Tamil Nadu-based S.B.T. Apparels signs an MOU with TEXPROCIL to produce 50,000 garments and made-ups using Kasturi Cotton.
The Kasturi Cotton Bharat initiative is positioning Indian cotton around defined quality standards and traceability. Promoted by the Ministry of Textiles with industry bodies including TEXPROCIL, the initiative provides a brand identity for Indian cotton supported by a documented quality protocol.
For S.B.T. Apparels P. Ltd., Palladam, the initiative is being integrated into its manufacturing operations. The composite textile manufacturer has signed an MOU with TEXPROCIL to produce 50,000 pieces of garments and made-ups using Kasturi Cotton.
Focus on Consistent Cotton Quality
S.B.T. Apparels operates as an integrated textile manufacturer, with production extending from yarn to knitted garments and made-ups.
According to the company, using cotton supplied under a documented quality protocol can help reduce variation in fibre properties. This can support more consistent spinning performance and contribute to uniform yarn production.
The company also expects consistency in the fibre to support subsequent knitting and dyeing processes.
Reducing Cotton Contamination
Cotton cleanliness is another important consideration in textile manufacturing.
Careful picking, ginning and baling can help reduce the risk of contamination. This is particularly relevant for garments and made-ups, where visible defects can affect product quality and lead to rejections.
For manufacturers, improved raw-material consistency can therefore influence quality across several stages of production.
Cotton Quality and Fabric Comfort
Fibre quality can also influence the characteristics of finished textiles.
S.B.T. Apparels notes that good-quality cotton can contribute to soft and uniform fabrics. These characteristics are relevant to garments and home textile products where comfort and fabric feel are important.
The company aims to carry these characteristics from the cotton stage through its integrated manufacturing process.
Traceability From Farm to Finished Product
Traceability is a key feature of the Kasturi Cotton Bharat initiative.
Garments made using Kasturi Cotton carry a TEXPROCIL-issued QR code on the product tag. Buyers and consumers can scan the code to verify information about the cotton’s journey from farm to finished product.
This traceability mechanism provides a way to connect the raw material with the finished textile product and responds to increasing demand for supply-chain transparency.
Building a Premium Identity for Indian Cotton
The initiative also seeks to establish a recognised identity for Indian cotton based on quality and traceability.
For Indian textile manufacturers, this creates an opportunity to communicate the characteristics and origin of the cotton used in their products.
S.B.T. Apparels sees the initiative as relevant to India’s broader cotton value chain, including farmers, textile manufacturers and finished-product businesses.
Integrated Manufacturing Approach
As a composite textile manufacturer, S.B.T. Apparels controls multiple stages of production, from fibre and yarn to finished garments and made-ups.
The company says this integrated structure allows it to carry the quality requirements associated with Kasturi Cotton through different stages of manufacturing.
Commenting on the initiative, the company said:
“Quality begins with the raw material, and Kasturi Cotton gives us a verifiable, high-quality fibre and gives our customers confidence in every piece they receive.”
The company plans to share its experience with the textile industry as it works with Kasturi Cotton and contributes to efforts to strengthen the global positioning of Indian cotton.