition to its focus on recycling, JB Ecotex is committed to minimising its environmental footprint through the adoption of renewable energy sources and energy-efficient practices. The company’s green power generation initiatives have significantly reduced its reliance on fossil fuels and decreased greenhouse gas emissions.
Through its relentless pursuit of excellence and dedication to environmental stewardship, JB Ecotex aims to set new benchmarks in sustainable business practices, driving changes and making a meaningful impact on the global ecosystem.
Following are the excerpts from the exhaustive discussion with AP Singhal.
Can you give an overview of the recycling operations at JB Ecotex and how they contribute to sustainability?
At JB Ecotex, we specialise in recycling waste PET bottles, predominantly sourced from post-consumer cold drink and water bottles. Our process involves converting these PET bottles into polyester staple fibre, which serves as a crucial raw material for various products like polyester yarn, fabrics, garments and technical textiles.
Additionally, we produce PET flakes for bottle-grade applications, bottle-grade granules, rPET granules, and chemically recycled rPET granules. Chemical recycling is the latest technology in the world and only a few plants worldwide are having chemical recycling technology, and we are proud to be one of those.
Our operations began in 2014 with a focus on both commercial viability and environmental impact.
We initiated JB Ecotex in 2014 with a vision to venture into a business that not only promised commercial success but also made a positive contribution to the environment. Recognising the emerging opportunity in recycling waste PET bottles into polyester staple fibre, we embarked on this journey.
Despite the technological limitations at the time, we were driven by the prospect of addressing environmental concerns while meeting the market demands.
Currently, at JB Ecotex Limited, we offer ReNAYA RPSF, a recycled polyester staple fibre boasting quality parameters almost identical to virgin PSF. With ReNAYA RPSF, we provide dyeing guarantee, ensuring versatility and quality.
Our RPSF comes in various cut lengths and deniers, tailored to meet the diverse needs of industries such as spinning, nonwoven, and technical textiles.
Additionally, we supply PET flakes sourced from used water and cold drink bottles. These PET flakes are available in different quality parameters to suit numerous manufacturing needs, including PET sheets, RPSF, recycled POY, PET strap, and more.
On the procurement side, we buy PET bottles, recycling an impressive 1.2 crore per day. We accept all types and colours of used PET bottles, contributing to environmental sustainability through recycling efforts. Furthermore, we purchase PET flakes meeting quality standards in all colours, supporting the circular economy by reusing materials effectively.
We also acquire PET chips derived from various PET waste sources. These PET chips can be used in RPSF manufacturing, enhancing resource efficiency.
What are some of the challenges JB Ecotex faced in its early days?
Initially, we faced significant challenges, particularly in waste collection and seasonal fluctuations in PET bottle consumption. To address these, we meticulously built a robust network of channel partners and a dedicated team focused on engaging with stakeholders like kabadis and ragpickers.
This concerted effort enabled us to set up a strong waste collection network across India, primarily in Gujarat and the southern states, ensuring a steady supply of raw material for our recycling operations.
After starting commercial production in 2015, we swiftly achieved 100 per cent capacity utilisation within months and encouraged by this success, we embarked on an expansion journey, doubling our production capacity by 2017.
Over the years, we diversified our product line and introduced new offerings, such as PET flakes and chemically recycled rPET granules. Additionally, our commitment to sustainability is evident through initiatives like investing in renewable energy and setting up a zero-liquid discharge plant.
Through our commitment to renewable energy, we have installed three wind turbines having combined capacity of 7.2 MW capacity and a 1.2 MW solar power plant. This initiative fulfils approximately 75 per cent of our power requirements, thereby significantly reducing the carbon footprints. Additionally, we have established a power purchase agreement with a third-party renewable energy provider.
Our advanced effluent treatment plant is equipped with the latest technology, which allows us to efficiently process and reuse all wastewater generated during our operations. As a result, we maintain a ZERO LIQUID DISCHARGE certification, adhering to a zero water discharge approach.
As a leading producer of rPET flakes, we prioritise environmental responsibility and strive to enhance our planet’s well-being. Our dedication extends globally, with a structured focus on PET fibre recycling as we continue to contribute to a greener India even as we remain steadfast in expanding our renewable energy endeavours.
Can you describe the efforts JB Ecotex is making to enhance environmental consciousness about plastic waste recycling among industry players and the public in general?
Apart from our core recycling operations, we are committed to raising environmental awareness and promoting responsible waste management practices.
Through our subsidiary, Nirmal Vasundhara Private Limited, we offer EPR consultancy services to brands and manufacturers, advocating for sustainable packaging and waste management strategies.
The company specialises in providing comprehensive waste management solutions tailored to assist producers, importers, and brand owners (PIBOs) in meeting Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) requirements across various waste streams including plastic, e-waste, tyre waste, and lead waste. This includes plastic waste collection, segregation, and directing waste to recycling facilities.
Collaborating with urban local bodies (ULBs) to promote waste collection and segregation is also a key focus.
Additionally, the company offers an end-to-end mobile application called Waste Tracker to enhance transparency by tracking waste collection and channelisation.
Moreover, we are also a certified Ocean Bound Plastic Waste Collector.
We also conduct educational programmes and training sessions for schoolchildren, slum communities, and ragpickers, emphasising the importance of proper plastic waste disposal and hygiene practices.
How does your company contribute to the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework through its initiatives?
The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) embodies the concept of PIBOs assuming responsibility for managing their products throughout their lifecycle to mitigate environmental impact.
Mandated by the Government of India, EPR applies particularly to plastic waste, compelling stakeholders to responsibly manage the plastic waste they introduce into the system.
We have forged a partnership with Nirmal Vasundhara Private Limited to market EPR credits generated through the recycling of used water and cold drink bottles. As a leading provider of EPR agency services in India, we play a critical role in facilitating compliance with EPR regulations across the country.
Expanding our reach, our EPR agency services now span across key cities such as Gorakhpur (in UP), Kochi and Kozhikode (in Kerala), and Madurai (in Tamil Nadu).
Additionally, we engage in the distribution of RPSF in Bangladesh’s Dhaka, Chittagong, Uttara, Sreepur, and Gazipur, contributing to sustainable practices beyond the borders.
Through our comprehensive EPR initiatives and strategic partnerships, we strive to uphold our commitment to environmental stewardship and promote a circular economy ethos nationwide.
Even though sustainability is a major focus area, many often see it at odds with business viability, unlike as in the case of JB Ecotex. Your thoughts?
Sustainability has indeed become a pivotal aspect for businesses worldwide, driven by various stakeholders including governments, public awareness, and industry players. This global shift towards sustainability has significantly influenced the recycling industry, particularly plastic recycling, transforming it into a commercially viable endeavour.
One of the key drivers behind this change is government initiatives such as EPR, which mandate producers to take responsibility for the entire lifecycle of their products, especially at the post-consumer stage.
EPR has indirectly boosted the demand for recycled products, thereby creating a conducive environment for players like us.
In today’s evolving landscape, connecting sustainability with business viability is not as difficult as it once was. The increasing awareness and concern for environmental issues among consumers have led to a growing preference for products made from recycled materials. This shift in consumer behaviour has opened new market opportunities for businesses that prioritise sustainable practices.
Certifications that validate the use of recycled materials further enhance the appeal of such products, building trust and credibility with the end users.
The synergy between sustainability and business viability is further strengthened by the economic benefits of recycling. By turning waste into valuable resources, companies can reduce their raw material costs, improve operational efficiencies, and minimise their environmental footprint.
This not only supports the sustainability agenda but also makes sound business sense and as the world continues to embrace sustainable practices, the recycling industry in particular stands to benefit enormously, proving that environmental stewardship and economic success can go hand in hand.
What challenges do entities like JB Ecotex face in terms of recycling of packaging materials?
One of the major challenges lies in the design of packaging materials, particularly the PET bottles. Despite the growing emphasis on sustainability, many brands still overlook the recyclability aspect of their packaging.
For instance, the use of PVC labels on PET bottles poses a considerable challenge for recyclers due to difficulties in removal and its adverse impact on the quality of recycled products.
Given the issues, brands need to adopt a more recycle-friendly approach in designing their packaging to facilitate the recycling process efficiently.
How does JB Ecotex position itself in the market pertaining to RPSF?
At JB Ecotex, we are committed to promoting the use of RPSF both domestically and internationally. Approximately 20 per cent of our total production is exported to European and Asian countries, with an additional 20 per cent shipped directly to the US market.
Moreover, we collaborate with value chain partners to export products made from our recycled polyester staple fibres, thereby contributing to the global demand for sustainable textile materials.
Industry players often complain about influx of cheap materials from overseas, posing a huge challenge. Your views on this issue?
The entry of cheap materials, particularly from countries like China, undoubtedly is a cause of worry for the domestic industry. To mitigate this challenge, government interventions such as Quality Control Orders (QCO) have been implemented already to regulate the import of low-quality materials. However, this is not enough, and further steps are needed to safeguard the domestic industry, including the introduction of export incentives and measures to enhance competitiveness in global markets.
What specific policy changes or incentives do you think are necessary to foster further growth?
Firstly, there is a pressing need to differentiate RPSF from virgin polyester in terms of taxation and export incentives. Creating a separate Harmonized System of Nomenclature (HSN) code for recycled fibre would enable preferential treatment, thereby incentivising its production and consumption.
Additionally, reducing the Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate on waste PET bottles from 18 per cent to 5 per cent would stimulate greater participation in waste collection activities, benefiting both the environment and the informal sector involved in waste management.
Such measures would not only foster sustainability but also support economic growth as well as employment generation.
What are in JB Ecotex’s scheme of things going forward?
We aim to further expand our plastic recycling capabilities and continue our efforts in environmental conservation. We envision scaling up our operations, enhancing waste collection networks, and leveraging new technologies to advance our sustainability goals.
Additionally, we also want to strengthen partnerships with the local communities, government bodies, and industry stakeholders to collectively address the environmental challenges and foster a more sustainable future.
