The world’s first high temperature heatpumps to power industrial dryers Decarbonizing the fashion industry
The global fashion industry’s push toward carbon-free manufacturing reached a new milestone with the installation of high-temperature industrial heat pumps to power Epic Group’s groundbreaking apparel manufacturing hub in Bhubaneswar, India. Trimetro Garments India Private Limited, Epic Group’s fully owned subsidiary in India, will commence commercial production on December 1, 2025. The facility is designed to operate as a net-zero carbon site, powered by onsite and offsite solar systems coupled with battery storage.
Industrial heat accounts for a significant portion of carbon emissions in the fashion industry. While sustainable biomass is one option, decarbonizing industrial heat can also be achieved by converting processes requiring heat to be powered with renewable electricity. Heat pumps are the most efficient electrical heating solutions available, often delivering two or more units of heat for every unit of electricity consumed.
Heat pumps operate by using refrigerants to transfer heat, functioning much like an air conditioner but in reverse. Typically, heat pumps generate hot water at around 90°C, which is insufficient for powering industrial dryers rated to operate with pressurized steam above 150°C. TRIGeN Decarbonisation Pvt. Ltd., an innovative Indian Deeptech startup, has developed heat pumps capable of generating pressurized hot water at 135°C, specifically designed to meet the needs of Epic Group’s laundry operations.
Tonello Srl, an Italian manufacturer recognized for its leadership in industrial washing and drying technologies for the fashion industry, has adapted its dryers to operate with 130°C pressurized hot water, enabling seamless integration with the heat pump system.
Generating temperatures of above 120 °C, with a thermal lift of 125 °C through an electrical heat pump is an achievement that only 2-3 companies in the world have achieved. An additional benefit of these heat pumps is their ability to produce cooling as a byproduct. This cooling is utilized within Epic Group’s laundry, to support comfort conditions for the associates. The supply of cold air ensure associates working in the laundry are comfortable even during extreme heatwaves.
Epic Group’s self-funded pilot project on heat pumps aims to demystify the technology and assess the associated capital and operational costs. Transitioning thermal loads to heat pumps involves high capital expenditure, requiring upgraded electrical infrastructure – including larger transformers, switchgear, and backup generators – supported by renewable electricity.
This pilot will not only demonstrate the EPIC group’s commitment towards sustainable manufacturing but will also result in of 12,500 Metric Tonnes of CO2 Displacement over the lifetime of the pilot.
Dinesh Virwani, Executive Vice Chairman of Epic Group, stated, “Epic Group is firmly committed to decarbonizing our operations and contributing to industry-wide efforts. This pilot’s success will pave the way for broader adoption of heat pumps within the fashion industry. Early adopters will set a pathway for others, leading to lower costs at scale. This is one of our innovative contributions to industry sustainability.”
Ashish Sethi, CEO of TRIGeN Decarbonisation Pvt. Ltd., added, “We are thrilled to realize this project with Epic Group. We have been working together for a year, developing a prototype tailored to Epic’s specific requirements and conducting multiple trials to ensure optimal performance. This collaboration marks a milestone forus as we support the fashion industry’s transition toward decarbonization.”
Alice Tonello, R&D and Marketing Manager of Tonello S.r.l., commented, “Our partnership with Epic Group is rooted in shared commitment to sustainability and value creation. We’re proud to contribute our advanced dryers, designed to perform efficiently while being powered by heat pumps – supporting Epic’s low-carbon and water-saving strategies.”
