Asia Pacific region is expected to be one of the largest ones in the global apparel industry, with considerable share in terms of both value and volume. As the demand for denim garments grows due to their versatility, comfort and durability, Asia is becoming a major supplier to the world because of the abundance of raw materials, low labor costs and efficient production processes. The industry is witnessing a shift towards sustainability to reduce the amount of waste generated by the fashion industry and ensure that resources are used responsibly. The goal is to reduce pollution and conserve energy, leading to a healthier environment for future generations.
Hence, with the paradigm shift towards sustainability, textile companies are looking for chemical manufacturers who can create and produce unique formulations that optimize fabric quality and performance while reducing environmental damage. This is where Turkey based Respa Chemicals comes in with its acute focus on sustainability. The company leverages the unique geographical position of Turkey as it links Europe to Asia and is ideal for shipping goods between the two, with transit times of around 5-7 days by road.
Led by Mehmet Esmergil, Founder and Chairman, who has years of experience in this field, Respa Chemicals has a strong foundation of research and development. In 1985, Mehmet obtained his bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from University of Istanbul. He then completed his MBA from California State University, Northridge in the United States in 1992 and founded MESPA Chemicals, a textile chemicals agency and importer. The company was renamed to Respa Chemicals in 1998 after the establishment of a factory in Tekirdag, Turkiye. Over the years, it has grown exponentially and now exports its products to more than 35 countries around the world. Understanding the fact that sustainability is a key factor in product design, especially when it comes to textile dyeing and washing, Respa Chemicals enables usage of cold water instead of hot, reduces the amount of energy consumed, and limits the consumption of chemicals.
This in turn has a positive effect on the environment as the products are developed with less water usage, reduced energy consumption, and fewer chemicals—all while maintaining the aesthetic appearance of the garment. For example, textile companies were using 1200 liters of water for every 70 kilograms of denim wash. Respa Chemicals has brought it down to less than 600 liters of water without affecting the appearance and the beauty of the garment. As there were several processes which were done at temperatures between 40 to 60 degrees temperature, it has launched some new products which work with water at room temperature.
“Since our inception nearly 30 years ago, we have expanded our professional business operations to a range of countries. To introduce our chemicals, the technical and marketing team visits each factory in each country to demonstrate the advantages of using them and acquire orders. The world has become increasingly connected; so, we established a company structure in each country to provide exemplary customer service and develop partnerships (rather than just treat customers as clients). Our ties with clients are mutually beneficial as their success means ours,” says Mehmet Esmergil.
Establishing Long-term Partnerships
For the past 30 years, Respa Chemicals team has been actively visiting customers all around the world to make direct export sales. Over the years, the team has increased its visits to each country to 4-6 times a year, setting up agencies and warehouses in each country in order to provide greater service and support. The team also hosts two training sessions each year in the company’s Turkey factory for resellers and customers to gain knowledge of new product applications and technical information about Respa Chemicals’ products. The strategy allows it to establish long-term partnerships with its
customers by providing them with daily services from local suppliers who understand their needs and can quickly address any problems they may have.
Ensuring Customer Satisfaction
Respa Chemicals follows a threepronged approach towards ensuring customer satisfaction. It involves focusing on product quality, cost and service. The company’s product quality is consistent irrespective of the quantity. Its quality control process involves inspecting raw materials and conducting analyses in its laboratory to make sure they meet the required standards. During production, QC checks take place regularly while keeping track of all parameters. It is completed by reserving a master sample for each lot before shipping orders.
When it comes to its price policy, it ensures that the customers get the best value for their money. As for the service, it provides on-time delivery, technical support whenever needed, and new sustainable products that help customers save costs while being eco-friendly. Moreover, all of its products are certified by international certification organizations as well. “We use premium ingredients from suppliers in Europe and USA to manufacture our chemicals. We do not opt for cheaper options in other countries. Our sourcing strategy helps minimize pollutant output from effluent and water treatment systems, ensuring that all the products used in the reaction are fully utilized,” says Vikram Karmarkar, Head of Asia Operations, Respa Chemicals. He has done his graduation in Mathematics, and MBA from IMT (Institute of Management and Technology) and specialization in international marketing from IIFT (Indian Institute of Foreign Trade).
Sharp Focus on Sustainability
Having started its operations in India about 12 years ago, Respa Chemicals has cultivated a client base of major textile producers such as Arvind, Shahi, Raymond and Hirdaramani — providing services to household brands like Levi’s, Marks and Spencer, H&M, Diesel, Old Navy, Tommy Hilfiger and GAP. It specializes in the development of sustainable washes and effects for the final garment that are safe for the environment. Its products have been formulated with sustainability in mind and have earned certifications such as Green Screen, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), H&M Positive List, Jeanologia EIM Score, Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) certificates and comply with MRSL standards. It offers consistent quality throughout its supply chain, which is why more production units are roping in Respa Chemicals for their textile chemical requirements.
Vikram Karmarkar, Head of Asia Operations
Respa Chemicals is always striving to minimize environmental impact from its products. It either replaces materials which cause pollution or develops activators that make sure the materials are fully consumed during the reaction with a garment. In this way, it helps protect the environment, and also ensures that garments have an optimal aesthetic appeal. By leveraging the latest technologies and methods available, it is able to produce products that offer benefits to both users and the environment.
Respa Chemicals follows a three-pronged approach towards ensuring customer satisfaction. It involves focusing on product quality, cost and service
In Sync with Science and Fashion Trends
The R&D team of Respa Chemicals is dedicated to continually pushing boundaries and finding ways to optimize performance. As part of this process, they track developments in science and fashion trends to adhere to all relevant certification standards regarding hazardous chemicals. Special emphasis is placed on creating ecologically sound products that are sustainable. The department takes proactive steps by regularly attending seminars and taking courses to stay abreast of current events. As the business landscape is ever-evolving, the teams consistently strive for excellence in research and development, production, quality control, finance, marketing, and environmental safety. “At Respa Chemicals, we recognize the importance of having a well-rounded team with expert knowledge in each area. We view our organization like an engine: if all the parts are working together properly and to their fullest potential, then we can ensure smooth, effective running,” adds Mehmet.
Disruption through Innovation
Today, the big fashion brands are increasingly striving for sustainability to reduce their environmental impact. Respa Chemicals is enabling them to achieve a longterm, sustainable stance. It helps them in regard to cost containment, where the costs of production remain similar or unchanged. It is spearheading this effort in the industry and very few organizations can match its sustainable range of chemicals that protect against pollution of effluents and dangerous chemical discharges. Respa Chemicals has recently introduced a revolutionary new product for environmental sustainability, which obviates the usage of pumice stones and no water is required in the procedure. With such innovations, it strives to be ahead of what its customers need and helps them achieve their sustainability goals.
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