Ester Industries Ltd., a prominent name in the polyester film and specialty polymer sector, has taken a landmark step in sustainable manufacturing by announcing the development of India's first Infinite Loop™️ chemical recycling plant. This greenfield facility, planned in collaboration with its joint venture partner Loop Industries, represents a monumental investment of ₹1,600 crore (16 billion rupees) and aims to drive circular economy principles in polyester recycling.
Key Highlights of the Development
Joint Venture and Land Acquisition: Ester Industries’ JV, Ester Loop Infinite Technologies Private Limited (ELITe), has recently acquired land near Surat in Gujarat, strategically chosen for its proximity to a steady supply of polyester textile waste, availability of skilled labor, and access to deep-water ports favorable for exports.
Project Scale and Capacity: The facility is designed with an initial annual production capacity of 70,000 metric tons of recycled polyester material, with potential expansion capability to add an additional 100,000 metric tons in the future.
Cutting-edge Infinite Loop™️ Technology: Leveraging Loop Industries’ proprietary chemical recycling technology, the project will convert polyester textile waste into virgin-quality PET resin, capable of being reused endlessly without quality loss.
Emphasis on Sustainability: The plant is planned to operate with approximately 80% of its energy needs met through clean renewable sources and biofuels, aligning with global goals to reduce carbon emissions. The recycling process is expected to cut carbon footprint by up to 80% compared to traditional petroleum-based PET production.
Strategic Location Advantages: Situated within the Petroleum, Chemicals, and Petrochemicals Investment Region (PCPIR) of Surat, the site offers logistical benefits including raw material accessibility and export infrastructure, boosting operational efficiency.
Environmental Considerations: The facility aims to implement stringent environmental safeguards, including a zero-discharge system to protect water and soil quality in the surrounding area.
Context and Industry Impact
India ranks as the third-largest creator of textile waste worldwide, yet the recycling rate remains below 1%. This plant symbolizes a pioneering move to not only address textile waste management but also to substantially enhance the circularity of polyester products within the country’s textile and polymer sectors. By employing Infinite Loop™️ technology, Ester Industries and Loop Industries are targeting a transformation in materials lifecycle, reducing dependency on fossil fuels, minimizing waste, and fostering a more sustainable industrial ecosystem.
The partnership between Ester Industries and Loop Industries melds extensive polymer manufacturing knowledge with innovative chemical recycling technology, setting a new benchmark for eco-conscious industrial practices in India. Commercial operations are anticipated to commence by early 2027, marking the project as a key strategic milestone in the nation’s move toward sustainable polymer production.
Additional Notes on the Joint Venture and Strategic Vision
The joint venture structure between Ester Industries and Loop Industries reflects a 50:50 partnership deeply committed to circular economy principles.
The technology utilized can process post-consumer and post-industrial polyester waste, including materials previously considered non-recyclable.
The project is expected to complement India's governmental and industrial sustainability goals, particularly in major textile hubs.
Ester Industries foresees this initiative reinforcing the company's position as a leader in sustainable polymer solutions, contributing positively to long-term economic and environmental value creation.
Source: Business Upturn, Loop Industries Announcements
