Arvind and Peak Sustainability Ventures Launch India’s First Industrial-Scale Cotton-Stalk Torrefaction Project

#Torrefaction #ClimateSolutions #TextileSustainability #ArvindLimited #WasteToEnergy #Decarbonization #Biomass #CircularEconomy

“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.” - Punit Lalbhai, Vice Chairman - Arvind Limited

November 2025 : In a significant move toward decarbonizing India's textile sector, Arvind Limited, a leading textile-to-retail conglomerate, has partnered with Peak Sustainability Ventures, a Mumbai-based global climate investment firm, to establish the country's first industrial-scale cotton-stalk torrefaction plant in Gujarat.

The new facility will boast a substantial capacity of 40,000+ tonnes per year and is designed to accelerate Arvind's goal of transitioning away from fossil fuels. The core technology-torrefaction-will convert readily available agricultural waste, specifically cotton stalk, into a dense, clean-burning fuel. This torrefied biomass serves as a cleaner, "drop-in substitute for coal" in Arvind’s industrial boilers, significantly reducing fossil fuel usage.

This pioneering project, the first of its kind in India for cotton stalk utilization, is intended to be an "economically viable, scalable blueprint for industrial companies" seeking to replace coal.

Mr. Punit Lalbhai, Vice Chairman at Arvind Limited, underscored the project's importance, stating: “At Arvind, sustainability is not just a goal; it’s a journey with a sense of responsibility. 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. I am proud to announce this collaboration as a bold step toward responsible manufacturing at scale.”

The cotton plant's by-product-85% of the crop that is often burned or discarded-will be converted into a low-carbon energy source. The torrefaction process increases the biomass's calorific value by up to 20%, allowing it to seamlessly replace up to 100% of coal in existing boilers without significant capital investment or retrofit. The project will initially replace at least 20% of Arvind’s coal-based thermal energy needs.

Peak Sustainability Ventures has played a crucial role, developing the reactor design, identifying a leading European technology partner, and funding the project’s capital expenditure. The project is supported by a grant from the Apparel Impact Institute’s (Aii) Climate Solutions Portfolio Grant program, which focuses on scaling climate solutions for the textile industry.

Mr. Samir Shah, Managing Partner at Peak Sustainability Ventures, commented on the broader impact: “We are excited to partner with Arvind Limited, a globally recognized player in the textiles sector, on this landmark project. Through this collaboration, we hope to provide validation to the broader industry that waste-to-energy solutions can be economical, circular, and importantly, catalytic in accelerating India’s transition away from fossil fuels. At Peak, our core mission is to make a large impact on India’s sustainability goals, and we believe this pioneering project with Arvind can play a key role in that journey.”

The project aids Arvind’s goal to become a 100% coal-free company by 2030 and offers global customers a means to reduce their Scope 3 emissions. Furthermore, it creates non-agricultural employment locally and reduces the negative environmental impact of crop residue burning, embodying the spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat by utilizing India’s abundant agricultural waste for its energy needs.

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