PDS embraces Solar Energy to Drive Sustainable Manufacturing

PDS Limited is proud to announce two significant sustainability milestones in line with the company’s commitment to delivering a greener fashion value chain. PDS released the third edition of its annual Sustainability Report and launched a Solar Power Plant in its manufacturing unit, Green Smart Shirts Ltd. (GSSL), in Bangladesh.

Pallak Seth, Executive Vice Chairman

PDS Limited is a global fashion infrastructure platform offering product development, sourcing, manufacturing, and distribution for major brands and retailers worldwide handling over $2 billion of Gross Merchandise Value. The company operates a vast global network covering over 60 offices in 22 countries, with over 10,000 employees and factory associates worldwide. PDS also offers a bespoke end-to-end outsourcing solution, engaging dedicated talent and infrastructure as an extended arm of retailers and brands. The company reported consolidated revenues of ₹10,577cr in FY23.

The PDS Group Sustainability Report 2023 provides insights into various initiatives undertaken by PDS and its business verticals upholding its four pillars of sustainability: Respect Water, Reduce Emission, Think Circular, and Build Community. The report captures the Company’s progress against various milestones under each sustainability pillar.

The second initiative is the launch of the GSSL solar power plant in Bangladesh. The power plant generates One megawatt (MWh) of renewable green energy and potentially mitigates over 10,000 tonnes/kWh of carbon emission in its lifetime. With the installation of the Solar Power Plant, the facility is now poised to receive a LEED Platinum certification from the current Gold certification.

Of our three manufacturing facilities, now two of them are powered by renewable energy sources. The Sri Lanka based subsidiary, Norlanka was the first facility to install a solar power plant generating over 70,000 kilowatts (kWh) of energy.

Speaking on the occasion, Pallak Seth, Executive Vice Chairman, said: “We believe unreservedly in our mission to be an organization that puts integrity, transparency, and sustainability at its core. Our commitment is reflected in the initiatives undertaken by PDS. With our innovation arm, PDS Ventures, we are making investments to nurture scalable inventions in areas such as sustainable cotton production, material science, and technology, all the while remaining steadfast in our commitment to the future of the fashion and retail industry.”

Commenting on the progress on sustainability, Sanjay Jain, Group Chief Executive Officer, said: “Sustainability is intertwined with the very fabrics of our organization. All our initiatives are demonstrative of PDS keeping our promise to a sustainable future. The launch of the Solar Power Plant in GSSL Bangladesh is another promise we have delivered. Furthermore, the PDS Group Sustainability Report 2023 displays many of the milestones we have achieved- from water conservation in our factories to our community building initiatives across the world.”

Commenting on the Sustainability Report, Paul Wright, Group ESG Director, said: “We have set ourselves targets that will help all of us to deliver a better environment for future generations. Our sustainability report underscores this commitment, including our net zero by 2050. Our plan outlines science-based objectives aligned with UNCCC to which we are a signatory in 2023. We believe industry-wide collaboration is essential to address climate change and advocacy will play a pivotal role”.