technical textiles - India

INDIA: Focussing on technical textiles

The technical textile industry could well develop into a vibrant, indigenous sector. Both domestic textile units and the Union Ministry of Textiles seem to be focusing attention on it

.According to a background paper prepared by the Ministry of Textiles on technical textile industry, which is used in diverse industries such as construction, railways and aero space, the world market for technical textiles is expected to be nearly 23.77 million tonnes by 2010, worth $127 billion. Asian countries, led by China and India, may drive the future growth of this industry.

The Indian technical textile industry is primarily active in garments and shoes, packaging materials, and sports wear and articles. The domestic market size was Rs. 23,300 crore in 2005-06 and this was expected to climb to Rs. 29,600 crore by 2007-08.The Textiles Ministry set up an ad-hoc committee in January, with the intention of converting it into a development council for growth and export promotion of technical textiles. It has also initiated a baseline survey of the domestic technical textile industry to assess the production, consumption, export, import and technology level.

Further, the modified Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme extends 10 per cent capital subsidy in addition to five per cent interest reimbursement for technical textile machinery.The ad hoc committee is working on issues such as recommending mandatory use of technical textiles in critical areas and controlling illegal imports.According to M. Senthil Kumar, one of the convenors of the committee, India has the resources for the development of this sector.

“We have a vibrant spinning sector, a fairly modernised weaving sector, and a strong knitting base. We also have a user industry.”He points out that in Europe and the U.K., use of fire retardant fabric is mandatory in public places such as theatres and transport sectors. So, the committee plans to identify some critical areas for mandatory use of technical textiles.Four centres of excellence will be established. The industry now faces a gap in technology, which is imported. The centres of excellence will coordinate with the industry for research and development.He feels that by using the existing resources, creating a raw material base, and developing products for bulk use, technical textiles can take off in the country on a large-scale. “We need to have our own legislation on some of these issues,” he says.