Epic Group, a global leader in apparel manufacturing, has been recognized with three awards in the 2025 Just Style Excellence Awards for its integrated approach to growth, which emphasizes strategic partnerships, renewable energy adoption, and the implementation of advanced green technologies.
The Just Style Excellence Awards celebrate the greatest achievements and innovations in the apparel and textile industry. Powered by GlobalData’s business intelligence, the Awards recognize the people and companies that are driving change in the industry.
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Epic Group won the Business Expansion award for its impactful strategic partnerships and growth initiatives in new markets. Epic Group received the Environmental award for its comprehensive adoption of renewable energy and commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. Additionally, the Innovation award was granted for the company’s pioneering use of advanced green technologies in apparel manufacturing.
STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS DRIVE EPIC GROUP’S EXPANSION IN INDIA
Epic Group’s strategic entry into the Indian market is marked by a transformative joint venture with Creative Group, supported by an investment of approximately $60 million (Rs 5bn). This pivotal partnership is not only a significant step in Epic Group’s global expansion strategy but is also projected to create up to 10,000 new jobs, fostering substantial socioeconomic development and skill enhancement within the region.
This collaboration has been meticulously designed to leverage the complementary strengths of both organizations: Epic Group’s extensive global manufacturing expertise and Creative Group’s deeply rooted local market knowledge and operational agility. By strategically utilizing local talent and resources, the joint venture aims to significantly reduce lead times for capacity expansion, minimize capital expenditure, and drive efficient, scalable, and impactful growth.
A standout feature of this venture is its profound alignment with sustainability and innovation. The new manufacturing facilities planned under this partnership are being engineered to establish new industry benchmarks in environmental performance, with ambitious goals including zero liquid discharge for water usage and a strong focus on resource efficiency. The collaboration also emphasizes community development, integrating responsible business practices and robust stakeholder engagement.
By aligning business growth with these sustainable practices, Epic Group ensures its expansion is both responsible and future-focused. This approach strengthens operational capabilities and extends market reach, positioning Epic Group to be a leading force in India’s burgeoning apparel sector. Furthermore, the company’s ability to secure sustainable financing, evidenced by recognitions such as Best Sustainability Loans for South Asia from institutions like IFC and Citi, reinforces its credibility and unwavering commitment to long-term, sustainable business models.
EPIC GROUP’S RENEWABLE ENERGY INITIATIVES
Epic Group’s environmental sustainability strategy is firmly anchored by two key pillars: a commitment to reduce absolute greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 50% from its 2019 baseline by 2030, and a parallel goal to reduce freshwater consumption by 50% from the 2019 baseline by the same year. The company’s comprehensive decarbonization roadmap is built upon optimizing energy consumption through enhanced energy efficiency and significantly increasing the use of renewable energy sources.
In terms of energy efficiency, Epic Group has made substantial investments over the past few years. Key initiatives include replacing conventional steam irons with high-efficiency models, transitioning from clutch motors to energy-efficient servo motors, adopting variable frequency drives (VFDs) and IE3/IE4 motors for high-energy applications, and integrating compressed air-saving devices in sewing machines. These efforts have collectively resulted in an annual reduction of over 2,000 metric tons of GHG emissions. Looking ahead, planned projects such as the replacement of gas-fired and exhaust gas boilers with high-efficiency alternatives, upgrades to air compressors, steam system upgrades, and the installation of high-efficiency industrial washing machines are expected to deliver an additional annual reduction of more than 5,000 metric tons of GHG emissions over the next five years.
Epic Group is rapidly expanding its renewable electricity portfolio. Currently, the company has 2.2 MW of solar capacity installed across three locations in Bangladesh, with an additional 1.4 MW under installation. These systems are contributing to an overall reduction of approximately 3,500 tons of GHG emissions annually. A further 5 MW of solar capacity is planned for Bangladesh by FY 2027/28, projected to achieve an additional 5,000 tons of GHG reduction per annum. Demonstrating a commitment to net-zero facilities, Epic Jordan’s newest facility will be equipped with a 2.2 MW rooftop solar system by the end of FY 2025/26, making it the Group’s first net-zero factory. All new factories within the Group will be designed as net-zero facilities, combining onsite and offsite solar installations. For instance, new facilities in Bhubaneswar, India, will feature 5MW of rooftop solar and 3MW of offsite solar.
In renewable thermal energy, a pivotal milestone was achieved in 2024 with the commissioning of Epic Group’s first 4-ton biomass boiler at Green Textiles Limited (GTL). Powered by agricultural waste-based briquettes, this boiler supplies steam for garment production and washing, contributing to an estimated annual reduction of 1,400 tons of GHG emissions. Accelerating this transition, Epic Group plans to install two additional 8-ton biomass boilers and convert two existing 8-ton jute-fired boilers to biomass within the next 12 months. These upgrades are expected to deliver an annual GHG emissions reduction of approximately 10,000 tons.
GREEN TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION AT EPIC GROUP
Epic Group’s commitment to innovation is prominently displayed through its adoption and development of advanced green technologies. A pioneering initiative includes the use of green TMT (thermo-mechanically treated) bars in the construction of its new Bhubaneswar manufacturing facility in India, in partnership with ARS Steels & Alloy International and sentra.world. These bars, produced with a lower carbon footprint, support the facility’s ambition to achieve Net Zero in both energy and water usage.
The company’s innovation extends to designing carbon-neutral manufacturing ecosystems, integrating renewable energy sources like solar and biomass with high-efficiency machinery and innovative thermal solutions. This holistic approach is underpinned by science-based targets for GHG reduction, translated into actionable projects with measurable outcomes.
A cornerstone of Epic Group’s green technology strategy is advanced water management, crucial for achieving its goal of 50% freshwater reduction by 2030. This strategy relies on state-of-the-art Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) that enable significant water recycling. For example, a major expansion of the ETP at the EGMCL facility increased its capacity from 70 m³/hour to 110 m³/hour and integrated a Reverse Osmosis (RO) water reuse system, enabling the recycling of approximately 30% of treated water back into production and domestic applications. Similarly, the CIPL plant’s ETP improved its water recycling rate from 50% to 80%. Both facilities utilize advanced Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) systems, which are fully automated to ensure high-quality treated effluent and operational efficiency. Further water and energy efficiency gains are achieved through upgrades to state-of-the-art Tonello washing machines, alongside ozone machines, foam generator machines, and laser technologies.
The company’s adherence to internationally recognized environmental certifications—including Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Organic Content Standard (OCS), Global Recycle Standard (GRS), Recycled Claim Standard (RCS), European Flax, OEKO-TEX Standard 100, ISO 14001 (Environmental Management System), and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)—further validates its comprehensive commitment to best practices in sustainability and green technology innovation.
“Receiving these prestigious awards from Just Style for the fourth year in a row is a testament to the enduring commitment and excellence of the entire Epic Group team. This year’s recognition for Business Expansion, Environmental excellence, and Green Innovation further validates our strategic direction. Our significant investments in India, industry-leading renewable energy programs, and adoption of cutting-edge green technologies all stem from our core values. We are immensely proud of our over 30,000 employees and grateful for the strong partnerships that contribute to this consistent success as we redefine the future of apparel manufacturing.”
– Ranjan Mahtani, Founder and Chairman of Epic Group
Company Profile
For decades, Epic Group has been a key player in the apparel industry, first as a major textile trading house, then as a leader in sourcing quality fabrics, and since 2005 as a state-of-the-art manufacturing group with facilities worldwide. The company has a global footprint across Africa, Asia, UAE, the UK, Jordan, & United States. It has evolved to become a leading manufacturer and trusted supplier to its valued clients, focusing on innovation, state-of-the-art technology & cutting-edge design. Through a passionate and driven team of people, the company enables its global retailers to deliver on their consumer expectations.
Epic Group is a highly driven group that focuses on excellence in execution, quality, and passion. It uses modern technologies, insights, and trends to provide a partnership approach to its relationships. Sustainability is at the heart of what the company does, from the head office to the manufacturing plants. Epic Group employs over 30,000 people.
For more information, visit www.epicgroup.global
Contact Details
9th Floor, EGL Tower,
83 Hung To Road, Kwun Tong,
Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR
+852 3512 0800
Epic Group Communications: communications@epichk.com
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