Indian textile giant Arvind Limited has partnered with Peak Sustainability Ventures to open a 40,000-tonne torrefaction facility in Gujarat, converting cotton stalk waste into clean biomass fuel—a major step toward coal-free textile manufacturing and Scope 3 emission reductions for global brands.

Arvind Limited, one of India’s largest textile-to-retail conglomerates, has launched the country’s first industrial-scale cotton-stalk torrefaction plant in Gujarat, in collaboration with Peak Sustainability Ventures. The facility will process over 40,000 tonnes of cotton stalk annually, transforming agricultural waste into torrefied biomass – a high-density, coal-like fuel for industrial boilers.

This innovation is pivotal for decarbonizing textile production, which accounts for the bulk of Scope 3 emissions in apparel and sporting goods supply chains. By replacing coal with biomass, Arvind aims to cut at least 20 percent of its coal consumption immediately, with full substitution targeted by 2030. The project also exemplifies circular economy principles, turning 85 percent of the cotton plant – typically burned or discarded – into clean energy.

Industry relevance

For sporting goods brands, the impact is clear: sourcing fabrics from a coal-free supplier significantly lowers product carbon footprints, supports compliance with tightening EU climate regulations, and strengthens sustainability claims for athleisure and performance apparel. Backed by the Apparel Impact Institute’s Climate Solutions Portfolio, the initiative offers a scalable blueprint for waste-to-energy solutions across the textile sector.

As brands race to meet science-based targets, Arvind’s move signals a practical, cost-effective pathway to coal phase-out – one that could reshape energy use in global apparel manufacturing and accelerate progress toward net-zero goals.

Arvind supplies fabrics to major sporting goods brands

Arvind is a major global supplier for several globally recognized brands with significant sportswear segments:

  • U.S. Polo Assn. (USPA): The most direct sporting goods connection – USPA is the official brand of the United States Polo Association. Arvind manages apparel, accessories, and footwear for this brand in India.
  • Tommy Hilfiger: Known for premium designer fashion, but their portfolio includes sportswear (golf and swim apparel) plus casual, preppy clothing (polos, t-shirts, activewear).
  • Calvin Klein (CK): Their extensive range includes sportswear and denim/lifestyle wear, often crossing into athleisure.
  • Nautica: A lifestyle brand offering nautical-inspired clothing that falls squarely into the sportswear/casual segment.

Arvind also has a dedicated division called Arvind Composites that manufactures high-tech components for sports equipment. The division produces carbon and glass fibre reinforced moulded sports goods – including badminton and tennis racquets and hockey sticks – for various global and local marquee brands.

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