The Power Of Two

Bangkok-based tycoons Aloke and Suchitra Lohia speak to Ruth Shapiro about the launch of their philanthropic IVL Foundation—and reveal how their company became one of the world’s largest recyclers of plastic

Aloke and Suchitra Lohia’s business acumen has made headlines around the world. With his father and brother, Indian-born, Bangkok-based Aloke has transformed Indorama Ventures, also known as IVL, from a modest family business into a multibillion-dollar international corporation which today is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of wool yarn and polyester. But what is less documented is how, while building their business, the family made it their mission to give back to the community. Soon after the launch of IVL’s philanthropic arm, the IVL Foundation, Aloke and Suchitra spoke to Ruth Shapiro, founder and chief executive of the Centre for Asian Philanthropy and Society, about the causes they’re currently supporting and how they’re helping to build a brighter future.

Ruth Shapiro: Indorama Ventures is a forward-thinking company in several important ways—how you treat your employees, the globalised nature of your work and your embrace of the circular economy. Could you share your thoughts on these?

Aloke Lohia: We have more than 16,000 full-time employees and another 3,000-plus that are contract employees, so I believe we are, in effect, helping to support 20,000 families. For us, this means that in addition to their employment, we are responsible for the education and the health of our employees and their families. We believe that family success is paramount to our success. One of our core values and, frankly, competitive advantages is our people—and the views and experiences they bring with them.

Suchitra Lohia: It is a win-win situation for the company and its people. They give it their best because they know the company has made an effort for their benefit as well.