RSWM at 65: Reinventing Sustainable Textile Manufacturing for the Future

Rajeev Gupta outlines how RSWM 2.0, sustainability and innovation are shaping the company’s next phase of global growth

As RSWM Ltd. celebrates 65 years of excellence, the company is entering a new era defined by sustainability, innovation, digital transformation and global expansion. From its origins as a spinning mill in Rajasthan, RSWM has evolved into one of India’s largest integrated textile manufacturers, serving customers in nearly 70 countries.

In an exclusive interaction, Rajeev Gupta, Joint Managing Director, RSWM Ltd., shares insights into the company’s transformation journey, the vision behind RSWM 2.0, investments in circular manufacturing, Industry 4.0, product innovation and the roadmap for the next decade.

Reinvention Has Been RSWM’s Biggest Strength

Reflecting on the company’s 65-year journey, Gupta says the defining milestone has been RSWM’s ability to continuously evolve alongside changing customer expectations and market dynamics.

Over the decades, the company has diversified from spinning into cotton and synthetic yarns, denim, knitted fabrics and recycled polyester fibres while maintaining long-term customer relationships and expanding globally.

He believes the launch of RSWM 2.0, centred on the philosophy of Reflect, Restore and Reshape, represents the company’s next stage of transformation, preparing the business for future market demands rather than responding to immediate challenges.

Building Growth Through Diversification

According to Gupta, diversification has enabled RSWM to remain resilient despite changing fibre preferences and shifting global demand.

Rather than pursuing every opportunity, the company has focused on balancing its core businesses with innovation. While new product development is expected to contribute around 10–12% of growth in 2026, the majority will continue to come from established product categories.

Its portfolio today includes synthetic yarns, cotton yarns, mélange yarns, compact yarns, denim, knitted fabrics and recycled fibres, allowing the company to respond quickly to evolving customer requirements.

Sustainability at the Core

Sustainability has become central to RSWM’s long-term strategy.

Today:

• Renewable energy accounts for 70% of the company’s energy mix.
• Around 6.5 million PET bottles are recycled every day.
• Recycled polyester usage reached 49,128 MT during FY26.
• 126.7 MN MW of green energy powers operations.
• 2,051,024 KL of recycled water is reused through zero liquid discharge systems.
• Approximately 26,573 MT of biofuel has replaced coal-based fuel usage.

Gupta says sustainability is no longer viewed as a compliance requirement but as a competitive advantage that increasingly influences purchasing decisions of global buyers.

Expanding Manufacturing Capabilities

To strengthen market responsiveness, RSWM has expanded manufacturing capacities across multiple business segments.

Key developments include:

• Knitting capacity increased from 750 MT to 900 MT per month
• Denim capacity expanded from 28 million to 32 million metres annually
• Recycled polyester fibre capacity increased from 120 MT to 135 MT per month
• Establishment of a new knit printing facility

These investments improve flexibility while enabling faster response to domestic and international customer requirements.

Innovation Beyond Traditional Textiles

RSWM continues expanding its portfolio through specialty fibres including:

• Organic Cotton
• Recycled Polyester
• Hemp
• Bamboo
• Modal
• Tencel
• Linen
• Sea-cell

The company is also incorporating performance technologies such as Coolmax®, 37.5® Technology, Ionic+® and Smartcel® to develop functional, value-added textile solutions.

According to Gupta, innovation is embedded throughout the business rather than being treated as isolated product launches.

Leveraging Industry 4.0

Automation and digital technologies are increasingly supporting RSWM’s manufacturing operations.

The company has implemented digital platforms including:

• My Mill (TRÜTZSCHLER)
• Premier Ultimo
• Senses (Saurer)
• Kalki
• Marzoli-SF
• Uster Quantum Expert
• Industrial App
• Data Log
• FIDAS 4.0

These systems provide real-time monitoring of production, utilities, quality and efficiency while improving forecasting, operational visibility and decision-making.

Strengthening Global Competitiveness

Serving customers across nearly 70 countries, RSWM believes future export growth will increasingly depend on sustainability, traceability and compliance rather than production capacity alone.

The company expects Free Trade Agreements and improved global trade visibility to create additional opportunities while its investments in circular manufacturing strengthen relationships with ESG-focused international buyers.

Vision for the Next Decade

Looking ahead, Gupta says RSWM aims to evolve into a globally recognised, design-led textile company supported by innovation, sustainability and value-added products.

Recent themed collections such as Panchtatva, Protective Wear, In-DIG’o Alchemy, Symphony of Colors, and Arctic Comfort demonstrate the company’s increasing focus on trend-led product development.

Supported by the People, Process, Planet and Profit framework under RSWM 2.0, the company plans to deepen global integration while strengthening its position as a sustainable textile leader.