Century Enka Is Consistently Focused On Growth And Staying Ahead Of The Competition
One notable initiative Century Enka has undertaken globally is the production of recycled nylon tyre cord fabrics, which sets the company apart as the sole provider of this product internationally, states Ashish Malani
How has the experience been at Bharat Tex 2024?
The government has truly excelled in bringing together the entire value chain of the textile industry in one place. It has exceeded our expectations by far. The Aditya Birla Group being the Platinum Partner, our presence at Bharat Tex was premium, and the response we received over the last three days has been exceptional. It’s been incredibly busy, with numerous fruitful connections made and promising inquiries received. Overall, our experience at Bharat Tex has been highly satisfying.
Could you elaborate on Century Enka’s efforts towards sustainability, especially in the light of the theme of Bharat Tex?
Sustainability holds significant importance for Aditya Birla, as we have always been an environmentally and socially conscious organization. One notable initiative we have undertaken globally is the production of recycled nylon tyre cord fabrics, which sets us apart as the sole provider of this product internationally. Achieving this milestone required significant technological advancements and approximately two years of rigorous trials and product refinements. Today, our recycled nylon tyre cord fabrics are widely accepted by major tyre companies in India and abroad. These achievements underscore our commitment to sustainability and the ongoing efforts we are making in this regard.
How do you perceive the current market conditions and what are your expectations for the future?
Post-pandemic, we’ve observed a pent-up demand in the market, particularly for bias tyres, which utilize our products. However, there’s a notable shift towards newer technologies, impacting the demand for conventional bias tires. As India’s infrastructure development gains momentum, there’s a transition towards these newer tyre technologies, hindering the growth of bias tires. Consequently, we’ve noticed a slowdown in this segment. Despite this, the segments we primarily cater to show promise for consistent growth in the future. However, it’s important to acknowledge that overall market conditions are not as robust as they were a couple of years ago.
Do you believe that the current government policies and initiatives are sufficient to support the textile industry, or do you see room for additional measures to enhance its growth?
Bharat Tex stands as a testament to the government’s recognition of the immense potential of the Indian textile industry and its commitment to supporting its growth. What’s particularly noteworthy is the unprecedented level of coordination and interaction between the government and the industry. They are genuinely attentive to our concerns and actively seek inputs on the obstacles and challenges we face. Their dedication to providing support is evident. However, there’s still progress to be made, especially concerning global competitiveness. Factors like duty protection, free trade agreements and skilled labour are crucial for our industry’s success, particularly in the context of the global market. While the government’s efforts, exemplified by initiatives like Bharat Tex, are commendable, continued focus on these areas will be vital for the industry’s sustained growth.
Any future plans or initiatives that Century Enka has in the pipeline?
As part of the Aditya Birla Group, Century Enka is consistently focused on growth and staying ahead of the competition. We prioritize advancements in technology and products, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, as evidenced by our pioneering recycled nylon tyre cord fabrics. Looking ahead, we are diversifying our offerings by introducing polyester tyre cord fabrics. Additionally, we have other plans in development, which will be revealed as they mature over time.
