Shree Pushkar Chemicals & Fertilisers Ltd., headquartered in Maharashtra, India, is a leading manufacturer of specialty chemicals and reactive dyes. With five state-of-the-art manufacturing plants located in Ratnagiri, the company produces both dye intermediates such as vinyl sulphone and a wide range of finished reactive dyes.
Focusing on low PCA content (<20 ppm) and backed by global certifications including Bluesign, GOTS, Oeko-Tex, and ZDHC Level 3, Shree Pushkar has established itself as a trusted name in sustainable dyeing solutions. Its innovative Dyecol Care ESN Series reduces water, steam, and processing time—delivering superior performance with lower environmental impact.
Through its subsidiary Dyecol Bangladesh Pvt. Ltd., the company is expanding its presence in Bangladesh—one of the world’s largest textile-exporting nations—combining technical expertise, local service, and innovation to provide eco-friendly, reliable solutions. Over the past seven years, Shree Pushkar has consistently strengthened its footprint in this growing market.
In this exclusive interview, Dr. N. N. Mahapatra, Business Head (Dyes) at Shree Pushkar Chemicals & Fertilisers Ltd., shares his insights on market growth, sustainability, technological innovation, and the future of Bangladesh’s textile industry.
Dr. N. N. Mahapatra is a renowned textile technologist with over 41 years of experience in both academia and industry. He has held leadership positions in globally recognized companies such as JCT Limited, Dystar, Clariant, and Alok Industries, and is widely respected for his expertise in dyeing and textile processing. An author of 16 books and numerous technical papers, Dr. Mahapatra is also a recipient of multiple national and international awards for his contribution to sustainable textile development.
Textile Focus: Shree Pushkar has been operating in Bangladesh for the past seven years. How has your experience been?
N. N. Mahapatra: Our journey in Bangladesh began in 2018 with our first business collaboration with Cotton Club. Since then, the market response has been overwhelmingly positive. Bangladesh is a global textile powerhouse, catering to nearly every major international apparel brand. Our business here has grown steadily, and we now regard Bangladesh as one of our most strategic and promising markets.
Textile Focus: In the past two years, you’ve increased your production of Para VS and reactive dyes. Where do you stand today?
N. N. Mahapatra: Previously, we produced around 450 tons of reactive dyes per month. With the commissioning of Unit-5, our capacity has doubled to 900 tons per month. This significant expansion strengthens our ability to serve markets like Bangladesh more effectively.
Textile Focus: What new initiatives are you planning to boost sales in Bangladesh?
N. N. Mahapatra: We recognized that many Bangladeshi factories require strong local support—quick supply, warehousing, and technical assistance. To address this, we have established Dyecol Bangladesh Pvt. Ltd. We are setting up a local office and warehouse to ensure faster delivery and more personalized service. This step will enhance customer confidence and help us expand more efficiently.
Textile Focus: Tell us more about your new sustainable dyes?
N. N. Mahapatra: We have developed the Dyecol Care ESN Series, a new range of eco-friendly, polyfunctional reactive dyes that conserve water, energy, and time. Dyeing and soaping can now be done at 60°C instead of the conventional 80–90°C. After just three washes, the water runs clear—significantly reducing effluent load. This range embodies sustainability without compromising on dye performance.
Textile Focus: With competition from India, China, Korea, and Taiwan, how does Shree Pushkar position itself?
N. N. Mahapatra: The competition is indeed strong, but our focus remains on quality, safety, and sustainability. Our dyes are recognized for their low PCA (Para Chloro Aniline) content—a harmful substance restricted by many global brands. Thanks to our specialized vinyl sulphone process, PCA levels in our dyes are below 20 ppm in powder form and under 5 ppm in dyed fabric—essentially non-detectable. This gives us a distinct competitive advantage.
Textile Focus: How are your dyes different from those produced in Ahmedabad?
N. N. Mahapatra: Many small-scale manufacturers in Ahmedabad operate with limited manpower and without international certifications. In contrast, we operate from Maharashtra with five large, modern plants in Ratnagiri (Chiplun). Our facilities are certified by global bodies such as Bluesign, GOTS, Oeko-Tex, and ZDHC Level 3, ensuring consistent production quality that is regularly audited and never compromised.
Textile Focus: Do you have additional plans for Bangladesh?
N. N. Mahapatra: Yes. Beyond establishing a local office and warehouse, we are setting up a fully equipped laboratory in Bangladesh. It will feature computerized colour-matching systems, dye testing equipment, and technical experts. This will allow us to provide on-the-spot solutions for shade matching, recipe formulation, and other technical needs. We also plan to conduct local bulk dye trials (50–100 kg) to support our customers more effectively.
Textile Focus: With over four decades of experience, what advice would you give to Bangladesh’s textile industry?
N. N. Mahapatra: Bangladesh has achieved excellence in exhaust and knit dyeing, but it should now focus on developing expertise in continuous dyeing and cold pad batch dyeing. These methods use less salt, less water, and are far more sustainable. Adopting these technologies will be essential for achieving long-term environmental and operational efficiency.
Textile Focus: You’ve authored 16 books on textile processing. What will your next book focus on?
N. N. Mahapatra: My recent books explore textile fabrics and sustainable natural fibers such as bamboo, banana, pineapple, corn, soybean, and milk fibers. These fibers are crucial for the future, as cotton cultivation and petroleum-based synthetics are expected to decline. My upcoming work will continue to focus on practical and sustainable textile innovations.
Textile Focus: Finally, where do you think Bangladesh’s textile industry and universities are lagging, and what is your recommendation?
N. N. Mahapatra: The key gap lies in research and development infrastructure. In India, we have institutes like NITRA, SITRA, BTRA, and ATIRA—funded by textile mills and government bodies. Bangladesh should establish similar research centers, perhaps in the Gazipur–Savar and Narayanganj–Narsingdi regions. Such institutions can help solve industry challenges, develop new technologies, and provide R&D support to factories that lack dedicated facilities.
Closing Remark
Shree Pushkar Chemicals & Fertilisers Ltd.’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and local collaboration marks a new era for Bangladesh’s textile industry. With eco-efficient solutions like the Dyecol Care ESN Series and plans for local technical infrastructure, the company is not only strengthening its presence but also actively contributing to a more sustainable, technology-driven textile future.
