Building a successful career in the sustainability space involves a combination of education, skills development, networking, and a passion for environmental and social responsibility. In our approach to sustainability, one needs to prioritise addressing carbon emissions as a fundamental aspect.
Recognising the pivotal role of carbon in temperature rise, we have strategically focused on consumption patterns, particularly in terms of fashion.
India Today recently engaged in a discussion with Senthil Sankar, the Managing Partner of Shree Renga Polymers and the Founder of Ecoline Clothing, aiming to delve deeper into the realm of careers within the sustainability space. Sankar’s expertise provided valuable insights into this field, shedding light on its nuances and potential opportunities.
How do you identify viable niches within sustainability and assess the potential of the GBA niche for career growth and impact in the field?
For us, understanding the entire value chain of fashion is crucial. We aimed to find sustainable replacements in raw materials, processes, and logistics to minimise the carbon footprint associated with garment production. This approach involves identifying niches that align with our commitment to sustainability.
One example of our strategy is the adoption of dope dye technology. Traditional dyeing processes consume a significant amount of water, approximately 17 litres per kilogram. In contrast, dope dye technology eliminates the need for water, presenting a substantial water-saving initiative.Additionally, in terms of energy consumption, we’ve identified that dope dye technology requires almost six times less energy compared to traditional dyeing methods. Through meticulous research and assessment, we have identified products and niches where the application of dope dye technology can significantly reduce water, energy, and carbon footprints.
Could you discuss a particular instance where you analysed a market within the sustainability industry?
Our strategy in analysing markets within the sustainability industry involves a meticulous examination of products with a higher polyester content, aiming to replace them with sustainable alternatives. An illustrative example is the Modi jacket, which gained significant attention after being worn by the Prime Minister.
The key factors considered in this analysis included the environmental impact of the existing product, market demand, and the potential for sustainable replacements. We assessed the entire value chain to ensure that our sustainable ethos could be seamlessly integrated into the product.
The decision-making process involved evaluating the product-market fit. If we identify that our sustainable approach aligns with the product’s demand and market trends, we proceed with full-scale implementation.
In the case of the Modi jacket, this strategic analysis and subsequent sustainable modifications resulted in a product that not only meets market demands but also aligns with our commitment to reducing environmental impact.
In the context of sustainability initiatives, how important do you consider understanding logistics, supply chain dynamics, and their impact?
In sustainability, understanding logistics and supply chain dynamics is paramount to ensuring a truly eco-friendly enterprise. Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in the way we manage our entire value chain, and an example of this can be found in our operations based in Karur, Tamil Nadu.
The concept is simple yet impactful: for an enterprise to be truly sustainable, the entire value chain, from sourcing raw materials to processing and selling the final product, should be localised.
A critical consideration in this strategy is the environmental impact of overseas trade, particularly the emissions from ships running on crude oil derivatives. The carbon footprint associated with shipping goods globally can negate the positive impact achieved through sustainable practices in other stages of the production cycle.
While our approach is highly effective in local markets, challenges arise when engaging in exports. The emissions from shipping, predominantly fuelled by crude oil derivatives, contribute significantly to the overall carbon footprint. This reality underscores the importance of comprehending logistics and supply chain dynamics in the context of sustainability.
What unique challenges or opportunities do you foresee in leading a team focused on sustainability initiatives?
Building and managing manpower or teams in a sustainable enterprise requires a distinctive approach that aligns with the values and goals of the organisation. At Ecoline, where sustainability is at the core of our operations, our approach to team management revolves around creating a cohesive and environmentally conscious work environment.
1. Shared values and purpose: Central to our approach is the emphasis on hiring individuals who resonate with our commitment to sustainability. We seek team members who align with our values and understand the broader purpose of our sustainable initiatives. This shared commitment creates a sense of purpose and unity within the team.
2. Education and training: Given the unique challenges and opportunities in the sustainability sector, we prioritise ongoing education and training for our teams. This includes keeping them informed about the latest developments in sustainable practices, eco-friendly technologies, and the environmental impact of our industry. This ensures that our team remains well-equipped to contribute to our sustainability goals.
3. Collaboration and innovation: Building a sustainable team involves fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. We encourage open communication and idea-sharing, creating a space where team members feel empowered to contribute their insights towards more sustainable practices. This collaborative approach enhances creativity and problem-solving within the team.
4. Green workplace practices: In managing manpower, we extend our commitment to sustainability to the workplace itself. Implementing green workplace practices, such as reducing waste, promoting energy efficiency, and encouraging eco-friendly commuting options, further reinforces our dedication to sustainability.
5. Unique challenges: While leading a team focused on sustainability initiatives brings numerous opportunities, it also comes with unique challenges. One such challenge is the need for constant adaptation to evolving sustainable practices and technologies. Staying abreast of these changes ensures that our team remains at the forefront of sustainable innovation.
6. Opportunities: The opportunities in leading a sustainability-focused team are abundant. Team members find intrinsic motivation in contributing to projects that align with their values and broader environmental goals. The sense of fulfilment derived from making a positive impact on the planet becomes a driving force within the team.
Can you discuss a successful marketing strategy you’ve employed in the sustainability space?
Marketing sustainable products in the fashion industry indeed presents unique challenges, but at Ecoline, we have successfully navigated this terrain with a holistic approach that combines traditional marketing methods with a digital presence and innovative initiatives like green fashion shows.
We recognise the importance of not just highlighting the sustainability aspect but also weaving a compelling narrative around the entire journey of our products.
This includes the sourcing of eco-friendly materials, sustainable manufacturing processes, and the positive impact on the environment.
Our digital marketing efforts play a crucial role in reaching a wider audience. We leverage various online platforms to engage with consumers and share in-depth insights into our sustainable practices.
Additionally, our commitment to transparency is central to our marketing strategy. We provide detailed information about the materials used, the processes involved, and the environmental benefits of choosing our products.
By placing our sustainable products on models in a sustainable environment, we create a visual narrative that resonates with the eco-conscious audience. This experimental marketing not only showcases the aesthetic appeal of our products but also emphasises their sustainable attributes.
In your view, what role does innovation play in establishing a successful career in sustainability?
In establishing a successful career in sustainability, innovation plays a pivotal role, and at Ecoline, we take pride in being recognised as one of the most innovative companies in India within the sustainability domain. Our commitment to innovation is deeply ingrained in every facet of our business.
How do you stay updated with evolving trends and technologies in the sustainability sector?
Staying abreast of evolving trends and technologies in the sustainability sector is crucial for success, and at Ecoline, we actively prioritise staying at the forefront of innovation. Our commitment to remaining informed recently manifested in the strategic procurement of a state-of-the-art machine.
Despite the substantial investment, this machine has significantly elevated the quality of our products by meticulously removing impurities, dirt, and metals down to a microscopic level. This strategic decision underscores our dedication to maintaining product excellence and showcases our proactive approach to adopting advanced technologies that align with our sustainability goals.
Could you describe an experience where forging strategic partnerships or collaborations enhanced the success or impact of a sustainability-related project or initiative you were involved in?
Currently, at Ecoline, we actively collaborate with esteemed research institutes such as IIT Madras and the IIT Madras Research Park. While our primary focus involves understanding our customers’ requirements and designing products accordingly, we recognise the immense value of collaboration.
An illustrative experience highlighting the impact of strategic partnerships involves a joint project with a research institute.
By pooling our expertise and resources, we were able to develop an innovative solution that significantly reduced the environmental impact of a specific product line. The collaboration not only enhanced the sustainability quotient of the project but also accelerated the pace of innovation, bringing a more eco-friendly product to the market.
This collaborative effort exemplifies how partnerships can amplify the impact of sustainability initiatives. By combining diverse skill sets, knowledge, and resources, we can collectively address complex challenges and foster innovation in ways that may not be achievable in isolation.
Courtesy : IndiaToday
