The North India Section of The Textile Institute (NISTI), in collaboration with the Department of Textile and Fibre Engineering, IIT Delhi, successfully organized the Conference on Sustainability in Textiles & Clothing on 14th December 2024 at IIT Delhi. The event brought together policymakers, industry leaders, academicians, researchers, and students to discuss innovative pathways for a sustainable textile future.
The conference was inaugurated by Ms. Roop Rashi, IA & AS, Textile Commissioner, Government of India, whose inspiring keynote address emphasized the importance of policy-driven initiatives and collaborative efforts for achieving sustainability in the textile sector. She commended the organizers for creating a platform that connects thought leaders, industry pioneers, and young innovators to address critical challenges in sustainable practices.
The conference was further enriched by special addresses from esteemed Guests of Honour:
- Prof. R. Alagirusamy, Head, Department of Textile and Fibre Engineering, IIT Delhi, highlighted the role of academia in developing cutting-edge technologies for sustainable solutions.
- Mr. Anil Jain, Chairman, Jain Cord Industries Pvt Ltd., shared valuable industry perspectives on innovation and resource-efficient practices.
- Mr. RK Vij, General Secretary, Polyester Textile Apparel Industry Association, underscored the importance of industry-wide collaborations to drive sustainability goals.
In their addresses, the Guests of Honour shared their insights on innovation, policy frameworks, and industry collaboration as critical drivers for achieving sustainability in the textile sector.
In his welcome address, Dr. RA Lal, Chairman of NISTI, emphasized the significance of partnerships between academia and industry to accelerate the transition towards a sustainable and circular textile ecosystem.
A highlight of the event was the poster presentation session, where 20 students from various colleges across India showcased their research on sustainability and innovation. The student participants displayed impressive creativity, technical depth, and futuristic ideas, which were widely appreciated by the attendees.
The conference also witnessed the honouring of lifetime achievements of distinguished stalwarts in the textile field, recognizing their exceptional contributions:
- Prof. VK Kothari
- Dr. Sailen Chaudhury
- Prof. Vinod Shanbhag
- Mr. Vijay Bhalla
- Dr. Kuldip Sharma
These visionary leaders were felicitated for their relentless efforts in advancing textile research, innovation, and education, serving as an inspiration for future generations.
The winners of the poster presentation competition were awarded for their outstanding contributions, celebrating their innovative solutions and encouraging them to continue their pursuit of excellence.
The event also featured innovative designs and products displayed by Covation Biomaterials LLC and the students of JS Institute of Design. Covation Biomaterials presented pioneering advancements in biomaterial-based solutions for textiles, demonstrating the industry’s potential to adopt eco-friendly alternatives. The students from JS Institute of Design exhibited creative and sustainable textile products, reflecting their ingenuity and commitment to sustainable fashion and design practices.
Special facilitation was extended to all industry sponsors and individual contributors, whose generous support played a vital role in the success of the conference. Sponsors included:
- Grasim Industries and Birla Cellulose
- RSWM Limited
- Covation Biomaterials LLC
- Anubha Polyweaves Pvt. Ltd.
- Zydex Industries Pvt. Ltd.
- Jain Cord Industries Pvt Ltd
- Trident Group
- Intagartek
- Polyester Textile Apparel Industry Association
- JS Institute of Design
The organizing team members and volunteers were also recognized and appreciated for their tireless efforts, meticulous planning, and seamless execution, ensuring the conference’s smooth flow.
The conference proceedings were summed up by Dr. Abhijit Mazumdar, whose technical expertise ensured meaningful discourse throughout the event. He emphasized the need for actionable outcomes and continuous collaboration among all stakeholders to promote sustainable practices in textiles.
Dr. Vijay Yadav, Hon. Secretary, NISTI, delivered the Vote of Thanks, acknowledging the contributions of the Chief Guest, Guests of Honour, speakers, sponsors, media partners, organizing committee, volunteers, and delegates. He highlighted the success of the conference as a collective achievement and encouraged all participants to remain engaged with NISTI for driving innovation and sustainability in the textile sector.
The conference concluded with a networking session over high tea, fostering opportunities for future partnerships and collaborations.
The Conference on Sustainability in Textiles & Clothing provided an invaluable platform for knowledge sharing, showcasing groundbreaking designs and innovations, and fostering collaboration to shape a greener, more sustainable future for the textile industry.
