The Chairman and CEO of Chargeurs PCC & Chairman of Chargeurs Luxury Materials
Chargeurs PCC holds the prestigious title of being the premier provider of inner component solutions worldwide, catering to a diverse range of industries from luxury to athleisure. Interlinings are the essential core of any garment, providing structure, and shape, and enhancing fabric performance. With an impressive production output exceeding 350 million metres of interlinings annually across 8 global production facilities, Chargeurs PCC proudly serves a vast clientele of more than 7,000 customers. As a pivotal division of the Chargeurs Group, a longstanding industrial entity with a legacy spanning over 150 years, Chargeurs PCC upholds a reputation for excellence.
Gianluca Tanzi, the Chairman and CEO of Chargeurs PCC & Chairman of Chargeurs Luxury Materials, oversees three prominent companies. Chargeurs PCC leads the way in providing top-quality interlinings globally. At the same time, Chargeurs Luxury Materials specialises in selling premium wool fibres such as wool, including luxurious variants like vicuna, alpaca, and guanaco, exploring market opportunities in Pashmina, Kashmir, and beyond. Additionally, SENFA, a division of Chargeurs PCC, excels in coatings for signage and architectural applications, offering innovative solutions like noise reduction fabrics and customizable digital prints. TVC Media Team had the privilege to engage in a conversation with him at Bharat Tex 2024.
Do you currently have a sales operation in India, either directly or through an agency?
We have established three offices in India for Chargeurs PCC. Presently, we are expanding our operations to include SENFA services and developing luxury fibre solutions through our charter division.
What is your position in the market?
It can be challenging to accurately determine our market share due to the various sales channels and direct importers in the industry. However, we are proud to be a well-established brand that has garnered recognition from American and European brands operating in India.
Could you tell me the percentage of your overall sales that originate from India?
India plays a significant role in our revenue stream, and when combined with Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, it forms a cluster for us. Currently, we are seeing approximately 15% of our total sales coming from this region.
What positive aspects do you see in India?
I believe that India holds great potential as a burgeoning market and production hub that is poised for expansion in the coming years. In comparison to China, which is seemingly losing its appeal to the clothing industry, India, along with neighbouring countries like Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, presents a promising opportunity for the development of the textile and clothing sector. Garment manufacturers in India must shift their perspective towards a larger scale of production, similar to how China evolved over the past two decades. By adapting to meet the demands of major markets like the United States, such as catering to brands like Nike, India can position itself as a key player in the global textile industry. We are committed to supporting India on this journey towards transformation and growth.
Is there a manufacturing process in India?
Currently, we do not have a production process in India. We are actively seeking potential partners for a joint venture to establish a manufacturing facility in India. This facility will cater not only to the Indian market but also for exporting products to regions like South and Central America, as well as Europe. We are in discussions with several partners and are keen on exploring this opportunity to expand our operations.
Where can we find your manufacturing facility at the moment?
Our manufacturing unit is currently located in multiple countries. We have one manufacturing facility in China, another in Bangladesh, and one in Sri Lanka. The headquarters is in France. Additionally, we have significant facilities in Argentina and Brazil.
What is your vision for the Asian market?
Considering Asia’s significance to our business with the majority of the world’s production and population residing here, particularly in China and India accounting for over 50%, I believe it is and will continue to be a crucial location to focus on.
Are you considering any unique plans for this market? Are there any distinctive products in comparison to the current market offerings?
We aim to promote Pashmina as a luxurious addition to your export line, emphasising quality and innovation. By elevating the quality of Pashmina exports, we believe we can set ourselves apart and compete effectively. The fibres within a garment are crucial for its longevity and quality. Our commitment to sustainability drives our efforts to transition all our Indian products to eco-friendly options. This shift not only benefits India but also contributes to global sustainability goals.
How is sustainability perceived at a global level?
There are diverse perspectives on sustainability, requiring a nuanced understanding of what constitutes true sustainability. From my viewpoint, real sustainability means minimising negative impacts on the planet. For instance, opting for natural fibres that can decompose is more sustainable than materials reliant on harmful chemicals. By enforcing strict protocols that surpass ecotex 100 standards and avoiding toxic substances, we prioritise environmental well-being. While some may find it convenient to use such chemicals to enhance performance, our stance is clear: we choose to protect the planet from pollution by not utilising harmful substances.
Addressing carbon footprints is crucial. Could you elaborate on how your product contributes to sustainability efforts?
When considering carbon footprints, the sustainability of our product is a key focus in our industry. We prioritise local production and sourcing to reduce environmental impact. Our strategy involves having numerous factories worldwide and partnering with local suppliers for materials not produced internally. For instance, our plant in Uruguay has been recognized for having the lowest carbon footprint globally. We have made significant investments in France to lower energy consumption and carbon emissions. Given the anticipated rise in demand, producing locally is crucial to meet regional needs with locally sourced products.
How was your experience at the exhibition?
I believe this was the inaugural exhibition, so some timing issues need to be addressed. Overall, I found it to be a successful event with a good turnout. I’m confident that future editions will be even more significant. It may have been a bit late in the year for some attendees, but knowing about the exhibition in advance can help foreign buyers better plan their visit to India. The timing of the exhibition seems fine, but the announcement could have been made earlier. Having this knowledge for next year’s event will allow people to plan their attendance more effectively.
