Epic Group’s innovative use of specialised high-temperature heat pumps at its Bhubaneswar facility marks a major step towards sustainable and low-carbon fashion production, promising significant emissions reductions and industry-wide impact.
Epic Group has embarked on a pioneering journey towards sustainable manufacturing with the installation of high-temperature industrial heat pumps at its apparel facility in Bhubaneswar, India. This initiative represents a major advancement in the decarbonisation of fashion production processes, leveraging innovative technology to significantly reduce carbon emissions in a traditionally energy-intensive industry.
The heat pumps operate by transferring heat using refrigerants, akin to air conditioners functioning in reverse. These systems are among the most efficient electric heating technologies available, often delivering more than two units of heat for every unit of electricity consumed. However, standard heat pumps typically produce hot water at around 90°C, a temperature insufficient for industrial dryers which require pressurised steam exceeding 150°C. To overcome this challenge, Epic Group collaborated with Indian deep-tech start-up TRIGeN Decarbonisation, which developed specialised heat pumps capable of supplying pressurised hot water at 135°C. This temperature meets the operational demands of the apparel manufacturing processes, particularly for laundry dryers.
Complementing this innovation, Italy’s Tonello, a machinery manufacturer, has adapted its industrial dryers to operate effectively with the 130–135°C pressurised hot water supplied by the heat pumps. This synergy facilitates a seamless integration of low-carbon thermal energy into the manufacturing line, marking a first in the sector.
One of the significant benefits of this technology is its dual functionality; besides providing heat, the system also produces cooling as a byproduct. Epic Group utilises this cooling effect within its laundry facilities to maintain comfortable working conditions for employees, particularly during periods of extreme heat, thereby supporting workplace welfare alongside sustainability goals.
The project at Bhubaneswar is a pilot initiative that also involves upgrading the facility’s electrical infrastructure, including larger transformers, enhanced switchgear, and renewable-energy-powered backup generators. These investments are critical to supporting the increased electrical demand of the heat pumps. According to the company, the pilot is expected to displace 12,500 metric tonnes of CO₂ over its operational lifetime, a tangible contribution to reducing the environmental impact of apparel production. The new manufacturing hub is projected to begin production by December 2025, aiming to operate as a net-zero carbon site powered by both onsite and offsite solar energy paired with battery storage.
Epic Group’s executive vice-chairman, Dinesh Virwani, emphasised the company’s commitment to decarbonisation and expressed optimism that the pilot’s success would encourage wider adoption of heat pump technology across the fashion sector. Early adopters like Epic Group could thus pave a cost-reduction pathway as this technology scales, potentially transforming thermal energy use industry-wide.
This breakthrough comes amid broader industrial trends embracing electrification and waste heat recovery solutions. For comparison, European entities like Raffinerie Tirlemontoise have introduced industrial heat pumps heating water and air up to 140°C by reusing industrial waste heat, thereby enhancing energy efficiency and supporting a circular economy. Industry leaders such as Baker Hughes are also advancing industrial heat pumps tailored to electrify heat supply at high temperatures, utilising waste heat and renewable sources to cut fuel use and CO₂ emissions.
Epic Group’s deployment represents a significant example of how cross-sector innovation, merging deep-tech start-ups, traditional machinery manufacturers, and fashion producers, can drive sustainable transformation in industrial thermal energy use. This pilot project not only demonstrates technical feasibility but also signals a replicable model for low-carbon garment production, aligning with global efforts to decarbonise industrial activities and meet net-zero ambitions. As the fashion industry contends with increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint, such initiatives could set new standards for environmentally responsible manufacturing practices.
- https://apparelresources.com/business-news/sustainability/epic-group-pushes-decarbonisation-drive-new-heat-pump-system/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.texadviser.com/epic-group-installs-high-temp-heat-pumps-to-power-industrial-laundry-2/ – Epic Group has installed high-temperature industrial heat pumps at its upcoming net-zero apparel hub in Bhubaneswar, India, set to commence production on December 1, 2025. Developed in collaboration with TRIGeN and Tonello, the system delivers 135°C pressurised hot water for dryers, enabling clean and efficient operations. This initiative is expected to displace 12,500 tonnes of CO₂ over the pilot’s lifetime, marking a significant step towards sustainable manufacturing in the fashion industry.
- https://www.ecotextile.com/2025111960801/news/environment/epic-group-begins-world-first-heat-pumps-pilot/ – Epic Group has initiated a pilot project at its new manufacturing hub in Bhubaneswar, India, deploying the world’s first high-temperature electric heat pumps to power an industrial laundry. The facility is designed to operate as a net-zero carbon site, powered by onsite and offsite solar systems coupled with battery storage. This innovative approach aims to displace 12,500 metric tonnes of CO₂ over the pilot’s lifetime, setting a precedent for sustainable practices in the apparel manufacturing sector.
- https://apparelinsider.com/epic-group-pilots-high-temp-heat-pump-in-india/ – Epic Group has installed a high-temperature electric heat pump at its new manufacturing hub in Bhubaneswar, India. The company claims the move will underpin a ‘net-zero apparel manufacturing hub’ and offer a replicable model for low-carbon thermal energy in garment production. The facility is set to commence production on December 1, 2025, marking a significant advancement in sustainable manufacturing practices within the fashion industry.
- https://www.apparelviews.com/epic-group-sets-up-the-worlds-first-high-temperature-electric-heat-pumps-to-power-an-industrial-laundry-a-collaboration-between-epic-group-trigen-decarbonisation-india-and-tonello-italy – Epic Group has installed high-temperature industrial heat pumps at its apparel manufacturing hub in Bhubaneswar, India, in collaboration with TRIGeN Decarbonisation Pvt. Ltd. and Tonello S.r.l. The system delivers 135°C pressurised hot water for dryers, enabling clean and efficient operations. This initiative is expected to displace 12,500 metric tonnes of CO₂ over the pilot’s lifetime, demonstrating a significant commitment to decarbonising the fashion industry.
- https://www.raffinerietirlemontoise.com/en/news/2025-02-european-first-raffinerie-tirlemontoise-introduces-innovative-industrial-heat-pump – Raffinerie Tirlemontoise has introduced a unique industrial heat pump, a first in Europe, with a thermal capacity of 4 megawatts. The system can heat air and water up to 140°C, efficiently reusing industrial waste heat that would otherwise be lost in the production process. This innovation increases the energy efficiency of the Tienen plant and promotes the circular economy by reintegrating the recovered energy into the production process.
- https://www.bakerhughes.com/clean-power-solutions/industrial-heat-pumps – Baker Hughes offers industrial heat pumps designed to electrify heat supply for industrial sites and municipalities using waste heat and renewables. These systems provide efficient steam generation at high pressures and temperatures, tailored to specific industry needs. They utilize low-grade waste heat and renewable sources, significantly reducing fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions, thereby contributing to sustainable industrial operations.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative is recent, with the earliest known publication date being November 11, 2025. ([apparelviews.com](https://www.apparelviews.com/epic-group-sets-up-the-worlds-first-high-temperature-electric-heat-pumps-to-power-an-industrial-laundry-a-collaboration-between-epic-group-trigen-decarbonisation-india-and-tonello-italy?utm_source=openai)) The report is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were found. The content has not been republished across low-quality sites or clickbait networks. The report includes updated data and new material, justifying a higher freshness score.
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
The direct quotes from Epic Group’s executive vice-chairman, Dinesh Virwani, and other stakeholders are unique to this report. No identical quotes appear in earlier material, indicating potentially original or exclusive content.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative originates from Apparel Resources, a reputable industry publication. While not as widely known as some major outlets, it is considered a reliable source within the apparel industry.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about Epic Group’s installation of high-temperature industrial heat pumps in Bhubaneswar, India, are plausible and align with the company’s known sustainability initiatives. The report is corroborated by other reputable outlets, such as InsideDenim and The Textile Magazine. ([insidedenim.com](https://insidedenim.com/News/173565?utm_source=openai)) The language and tone are consistent with industry reporting, and the report includes specific factual anchors, such as names, institutions, and dates.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is recent, based on a press release, and includes unique quotes, indicating originality. The source is reliable within the industry, and the claims are plausible and corroborated by other reputable outlets. No significant credibility risks were identified.
