Technical Textiles Will Cross $10 Billion by 2030

Syllabus: GS3/Economy

Context

• As per the Union Minister for Textiles, Annual export of technical textiles will cross $10 billion by 2030.

What are Technical Textiles?

• Technical textiles are defined as textile materials and products used primarily for their technical performance and functional properties rather than their aesthetic or decorative characteristics. 
• They are manufactured using natural as well as man-made fibres such as that exhibit enhanced functional properties such as higher tenacity, excellent insulation, improved thermal resistance etc. 
• Application: These products find end-use application across multiple non-conventional textile industries such as healthcare, construction, automobile, aerospace, sports, defence, agriculture.
  • They are used individually to satisfy specific functions such as fire retardant fabric for uniforms of firemen and coated fabric to be used as awnings. 
  • As a component or part of another product, they are used to enhance the strength, performance or other functional properties of that product. 
• Significance: Technical textiles have cost effectiveness; durability; high strength; light weight; versatility; customization; user friendliness; eco friendliness; logistical convenience etc. 

Technical Textile Sector of India

• Technical textile accounts for approximately 13% of India’s total textile.
• Global trade in technical textiles is around $300 billion, while India’s domestic market size is $25 billion and annual exports are worth $2.6 billion.
• Availability of raw materials such as cotton, wood, jute and silk along with a strong value chain, low cost labour, power and changing consumer trends are some of the contributing factors to India’s growth in this sector.

Government Initiatives

• National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM): Launched in 2020, it aims to develop a strong ecosystem for technical textiles by supporting various activities such as setting up centers of excellence, conducting R&D, and encouraging industry collaboration.
• Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme: Under the PLI Scheme for textiles, the government offers incentives to companies for increasing production and achieving higher sales of technical textiles.
• Support for Innovation and R&D: The government promotes innovation in technical textiles through funding and support for research projects.
• Technotex India: It is a flagship event organised by the Ministry of Textiles, in collaboration with Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) and comprises exhibitions, conferences and seminars with participation of stakeholders from across the global technical textile value chain.

Source: TH