By Susmita Ghosh
In recent years, the textile industry has witnessed a remarkable surge in innovation, particularly in the realm of fabric and finishes. Such advancements are extremely crucial as they have not only revolutionised the industry and textile production but also carved a better way for the use of functional, sustainable and not-to-mention aesthetically appealing materials. Before delving into the key breakthroughs of fabric and finishes, it is important to understand what helped India achieve a 4.6% share of the global trade in textiles and apparel.
Sustainability Initiatives:
Considering the growing focus of the Indian Textile Industry on sustainability, adopting eco-friendly processes, water conservation techniques, sustainable and organic materials along with reduced energy consumption have helped manufacturers incorporate new ways of innovation in the related field.
Technical Textiles:
The growth of the technical textile sector has also served as a helping hand. With increased demand in industries like healthcare, automotive and agriculture, innovations in fabric and finishes were seen. Fabrics with fire resistance, UV protection and fabrics with antimicrobial properties are a few such examples.
Digital Printing:
The demand for digital printing textiles has grown exponentially in the past few years, allowing more intricate and precise designs on fabrics. Apart from that, minimised waste, and comparatively reduced water consumption are a few other benefits.
Innovative Finishes:
As the demands grew in the areas such as sports and hard-core industries, many innovative fabric finishes were introduced. Fabrics with moisture-wicking, odour-resistant and stain-repellent finishes are a few such examples.
Smart Textiles:
Integration of electronics into textiles became an emerging trend. The usage of sensors, LEDs and other electronic components transformed a normal fabric into a smart textile. Usage of such fabrics is evident in sports, fashion and healthcare.
Handloom Revival:
The revival of India’s traditional handloom fabrics was a considerable step. Driven by consumer demand for sustainable and authentic textiles, many weavers and artisans started adopting contemporary styles while preserving the conventional methods.
Government Initiatives:
The Indian government launched several initiatives to promote innovation in textiles. Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (TUFS) to encourage modernisation and research and development in the sector is one such example. In 2022, the government issued a Quality Control Order (QCO) on the import of Viscose Staple Fibre (VSF), a sustainable alternative to cotton.
India, being one of the world’s largest exporters of textiles and garments, innovations in fabrics and finishes were a much-needed step to maintain and expand its market share. Presently, India is the second largest producer of Man-made Fibre (MMF). Even though the focus was majorly on cotton exports, India’s export of MMF textiles and apparel was recorded at USD 9.56 billion for the financial year 2021-22. Owing to India’s potential, the Ministry of Textile formed a Textile Advisory Group on MMF in January 2023 to increase focus on the area. Here are a few innovations that can be witnessed in the textile industry:
One of the most significant strides is the emergence of smart fabrics. Such textiles are integrated with conductive materials or electronic components or wastes like mangoes, mushrooms and apple peels. Such fabrics help judiciously interact with their environment. From moisture-wicking workout gear, and self-heating jackets to Pinatex and Leaf Leather, smart fabrics are transforming the apparel industry both in terms of limited wastage and enhanced comfort and functionality.
Nanotechnology has found a promising application in textiles. The use of metal and metal oxide nanoparticle properties to interact with light and microorganisms is one such recent innovation. Dispersing organic embedded metal oxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles in a soluble starch matrix to improve antibacterial properties and manage UV radiation is another example. Additionally, nanotechnology helps in the development of self-cleaning textiles. It reduces the need for harsh chemicals in laundry.
Plasma technology uses electricity to turn gases into ‘cold plasma’ which can change the fabric surface without deteriorating the quality. It can also be used on materials like polypropylene and polyethylene which have a very low melting point. Plasma technology helps get rid of any stuff on the fabric and prepares it to have new things added to its surface.
Microencapsulation is a process where a continuous film of polymeric material is coated into very tiny droplets of liquid particles or solid material, forming Microencapsulos. These capsules help fragrance-emitting fabrics retain their odour for a longer duration. Currently, microencapsulation can be done in two methods – Padding and Exhausting.
The usage of clay finishing and composite fibres has been widely accepted due to its low cost. The microstructural layer properties in clay materials are used. In an experiment, where polymers were infused with 2-5% nanoclays, significant improvement was observed in barrier properties, flame retardant capacity and dimensional stability. This innovation is used primarily in synthetic polymers such as polypropylene, polyamide, polyethylene terephthalate, and polyethylene fibres.
Fabric and finishes Innovation has significantly developed the textile industry and is continuing to do so by pushing the boundaries at a faster pace. From sustainable materials to fragrance-emitting fabrics, these advancements are transforming the way we approach textiles. As technology continues to advance, we can expect more upgrades in technology and material, further revolutionising the world of fabrics and finishes.
