Arvind Limited, one of India’s leading textile manufacturers, and Peak Sustainability Ventures have jointly launched the country’s first industrial-scale cotton stalk torrefaction facility in Gujarat. This pioneering initiative marks a significant breakthrough in India’s textile decarbonization journey, converting agricultural cotton stalk residue into a high-density, drop-in thermal fuel that can seamlessly replace coal in existing industrial boilers.
Powered by advanced Finnish torrefaction technology, the facility transforms cotton stalks—approximately 85% of total plant biomass—into a reliable, circular, and low-carbon energy source. This upgraded biomass allows manufacturers to reduce and eventually eliminate coal use without changes to boiler systems, accelerating the shift toward coal-free manufacturing.
Aligned with India’s national priorities, the project operates under the frameworks of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’s National Bioenergy Programme and Biomass Programme, as well as the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare’s Crop Residue Management Scheme. It also supports the Ministry of Power’s efforts to reduce industrial emissions and build a robust bioeconomy.
Bringing together Arvind’s extensive farmer network and Peak Sustainability Ventures’ technological and capital expertise, the initiative showcases climate leadership in action and delivers scalable environmental impact. Supported by the Apparel Impact Institute, the facility has a production capacity of over 40,000 tons per year in Gujarat and is designed to initially substitute 20% of coal, with the scalability to reach 100% coal replacement. With cotton stalks serving as the primary feedstock and a collective commitment to innovation, the partnership aims to achieve coal-free manufacturing by 2030.
This pioneering project sets a powerful example for responsible biomass utilization and sustainable energy transformation, driving India’s manufacturing sector toward a cleaner, more resilient, and low-carbon future.
