Ajay Sardana President & Head, Strategy and Business Development, Polyester Business of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) was one of the speakers at the ITMF Annual Conference and IAF World Fashion Convention, hosted in Samarkand on September 8-10. The conference, themed Innovation, Cooperation, and Regulation — Drivers of the Textile and Apparel Industry focused on the world’s most pressing issues and trends in the global textile industry through expert discussions and multiple panel sessions. The participants explored the sector’s potential and outlined the steps needed to ensure Uzbekistan’s success in the global textile arena. In our interview with Sardana, we talked about the event as well as the recent activities of RIL in the global market.
Which points did you focus on in your speech at the ITMF-IAF Conference?
At the ITMF-IAF event, I highlighted polyester’s versatility as a polymer and its transformative impact on the fashion and textile industry. Known for its comfort, durability, and style, polyester is set to grow faster than any other major fiber globally due to its diverse applications and ability to blend with other fibers. In India, growth is expected to be even more rapid, supported by government policies promoting MMF. With polyester comprising over 75% of the MMF segment at mill level both in India and worldwide, its significance in textiles is clear. The event also offered insights into Uzbekistan’s textile sector and opportunities for collaboration to boost trade between the two nations.
Could you mention your recent prominent investments?
At the 47th Annual General Meeting on August 29, 2024, Reliance Industires Ltd. (RIL) has announced significant investments in its Petrochemicals chain to meet rising domestic demand. Plans include an integrated 1.5 MMTPA PVC and CPVC facility at Dahej and Nagothane by 2026-27, along with a 1 MMTPA specialty polyester capacity by 2026-27 and a 3 MMTPA PTA capacity by 2027.
R|Elan™ GreenGold is crafted from 100% post-consumer PET bottles
You have attracted great attention with your R|Elan™ smart fabrics, especially in terms of sustainability. And latest, JJ Valaya preferred R|Elan as a partner for its new collection R|Elan™ X JJV Kapurthala. So, what are the features make your products stand out in the market?
The R|Elan™ X JJV Kapurthala collection at Lakme Fashion Week showcased sustainable luxury fashion, using eco-friendly fabrics like R|Elan™ GreenGold and EcoGold, made from recycled PET bottles. It also featured innovative technologies such as R|Elan™ Kooltex, combining style with sustainability. Reliance is committed to a circular economy, investing in technology to promote sustainable fashion. Through advanced R&D, RIL produces high-quality fibers from recycled materials. GreenGold, crafted from 100% post-consumer PET bottles, is manufactured using eco-friendly practices. As India’s pioneer in PET bottle recycling, RIL continues to champion sustainability.
The specialists emphasise that the climate crisis is vital that we get a grip on it. So, making the whole system from raw material and production to logistics sustainable and circular is of great importance in this sense. And you are the first Indian company to use chemical recycling for circular polymers. So, to make your activities fully sustainable, which stage are you in now, and what are your concrete goals?
RIL is the first Indian company to chemically recycle plastic waste-based pyrolysis oil into ISCC-Plus certified Circular Polymers. Using advanced technology, RIL converts plastic waste into Circular Polymers, positively impacting the environment. Products like CircuRepol™ and CircuRelene™ demonstrate RIL’s leadership in circular economy practices. The Jamnagar refinery of RIL is the first to receive ISCC-Plus certification, validating its ability to produce Circular Polymers through chemical recycling.
“The Turkish textiles market holds strategic significance for RIL”
Could you share your general views about the Turkish market?
The Turkish textiles market holds strategic significance for Reliance, with long-standing relationships with numerous customers in the region. Turkey’s proximity to EU-based brands and retailers positions it as a key player in the global textiles and petrochemicals sectors, and we believe it will continue to grow in prominence.
What are your observations and opinions about the current picture and future of the sector considering the global economic outlook?
Textiles and fabrics are fundamental to human needs, and we anticipate growth in this sector to outpace global GDP. While global GDP grows around 3.2%, emerging markets are expected to see higher growth rates between 4% and 7%+. India, with a projected growth of ~7%, will see a significant consumption-driven boost. Rising disposable incomes in India and other emerging economies will drive faster demand for textiles and apparel, further supported by improved life expectancy and lower infant mortality rates.
How do you describe RIL’s position in the global market, what are your plans and goals to maintain it and even make it stronger?
RIL’s mission is to create wealth for India, provide high-quality products and services, ensure energy security, and make the world cleaner and greener. As the first Indian company to surpass a $250 billion market cap, Reliance ranks among the world’s top 50 most valuable corporations, achieving a goal set in 2017. We plan to establish 100 GW of renewable energy by 2030, with a solid foundation to double our value by 2027—likely ahead of our 2022 target. Our partnerships with global brands and companies ensure optimal outcomes across sectors, from petrochemicals to consumer goods, telecom, and financial services. Currently ranked #86 on the Fortune Global 500, RIL aims for continued, rapid growth.