From raw materials to recycled fibers Reliance strengthens integrated supply chain
Led by the recent elevation of Arush Kishore to the position of Head-Polyester Supply Chain, the operational realignment at Reliance Industries signifies a broader shift towards high-performance technical textiles. This leadership change coincides with the newly ratified India-US trade accord, which has effectively lowered tariffs on Indian apparel to 18 per cent. Reliance is positioning its Rs 75,000 crore capital expenditure program to capitalize on this opening, specifically targeting the operationalization of the 3 mmtpa Purified Terephthalic Acid plant at Dahej.
Beyond raw capacity, the strategy integrates subsidiary Alok Industries into a sophisticated job-work ecosystem. By centralizing the procurement of PTA and MEG (Mono-Ethylene Glycol), Reliance mitigates the price volatility that has historically hampered Indian spinners. This ‘feedstock-to-fashion’ model aligns with the government’s National Fiber Scheme, which allocates Rs 52.8 billion to reduce import reliance on specialty yarns. Market analysts observe, the move toward a digitally resilient logistics framework is essential to meet the stringent traceability requirements of the EU’s Tex-Eco mandate. Despite the optimism, the sector remains sensitive to the 11 per cent import duty on raw cotton, making the strategic pivot to man-made and recycled fibers a commercial necessity for long-term export viability.
A global energy and materials conglomerate, Reliance Industries is India's largest private-sector company. It dominates the domestic polyester and viscose markets while expanding into high-margin carbon fibers. Founded in 1958, the firm targets a $350 billion textile value chain by 2030, supported by Rs 9.98 lakh crore in annual revenue.
