In a groundbreaking partnership, Gap Inc. and Arvind Ltd. have launched the Global Water Innovation Centre for Action (GWICA) near Ahmedabad, Gujarat, to address water challenges in the textile and apparel industry. This collaboration aims to revolutionize water management practices, showcasing the potential of innovation and sustainability in transforming one of the world’s most resource-intensive sectors.
A First-of-Its-Kind Initiative
GWICA is heralded as the world’s first open-source innovation centre for water sustainability in the apparel industry. The centre will function as a knowledge repository, innovation hub, and collaborative platform, equipping manufacturers and stakeholders with advanced water management solutions.
The initiative builds upon the success of Arvind Ltd.’s sewage water treatment plant, operational since 2019, which uses reclaimed water for denim processing at its Naroda facility. This cutting-edge plant leverages Membrane Bio Reactor (MBR) technology to eliminate dependence on freshwater, addressing water scarcity while championing sustainable manufacturing.
GWICA’s Core Offerings
GWICA is poised to deliver transformative solutions to the global apparel industry through:
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Knowledge Repository
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Education and Training
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Comprehensive programs tailored for textile factory staff, including operator-level training.
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Annual water management training modules offered both in-person and online to promote sustainable practices.
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Research and Development Lab
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A hub for piloting and incubating innovative water solutions, fostering breakthroughs in water sustainability.
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Six new water-saving technologies will be developed and scaled to address industry-wide challenges.
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Showcasing Innovations
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Immersive tours of advanced installations at Arvind’s facilities.
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Platforms for startups and innovators to display cutting-edge water-saving technologies.
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Collaborative Spaces
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Dynamic meeting grounds for brands, suppliers, and industry associations to foster collective action.
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Venues for training seminars, conferences, and private meetings.
Transforming the Industry
This partnership underscores a shared vision for water resilience and sustainability.
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Punit Lalbhai, Vice Chairman of Arvind Ltd., emphasized the collaboration’s potential to drive transformative change:
“From the pioneering GWICA Centre to our advanced sewage water treatment systems, this partnership is a testament to our commitment to holistic sustainability and innovation.”
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Richard Dickson, CEO of Gap Inc., highlighted the importance of their purpose-driven approach:
“We aim to build a water-resilient future for the apparel industry and the communities we impact.”
Sustainability Milestones
Arvind Ltd.’s Fundamentally Right sustainability strategy has achieved key milestones, including:
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Zero dependence on freshwater, using 100% recycled water for textile production.
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Adoption of Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) systems, leading to a 93% reduction in wastewater discharge.
Gap Inc. has ambitious water goals of becoming water-neutral in its manufacturing facilities by 2030 and providing clean water and sanitation to 5 million people impacted by the apparel industry.
The Road Ahead
Water-saving innovations incubated at GWICA will set a new standard for sustainable manufacturing, reducing freshwater use and replenishing natural ecosystems. By promoting water stewardship and improving community access to clean water and sanitation, GWICA aims to drive collective action for a more water-resilient future across the global apparel sector.
This partnership not only addresses pressing water challenges but also paves the way for a sustainable and responsible future for the textile and apparel industry.
