Global apparel manufacturer Epic Group is one step closer to carbon-free manufacturing.
The Levi’s and Uniqlo suppliers announced this week that it has installed high-temperature industrial heat pumps to power its new apparel manufacturing hub in Bhubaneswar, India.
The heat pumps are part of Epic Group’s self-funded pilot project that aims to demystify the technology and calculate the associated capital and operational costs.
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Trimetro Garments India Private Limited, Epic Group’s fully owned subsidiary in India, will start commercial production on Dec. 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.
The integration of high-temperature industrial heat pumps was made possible by partners working with Epic to create and adapt technologies.
Industrial heat accounts for a significant portion of carbon emissions in the fashion industry. While sustainable biomass is one option, Epic Group states that decarbonizing industrial heat primarily involves transitioning to electricity sourced from renewable energy. Heat pumps, which use electricity to generate heat via refrigerants—like an air conditioner working in reverse—offer a highly efficient solution, producing heat at twice or more the efficiency of electric boilers.
Heat pumps typically generate hot water at around 95°C, which is insufficient for powering industrial dryers rated to operate with pressurized steam above 150°C. However, the Indian energy solution startup TRIGeN Decarbonisation Pvt. Ltd. developed a heat pump capable of generating pressurized hot water at 130°C, specifically designed to meet the needs of Epic Group’s laundry operations.
“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 for us as we support the fashion industry’s transition toward decarbonization,” said Ashish Sethi, CEO of TRIGeN Decarbonisation Pvt. Ltd.
Additionally, Italian washing and finishing machinery manufacturer Tonello S.r.l. adapted its dryers to operate with 130°C pressurized hot water, enabling seamless integration with the heat pump system.
“Our partnership with Epic Group is rooted in shared commitment to sustainability and value creation,” said Alice Tonello, R&D and marketing manager of Tonello. “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.”
Epic notes that an additional benefit of the heat pumps is their ability to produce cooling as a byproduct. This cooling is utilized within Epic Group’s laundry, where high internal temperatures create challenging working conditions.
“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 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,” said Dinesh Virwani, executive vice chairman of Epic Group.
