Technical Textile Value Chain took an Exclusive Interview of Mr. Bhadresh M Dodhia, Chairman. SRTEPC
Industry Outlook and Challenges
1. What, in your opinion, are the current trends and growth prospects for the technical textiles sector in both domestic and international markets?
Technical Textiles domestic and international market is growing at a healthy growth rate. The current domestic market size of Technical Textiles is about US$ 22 bn. And international market is valued at US$ 280 bn. The domestic market is expected to reach US$ 80 bn. By 2030 and the international market is expected to reach US$ 350 bn. By 2030. The sector is a sun rising sector which has tremendous growth potential.
2. Could you identify the key challenges faced by Indian technical textile manufacturers and exporters, and how can SRTEPC contribute to addressing these challenges?
The major challenge in this sector is awareness about the Technical Textile products. However, there are several gaps pertaining to exports such as HS codes limitations, technical know-how, lack of testing facilities and many more. SRTEPC is working closely with the government to address these issues. SRTEPC has been organising Webinars and Seminars on Technical Textiles. The latest one is being organized on 12th September 2023 on the sidelines of Techtextil 2023, where SRTEPC is conducting a panel discussion on Technical Textiles.
3. How important is innovation in driving the growth of technical textiles? Are there any specific areas within technical textiles where you believe innovation can have a transformative impact?
Innovation is the key to succeed in Technical Textiles business. Innovating new products in segments like Protech, Meditech, Mobiltech and Indutech will surely create a very huge impact in development of this sector.
Export Promotion and Market Diversification
4. Technical textiles have a wide range of applications across industries. How is SRTEPC working to promote awareness about these applications and encourage export diversification within the technical textiles sector?
SRTEPC is organising participation in Techtextil Germany 2024 and other major Technical Textiles global exhibition. The Council is disseminating Export Data of Technical Textiles on monthly basis to its members. Furthermore, the Council has prepared a dossier on Export Potential of Technical Textiles which will be circulated widely among all the industry to create awareness about Technical Textiles and guide them on its export potential.
5. Could you share some successful strategies or initiatives that SRTEPC has undertaken to penetrate newer markets for technical textiles? How can the Council further support Indian manufacturers in exploring untapped markets?
SRTEPC is planning to take Technical Textiles delegation to US in month of November. Additionally, the Council is extensively interacting with the Embassy of several new markets in India and with the CGs to penetrate in those market by organising BSMs and taking trade delegations to those market. The Council is creating a database of leading Buyers of Technical Textiles in these markets which will be disseminated with its members.
Research and Development
6. Research and development play a crucial role in enhancing the quality and functionality of technical textiles. How is SRTEPC collaborating with research institutions and industry partners to foster R&D efforts in this sector?
Collaborating with institution and Centre of Excellences of Technical Textiles will help the industry to do Research activity with the help of Technical know how of the institution and develop new products.
7. Are there any specific areas within technical textiles where you believe increased R&D investment could lead to significant advancements or breakthroughs?
Meditech and Mobiltech are two key sector where increased R&D investment will lead to significant advancement. The two sectors are major pillar for development of overall Technical Textiles in India.
Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Practices
8. Sustainability is a growing concern across industries. How can the technical textiles sector integrate more sustainable practices into its manufacturing processes and products? What role does SRTEPC play in promoting eco-friendly approaches?
Technical Textiles sector consists of both natural and synthetic fibres but the synthetic fibre segment holds the largest revenue share in the global technical textiles market. Some fibres with special properties are saran, vinalon, vinyon, spandex, sulphar, twaron, kevlar, nomex, zylon, dyneema/spectra and vectran. All these fibres are produced from petrochemicals and emit considerable amounts of carbon dioxide. To ensure their commitment towards preservation of the planet and provide us with sustainable solutions for the textile industry, many textile companies have developed fibres from recycled materials and natural sources for technical textiles in recent years. Several companies like Dupont have developed sustainable fibre which will play crucial role in this sector. SRTEPC is encouraging it’s member for the production of sustainable Technical Textiles manufacturing and also guiding them on such materials.
9. Can you highlight any successful examples of Indian technical textile companies that have excelled in adopting sustainable practices and how they’ve benefited from these efforts?
Mumbai based Century Rayon has become the first textile company in India to be awarded with the STeP by OEKO-TEX Certificate for Sustainable Textile Production. The company is one of the leading manufacturer of Tyre Cord yarn in India.
Skill Development and Human Capital
10. The technical textiles sector requires a skilled workforce. How is SRTEPC collaborating with educational institutions and training centers to ensure a steady supply of skilled professionals for this industry?
Indian companies lack skilled workforce when it comes to technical textiles. The government has launched National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) which is aimed at providing skilled workforce by capacity building to the Technical Textiles industry. SRTEPC is working with the NTTM to provide necessary support and guidance on the scheme to avail the benefit of the Mission to the industry.
11. Are there any plans to enhance skill development initiatives within the technical textiles sector, especially in areas where the skill gap is more pronounced?
The launch of NTTM will help to fill the skill gap in the Technical Textiles industry. The outlay of the Mission is about Rs. 1,480 crores which will develop the domestic and export market.
Future Vision and Strategy
12. Looking ahead, what is your vision for the growth and global positioning of India’s technical textiles industry over the next decade?
The Indian Technical Textiles industry represent a share of about 10% of the global market. The sector will grow and increase its share in the global market in the next decade and will reach up to 20% by the next decade.
13. What strategic priorities and actions does SRTEPC have in place to achieve this vision and contribute to the realization of a globally competitive technical textiles sector in India?
SRTEPC will guide its member to tap emerging and new markets with target products which are in demand in those markets and to enhance it’s presence in the leading existing markets like US, Germany and more. SRTEPC will take delegation to leading markets to increase it’s presence in such markets and will leverage the help of Indian Embassy in those market to guide the exporters. SRTEPC will add more members in its Technical Textiles basket and will encourage them to export.