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MGC Portugal, the RTS Textiles Group unit specialising in high-performance textile finishing solutions, has reduced its CO₂ emissions per tonne produced by 13%, according to the group’s third Sustainability Report. The performance of the Portuguese operation is one of the highlights of the document, which underlines the group’s continued investment in renewable energy and energy efficiency.
The unit has increased its solar power generation capacity to 8.3 MW, while the installation of a hot-water recovery system has reduced natural gas consumption by 17% compared with 2024. At the same time, a new 870 kW photovoltaic project is under development and is expected to cover around 26% of the factory’s electricity needs.
The decarbonisation strategy also includes the installation of two new stenter machines, which are expected to deliver a further 8% reduction in natural gas consumption once operational, further improving the unit’s energy efficiency.
Although the report focuses on progress across the group’s different operations, MGC Portugal stands out as an example of how industrial modernisation can contribute to reducing the carbon footprint.
Beyond the Portuguese operation, the report highlights other investments made by RTS Textiles Group. In Pakistan, a new wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) has been completed, with a treatment capacity of 400 m³ per hour and full operation expected by August this year. In the UK, meanwhile, the Pincroft facility has diverted 99.95% of general waste from landfill through recycling.
Also in Pakistan, the group has developed a solution for recovering value from industrial waste, transforming 425,200 kilograms of ash generated from biomass and coal combustion into 532,860 bricks for use in construction, demonstrating the application of circular economy principles.
In terms of product innovation, the report highlights the incorporation of raw materials and technologies designed to reduce the environmental impact of technical textiles. One example is the use of chemically recycled polyester, obtained through a textile-to-textile recycling process that breaks down polyester waste into its original monomers, enabling the production of a fibre with quality equivalent to virgin material. The group also highlights the use of CiClo technology, designed to make polyester fibres more susceptible to biodegradation when they enter natural environments, helping to reduce the persistence of microplastics.
In the message accompanying the report, RTS Textiles Group CEO John Vareldzis reaffirms the company’s commitment to responsible manufacturing and continuous improvement. “As one unified group, we remain focused on reducing our environmental impact, investing in innovation and creating long-term value for our customers, employees and community. Over the past year, we have made significant progress across several key areas,” he says, stressing that the organisation’s mission is to “increase value through innovation and continuous improvement”.