Decarbonising Project

Background

We're tier 1 suppliers and is located in Mainland China. The factory specialises in making baseball caps, woollen hats, scarfs and gloves and other knitted products.

Like many factories, our Factory used steam produced by burning coal to drive processes like ironing. Steam was the only energy option available when the facility was built, but now developments such as reliable grid electricity, affordable renewable energy generation and power purchase agreements are opening up opportunities to trial new solutions.

Project details

To help us meet our climate targets and reduce our emissions, electrifying fossil fuel driven processes is a priority. Rudong Knitit received support from H&M Green Fashion Initiative to pilot a thermal heat storage solution for the factory’s steam needs. It is the first known use of this technology in a garment factory in China.

The solution uses off-peak electricity to heat a molten salt chamber. This heat is then stored and provides up to 15 hours of steam for ironing clothing and other steam uses throughout the day, cheaply and efficiently. 

Outcome

The thermal heat storage solution became operational in March 2024. Our Factory has stopped using coal-based steam and now runs on 100% renewable energy.

Each year it is expected that the technology will save around 600 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year.