India’s worldwide capabilities in traditional textiles and natural fibres have previously been identified. It is the world’s second largest manufacturer of polyester and is currently emerging as a vital player in the technical textiles sector, contributing to a $ 19 billion market. Technical textiles are a rapidly expanding sub-segment that is used in a variety of industries. Technical textiles are widely used in a variety of industries, including agriculture, construction, sportswear, and healthcare. Some of the important factors to the growth of this industry include India’s modernization and manufacturing competitiveness. The global capabilities of India in traditional textiles and natural fibres have already been established. It is the world’s second largest producer of polyester and is quickly establishing itself as an important player in the technical textiles industry, contributing to a $ 19 billion market. Technical textiles are a fast-growing sub-segment utilized in a wide range of sectors. A wide range of sectors employ technical textiles, including agriculture, construction, sportswear, and healthcare. India’s modernization and industrial competitiveness are two significant reasons driving the growth of this industry.
Technical textiles, a rising industry, were even more important during the Covid-19 crisis, when worldwide manufacture came to a standstill and the embargo on exporting key medical equipment, such as N95 face masks and protective gears, rendered imports to India practically impossible. PPE kits were totally imported into India. From zero PPE kits in March to 2.5 lakh in 60 days, it quickly soared to become the world’s second largest maker behind China. Today, India produces over 4.5 lakh Personal protection equipment and more than 1.5 crore masks every day.
Despite the economic recession and decrease in general demand for textiles caused by Covid-19, the industry remains India’s second largest employer. India has demonstrated its capacity to innovate and adapt to the problem with limited resources and time by turning a Covid-19 crisis into an opportunity. As a result, it is even more critical for the government and business to work together to strengthen technical textiles, a high-value component of the industry. This research describes the present state of technological textiles and suggests strategies to capitalize on India’s development potential in this emerging industry.
Technical textiles are engineered items having a specific function. They are created from natural and man-made fibres such as Nomex, Kevlar, Spandex, and Twaron, which have better functional features such as greater tenacity, superior insulation, and improved heat resistance. These goods are used in a variety of non-traditional textile industries, including healthcare, construction, automotive, aerospace, sports, defence, and agriculture. Taking technological breakthroughs into account, nations are organising their sectors to accept advanced textiles. This transformation is also seen in India’s textile sector, which is transitioning from traditional textiles to technology textiles.
The development of specialty fibres and their application into practically every industry suggests that the relevance of technical textiles will only grow in the future.
