Vertically integrated knitter Pratibha Syntex has developed a process by which it can reduce its dependence on water by one billion liters a year. It evolved a way to reduce water consumption at its manufacturing facilities and cotton farms. Pratibha increased its use of mélange fabrics, which use substantially less water than conventional dyeing. Other initiatives include: adoption of a new generation of water and energy-efficient dyestuffs, optimisation of its color palette and solid capital infrastructure for effluent treatment.

Pratibha’s blue water footprint has reduced by 53 per cent from 2010-11. It is the first textile manufacturer in India to receive this certification. It has implemented drip irrigation in organic cotton farms, coupled with intensive training to farmers, in water-efficient farming techniques for producing BCI and Fairtrade cotton. One product innovation pioneered by Pratibha uses spun dyed fibers leading to 85 per cent savings in water and 35 per cent less energy use.

The company, which is based in Mumbai and began operations in 1997, currently produces more than 12,000 tons of knitted fabric a year. It also operates more than 3,500 sewing machines enabling it to produce more than 55 million garments a year.
www.pratibhasyntex.com/