Spinning Gold

Jute is known as the ‘golden fiber’. This moniker originates from its gilded appearance as
well as its vast utility and versatility. Low water consumption compared to cotton,
biodegradability and high carbon absorption also make it a sustainability marvel.
Based in West Bengal, Gloster is one of India’s leading manufacturers and exporters of
jute and allied products for over 150 years, and is part of the Bangur Group.
“Jute is a strong fiber and abundantly available,” CEO and Whole Time Director Rajappa
Shivalingappa tells The CEO Magazine.
“State governments buy from jute manufacturers because there’s a policy from the
central government mandating the use of jute products. Generally, we sell it as a sacking
bag for the packing and storage of food grains and other end uses, for government
projects and for the public distribution system.” 

But this is far from the end of jute’s practicality; Gloster also creates products for
agriculture, geo-textiles and insulation fabrics, as well as value-added products like dyed,
laminated and chemically treated yarns/fabrics, carpets/mats, upholstery, furnishing
fabrics, shopping bags and customized products.
“There are very few companies that have the manufacturing infrastructure that we have,”
he says. “All in all, we export to over 40 countries and we have an almost 7,000-strong
workforce, along with our subsidiary Gloster Nuvo.”