As Sustainable Energy Days are observed from February 24 to 27, bringing attention to the role of industry in accelerating the global energy transition, Merino Industries Ltd. has continued to build upon its long-standing emphasis on renewable energy integration and circular production systems alongside resource leadership across its manufacturing operations.
Over the past two decades, Merino has steadily reduced its dependence on conventional energy sources and strengthened its renewable portfolio. Today, more than 84 percent of the company’s total energy requirements are met through non-fossil fuel sources. Of its annual electrical requirement of approximately 78 million kWh, 53 percent, or 41 million kWh, is generated through captive solar and wind systems. A further 5 percent of electricity demand is met through biomass-based power generation. Thermal energy needs are largely fulfilled through renewable routes as well, with 68 percent supplied through biomass-fired boilers and another 20 percent through incineration and waste-to-energy systems. Only about 16 percent of total energy requirements rely on fossil fuel-based grid power or coal-fired systems. On an annual basis, Merino harnesses close to one million gigajoules of energy from biomass sources alone.
This renewable-led energy mix reflects a deliberate shift toward indigenous and cleaner sources. Internally generated energy accounts for 60 percent from biomass, 8 percent from captive solar systems and 16 percent from process waste-based recovery systems, while purchased grid power contributes just 4 percent of total energy consumption. The company’s energy strategy rests on three pillars i.e., renewable sourcing, operational efficiency & conservation and continues to drive measurable improvements in energy intensity and emissions performance.
Merino’s use of biogenic fuels in captive energy plants removed 125,186 metric tons of CO₂ equivalent emissions during the reporting year. Advanced air pollution control systems, including wet electrostatic precipitators and dust collection systems, are deployed across manufacturing units. Continuous monitoring ensures emission parameters remain within prescribed norms, with air quality levels maintained better than surrounding areas.
Water management remains equally central to Merino’s sustainability framework. The company follows a reduce, recycle and recharge approach that has enabled it to recycle and reuse 101,100 kilolitres of water annually. Rainwater harvesting systems across facilities have created groundwater recharge capacity exceeding 969,400 kilolitres.
Circularity is embedded deeply within plant operations. Waste-to-energy systems are functional across manufacturing units, ensuring that process waste is converted into usable thermal energy. Boiler and incinerator ash is utilised in the production of bricks and tiles for internal applications, reducing landfill burden. Organic waste, including agricultural residues and potato peels, is converted into compost through patented bio-conversion processes. Biomass ash is further processed into potash-rich nutrients, closing material loops within the production ecosystem. The company also collaborates with academic institutions, including VNIT Nagpur, to strengthen circular innovation initiatives.
Merino’s environmental efforts extend beyond the factory boundary. The company supports regenerative agriculture and agroforestry through structured engagement with farming communities. Each year, over 10 million micro-climate resilient saplings are distributed to farmers. Currently, more than 30 million saplings across 7,500 hectares of farmland are part of agroforestry and farm forestry initiatives supported by Merino’s agri-extension services. Dense native plantations based on the Miyawaki method have also been implemented at manufacturing sites to enhance biodiversity and restore local ecosystems.
Merino’s sustained efforts have earned industry recognition, including the Prithvi Award for three consecutive years from 2023 to 2025 at ESG Global Conferences and the Asian Brand Story Social Impact Award in 2024.
Commenting on Sustainable Energy Days 2026, Mr. Manoj Lohia, Director, Merino Industries Ltd., said, “Energy transition becomes meaningful when it is reflected in everyday operations. For us, renewable energy integration, waste recovery systems, water neutrality and regenerative agriculture are interconnected commitments. When over 84 percent of our energy demand is met through non-fossil sources and circular systems are built into our production processes, it shows long-term discipline, something that we constantly strive for. We believe responsible manufacturing strengthens both environmental resilience and industrial competitiveness.”
As conversations around energy transition gain momentum globally, Merino’s renewable-led manufacturing model shows how structured investments in clean energy, circular resource systems and community partnerships can create measurable environmental outcomes while supporting stable and efficient industrial growth.
