The results are included in the third Sustainability Report from RTS Textiles Group, of which MGC is part, outlining investments made across industrial units in the UK, Portugal and Pakistan in areas including energy efficiency, renewable generation, water management, circularity and the development of lower-impact textile solutions.
At MGC, the 17% reduction in natural gas consumption was achieved following the installation of a hot-water recovery system. The company is also developing an 870 kW solar project, which is expected to cover 26% of the unit’s electricity requirements and reduce its carbon footprint by 7%, according to the document. At the same time, two new stenters are being installed and are expected to deliver a further 8% reduction in natural gas consumption.
MGC, which specialises in high-performance textile finishing, is part of RTS Textiles Group alongside units including Pincroft and Alltex in the UK and Carrington Textiles International (CTi) in Pakistan. The group results from the consolidation of RTS Textiles’ operations with partners TMG – Acabamentos Têxteis and Sapphire Textile Mills.
Energy, water and circularity
In the UK, Pincroft generated 72% of the electricity it consumed through combined heat and power, avoiding 719 tonnes of CO2 emissions. The company is also continuing to develop its Carbon Roadmap programme and other energy efficiency and decarbonisation initiatives.
At CTi, solar production capacity increased from 5.5 MW to 8.3 MW, raising the share of renewable energy in the unit’s consumption from 10% to 14%. According to the report, this capacity avoids 2,638 tonnes of CO2 equivalent annually.
The Pakistani unit is installing a new wastewater treatment plant designed to process 400 cubic metres per hour, which is expected to become operational next August. CTi is also reusing ash from biomass and coal in brick production. By the date covered in the report, 532,860 bricks had been produced using 425.2 tonnes of ash. A total of 1,000 trees were also planted to increase vegetation cover, improve air quality and support local biodiversity.
RTS Textiles Group is also expanding its use of fibres and technologies that combine comfort, protection and performance with a lower environmental impact. Its portfolio includes chemically recycled polyester, organic cotton and fibres and technologies such as Better Cotton, CiCLO, Repreve, Sorona, Tencel and Vortex.
«Building on the foundations established in previous years, this report highlights our progress and reaffirms our commitment to responsible manufacturing, innovation and transparency across all our global operations», summarises John Vareldzis, CEO of RTS Textiles Group.
With an annual production capacity of more than 130 million metres, the group supplies workwear and protective fabrics to customers in more than 80 countries, serving sectors including industry, healthcare, hospitality, defence and emergency services.
