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Interview with Praveen Kumar Singh

Praveen Kumar Singh
Praveen Kumar Singh
Managing Director
Luwa India Pvt. Ltd.

Luwa has made significant advancements in eco-friendly air engineering
As India’s textile sector undergoes rapid modernisation, the demand for smarter, more sustainable air engineering solutions has never been greater. From energy efficiency and regulatory compliance to workplace safety and product quality, air management plays a critical role in the performance of textile mills. At the forefront of this transformation is Luwa India, a pioneer in customised air engineering solutions since its establishment in 1993.

With its legacy rooted in Swiss precision and backed by over 90 years of global expertise as part of the Nederman Group, Luwa Air Engineering has been instrumental in helping textile manufacturers across India and South Asia transition from traditional, labour-intensive operations to advanced, automated, and environmentally responsible facilities.

In this exclusive interview with Fibre2Fashion, Praveen Kumar Singh, Managing Director of Luwa India, discusses how the company is leveraging cutting-edge technology, intelligent control systems, and sustainable design to address the evolving needs of the Indian textile industry. From smart air filtration and humidity control to compliance support and digital innovation, Luwa continues to lead the way in reshaping the future of industrial air engineering.

How is air engineering technology evolving to support the broader push towards Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing?

Air engineering technology is rapidly evolving to align with Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing. Modern systems integrate IoT sensors and advanced controls, continuously monitoring and adjusting parameters like airflow, temperature, humidity, and dust concentration. This data-driven approach enables real-time optimisation, predictive maintenance, and energy efficiency, reducing operational costs and downtime. Remote monitoring and automated control via cloud platforms enhance management and decision-making, improving overall plant efficiency. Energy-efficient components, such as variable frequency drives (VFDs) and advanced filtration, contribute to sustainability goals by reducing emissions and energy consumption. These technologies help manufacturers maintain consistent product quality, improve worker safety, and meet stricter environmental regulations. Consequently, air engineering has transitioned from a supporting utility to a core component of smart manufacturing strategies, playing a crucial role in enhancing productivity and operational intelligence.

What role does air quality management play in ensuring worker safety and productivity in industrial settings, particularly in textiles?

Air quality management is essential in industrial settings to ensure worker safety, health, and productivity, especially in the textile industry. Poor air quality, including high dust, fibres, and pollutants, can lead to serious respiratory illnesses like Byssinosis and chronic bronchitis. Effective filtration and ventilation reduce airborne contaminants, minimising health risks and absenteeism while enhancing employee comfort. Optimal temperature and humidity also boost concentration, reduce fatigue, and prevent heat related illnesses, directly impacting productivity. Clean air reduces fire and explosion risks from combustible dust. Improved air quality helps maintain machinery by preventing fibre buildup and overheating, reducing breakdowns, and ensuring consistent product quality. Adhering to air quality standards ensures compliance with occupational health and safety regulations, fostering a safe and efficient working environment that boosts worker morale and factory output.

What are the biggest challenges industrial air engineering faces globally, and how can companies address them?

The major challenges in industrial air engineering include high energy consumption, regulatory compliance, maintenance demands, and achieving sustainability targets. Air systems are often energy-intensive, increasing operational costs, while stricter environmental regulations require advanced filtration and emissions control technologies, which can be costly. Frequent maintenance and unplanned downtime due to system failures further disrupt productivity. To address these challenges, companies are opting for energy-efficient key components such as fans, pumps and filters combined with VFDs, adopting predictive maintenance powered by IoT sensors, and modular systems tailored to specific industrial needs. Predictive analytics help anticipate maintenance requirements, reducing downtime and extending equipment life. Additionally, industries are focusing on sustainability by integrating energy recovery units and using eco-friendly materials to lower their carbon footprint. Remote monitoring and automated control systems not only ensure higher productivity without breakdowns, but also support regulatory compliance and deliver long-term cost savings, making modern air engineering solutions vital for efficient and sustainable industrial operations.

How do you see sustainability trends influencing industrial air conditioning and filtration systems in the coming years?

Sustainability has become imperative across industries, including textiles. Industrial air conditioning and filtration systems will be at the forefront of sustainable transformation. There is an increasing emphasis on energy efficiency, carbon footprint reduction, and resource minimisation. Air engineering systems are expected to integrate renewable energy sources with highly efficient air handling products by optimising the energy consumption through intelligent control systems. Advanced filtration focuses on enhancing waste fibre recovery, improving indoor air quality while reducing environmental impact, using eco-friendly materials and efficient fans and motors. Additionally, systems will be designed for longer life cycles with minimal maintenance, and there will be a push towards recycling and reusing air and water. At Luwa, sustainability is integral to product innovation. We are continuously enhancing our systems to deliver energy savings and lower emissions, aligning with global responsible manufacturing.

Luwa has been a leader in textile air engineering for decades. How has the company evolved to meet the changing needs of the Indian textile industry?

Luwa has a 90-year legacy in air engineering, and our journey in India reflects an understanding of the evolving textile sector. Over the years, the Indian textile industry has shifted towards modernisation, energy efficiency, and sustainability. We have evolved our offerings to meet these changing needs. Our systems have become more energy-efficient, with the introduction of energy-saving components such as Carbon Fiber Fans that reduce energy consumption by up to 30 per cent. We have also invested in digital technologies, offering intelligent control systems and IoT-based monitoring solutions that provide real-time insights into system performance. Moreover, our focus on sustainability has led to innovations in air filtration and waste handling systems that comply with stringent environmental norms. We also offer customised solutions tailored to the unique requirements of spinning, weaving, and other textile processes in India, since 1993. By establishing a robust after-sales service network spread across the country’s geography along with having local manufacturing capabilities, we ensure quick support and high-quality products suited for Indian conditions.

Luwa focuses on sustainability in air engineering. Can you elaborate on the company’s latest eco-friendly innovations and their impact on energy efficiency?

Luwa has made significant advancements in eco-friendly air engineering, with a strong focus on energy efficiency, particularly in the textile industry. Our advanced Air Handling Units (AHUs) utilise high-efficiency axial fans with innovative carbon fibre blades, significantly reducing energy consumption. Coupled with sophisticated filtration systems such as the MultiCell Filter MCV, these AHUs ensure optimal air quality while minimising the system’s energy demands. A prime example is our LoomSphere System, designed for weaving mills, which enhances mill efficiency through laminar airflow, direct conditioning, and effective dust removal. These features reduce yarn breakage and downtime, achieving up to 40 per cent energy savings and enabling more sustainable, profitable operations. Our optimised airflow designs, including aerofoil impellers and aerodynamic dampers, further reduce strain on system components, lowering overall energy use. Additionally, our waste reduction and recovery mechanisms— such as fibre separators and baling presses—maximise material recovery and minimise waste. These innovations collectively reduce energy consumption, lower operating costs, and support sustainable manufacturing practices.

With textile mills facing increasing environmental regulations, how does Luwa’s technology help companies comply with these standards while maintaining operational efficiency?

Environmental regulations are becoming more stringent, especially regarding air pollution, energy consumption, and waste management. Textile mills must adhere to these standards without sacrificing efficiency or productivity. Luwa’s air engineering solutions support mills in meeting these regulations. Our advanced filtration systems capture fine dust and airborne fibres, improving indoor air quality and reducing particulate emissions. With products like our Cyclone Dust Collectors and Advanced Filters, Luwa ensures emission levels stay within permissible limits, ensuring a cleaner and safer working environment. Our Waste Handling Systems efficiently collect and compact textile waste, encouraging better waste segregation and recycling efforts. Additionally, our energy-efficient air handling units help minimise carbon footprints while boosting profitability. By integrating these technologies, textile mills can not only comply with regulations but also enhance operational efficiency and remain competitive in a challenging market.

India’s textile sector is experiencing rapid modernisation. How is Luwa contributing to this transformation, particularly in spinning and weaving mills?

India’s textile industry is embracing modernisation to enhance productivity, quality, and sustainability. Luwa plays a pivotal role in this transformation by delivering advanced air engineering systems tailored for spinning and weaving mills. In spinning mills, maintaining consistent temperature and humidity is crucial for yarn quality and process efficiency. Luwa’s humidification and climate control ensure optimal microclimate conditions, reducing yarn breakage and improving production efficiency. For weaving mills, our Travclean Traveling Cleaners keep looms clean and free of lint, reducing downtime and enhancing fabric quality. Our Waste Collection Systems streamline fibre waste handling, collecting, and segregating different type of cotton wastes into bales, maintaining cleanliness, and improving machine longevity. Energy-efficient solutions, such as Carbon Fiber Fans, and DigiControl 7, have enabled Indian textile mills to reduce their energy footprint while achieving higher productivity and quality standards. Our local presence ensures quick service support and customisation, making modernisation seamless and effective for our clients.

What challenges do Indian textile manufacturers face in terms of air quality management, and how does Luwa’s technology address these issues?

Indian textile manufacturers face significant challenges in maintaining constant and stable humidity level in department, heat pockets, floating fly in the air, imbalance between supply and return air, and stringent workplace health and safety regulations—all while managing energy consumption and operational efficiency. Traditional systems often increase energy expenses. Luwa offers comprehensive solutions encompassing filtration, humidification, ventilation, and waste management that enhance air quality while reducing operational costs. Our Cyclone Dust Collectors, Rotary Pre-Filters (RPF), and Pleated Belt Filters, Rotary drum filters, MCV filters efficiently capture fine dust and airborne fibres, ensuring cleaner workspaces and compliance with air quality standards. Waste management systems such as Screw Compactors, Fiber Separators (FSB, FSC), and Baling Presses support recycling and cleanliness initiatives. Additionally, our Industrial Air Washers and TexFog systems maintain optimal humidity for stable yarn quality, while Axial Flow Fans ensure energy-efficient air distribution. Luwa’s Digital Solutions platform provides real-time monitoring and control, further optimising performance and lowering costs. Through these integrated technologies, Luwa helps textile mills enhance air quality, reduce energy use, and remain compliant with regulations.

The integration of automation and control engineering is becoming essential. How does Luwa’s control systems enhance efficiency in industrial air engineering?

Automation and intelligent control systems are key enablers of efficiency in modern industrial air engineering, and Luwa’s DigiControl 7 system is a prime example. It offers centralised control and seamless integration of all air engineering components—from filtration to humidification and waste collection— into a single, intelligent platform. Luwa’s control systems enhance efficiency by integrating advanced digital solutions that optimise textile air systems. Their comprehensive approach includes DigiControl 7, which provides precise regulation of temperature, relative humidity, and air balance, ensuring optimal conditions for machinery performance. The Insight module enables real-time monitoring, trend analysis, and predictive maintenance, allowing operators to detect issues early and reduce costly downtime. Additionally, Luwa Assist offers remote expert support for data analysis and problem resolution, ensuring continuous system performance. Together, these solutions empower operators to monitor, control, and optimise air systems, improving energy efficiency, extending equipment life, and maintaining product quality in textile manufacturing.

Luwa India was established in 1993. How has the Indian market evolved since then, and what strategies has Luwa adopted to stay ahead?

Since its establishment in 1993, Luwa has adapted to the significant evolution of the Indian market, particularly in the textile industry, transitioning from manual, labour-intensive processes to advanced, automated manufacturing with energy-efficient, and sustainable production systems. To stay ahead, Luwa localised its manufacturing establishing a modern factory with state-of-the-art German fabrication machines, expanded its service footprint, and offered energy-efficient, tailored solutions specific to Indian conditions. The company also emphasised continuous R&D and a customer-centric approach, helping it remains a trusted partner for Indian textile manufacturers. Additionally, Luwa broadened its presence to Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, supporting South Asia’s growing textile hubs. Through these strategies, Luwa has successfully navigated the changing landscape and maintained its leadership in the market.

Looking ahead, what are Luwa India’s key priorities and future investments to support India’s growing textile and industrial sectors?

Luwa India’s key priorities include advancing sustainability, digitalisation, and customer-centric innovation to support India’s expanding textile and industrial sectors. We are focused on strengthening local manufacturing capabilities in line with the ‘Make in India’ initiative and investing in skill development to support the nation’s green manufacturing goals. We are also investing in next-generation energy-saving products like carbon fibre axial flow fans and high-efficiency filters to meet the demand for eco-friendly production. Additionally, we aim to lead the shift towards Industry 4.0 with advanced digital tools, AI-powered diagnostics, and IoT-enabled systems to enhance system intelligence and predictive maintenance. Through continuous R&D, we remain committed to innovating and modernising India’s textile and industrial sectors while expanding our energy-efficient product range and service network to provide exceptional support at every stage of operations.
Published on: 02/07/2025

DISCLAIMER: All views and opinions expressed in this column are solely of the interviewee, and they do not reflect in any way the opinion of Fibre2Fashion.com.

This interview was first published in the Jul 2025 edition of the print magazine