On December 14, 2024, IIT Delhi will host the highly anticipated NISTI-IIT Delhi Conference on Sustainability in Textiles, which will bring together a formidable group of scholars, industry experts, innovators, and thought leaders. NISTI Regd organised the event in In partnership with IIT Delhi’s Department of Textile and Fibre Engineering, this premier event aims to reshape the textile and clothing industry’s sustainability roadmap, tackling today’s urgent environmental issues and opening the door to a more environmentally friendly future.
Ms. Roop Rashi (IA & AS), the Textile Commissioner for the Government of India, will open the conference. Her innovative leadership and dedication to sustainability have had a major impact on the Indian textile sector. The presence of Ms. Rashi highlights the government’s commitment to advancing eco-friendly procedures and regulations that aid in the sector’s long-term expansion. It is anticipated that her speech will set the stage for an inspiring day of conversations, information exchange, and teamwork.
An Outstanding List of Subjects and Institutions
Innovative companies and individuals who are influencing the textile industry’s sustainable future will present a range of cutting-edge subjects at this conference. Global leaders in various disciplines will deliver cutting-edge ideas, practical solutions, and useful insights to the participants.
Developments in Sustainable Textiles
Covation Biomaterials LLC (previously DuPont Biomaterials) will present their groundbreaking research on the bio-based substance Sorona®️ polymer, which is well-known for its advantages for the environment, toughness, and flexibility. Presenting state-of-the-art developments in wet processing with an emphasis on sustainable chemical management, we are a global leader in sustainable chemistry.
Bringing Tradition and Modernity Together
- Acharya Narendra Deva University, a champion of India’s textile heritage, will highlight how traditional Indian craftsmanship can be revitalized through modern, eco-friendly technologies. Their work underscores the importance of blending heritage with innovation to create globally relevant sustainable solutions.
- IILM University’s Department of Design will delve into sustainability in fashion, addressing both the opportunities for innovation and the challenges of integrating sustainable practices in the global textile supply chain.
Eco-Friendly Product Design
- The conference will examine how performance and sustainability interact in sportswear, drawing on perspectives from high-end labels such as Zara, Mango, and Hidesign. design. Presentations will show how cutting-edge technologies like 3D printing and the concepts of the circular economy may suit the demands of athletes while having a less negative environmental effect.
- TIT&S Bhiwani will showcase their breakthrough work in smart textiles for sportswear, with an emphasis on conductive yarns, sensor-embedded textiles, and cutting-edge materials made for comfort, performance, and safety.
Unlocking the Potential of Indian Wool
- The Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, or ICAR, will highlight Indian wool, a natural resource that is underutilised but has great potential. Their talk will examine its emphasis on its social, economic, and environmental advantages in accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Environmentally Friendly Medical Textiles
- A principal research and development engineer from North Carolina State University will explain how medical textile developments that are sustainable are transforming healthcare. The conversation will focus on biocompatibility, functionality, and sustainability in relation to wound care and implanted devices.
- The U.P. Textile Technology Institute (previously GCTI Kanpur) will provide a presentation on sustainable chemical management in wet textile processing, critically examining worldwide trends, and transformative approaches in textile processing.
limitations on dangerous materials and creative methods to reduce their negative effects on the environment.
Cutting-Edge Equipment and Material Innovation: Leading textile processing equipment manufacturer BHATT BROS will showcase cutting-edge methods for dyeing and completing knit and woven textiles. Their developments focus on sustainability and energy efficiency in textile production processes.
Respected Sponsors and Panellists
Additionally, the conference features a distinguished group of sponsors and professionals dedicated to promoting sustainability in the textile and garment industry:
- The Indian Ministry of Textiles will provide insightful information about government programs and policy directions for the industry’s sustainable growth.
- JS Institute of Design, known for its leadership in education and design innovation, is a key sponsor.
- Prominent organizations like Grasim Industries Limited, Birla Cellulose, RSWM Limited, and Trident Group are lending their support, underscoring their commitment to sustainable practices.
Partnerships with significant industry organisations including the All India Association of Industries, TAI Delhi, and the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) further support the event and guarantee that the discussions and conclusions are felt across the textile industry and beyond.
Why Attend?
This conference is not just an event; it’s a movement toward collaborative innovation and meaningful change. Attendees will gain unparalleled opportunities to:
- Explore Breakthrough Innovations: Learn about the latest materials, processes, and technologies revolutionizing the textile industry.
- Engage with Global Thought Leaders: Interact with experts and visionaries who are at the forefront of sustainable practices.
- Network with Industry Leaders: Build connections with peers, researchers, and policymakers from around the world.
- Shape the Future: Participate in discussions and initiatives that will influence the direction of the global textile and apparel industry.
The Path Forward
With textile waste projected to exceed 150 million tonnes by 2050, and growing global demands for sustainable solutions, the NISTI-IIT Delhi Conference offers a timely platform to address these challenges. From chemical management and circular economy principles to smart textile innovations and revitalization of traditional crafts, the event will explore diverse pathways to achieve sustainability goals.
Event Details
Date: 14th December 2024
Venue: LH114, LH Complex, IIT Delhi
Organizer: NISTI Regd and IIT Delhi
Join Us
Whether you’re an industry veteran, a researcher, or simply someone passionate about sustainability, this conference promises insights and inspiration to drive your efforts forward. Be part of the movement to transform textiles into a truly sustainable industry.
For more details, visit the official event website or contact the organizers. Secure your spot today and contribute to shaping a greener future for textiles and apparel! Please register as delegates at https://nistiregd.in/delegate-regestration. For further information please write to secy@nistiregd.in.
Below are the suggested view-points of the Eminent individuals related to the conference, including past chairmen.
Dr. RA Lal, Chairman NISTI.
“As we stand on the brink of a transformative shift in the textile industry, sustainability has emerged as the defining challenge and opportunity for the future. The NISTI-IIT Delhi Conference on Sustainability in Textiles provides an exceptional platform for industry leaders, innovators, and researchers to come together and discuss how we can drive meaningful change. Our collective efforts in embracing circularity, eco-friendly materials, responsible sourcing, and technological innovations will shape the future of the textile sector. This conference is not just a discussion; it is a call to action for every stakeholder—designers, manufacturers, policymakers, and consumers—to come together and collaborate towards a more sustainable, resilient, and
environmentally responsible textile industry. Let us unite to create a circular textile ecosystem that benefits both the environment and society at large.”
Prof. R. Alagirusamy, Head, Department of Textile and Fibre Engineering, IIT Delhi.
“The future of textiles lies in our ability to innovate and implement sustainable practices across the entire value chain. As researchers and academics, we are at the forefront of developing cutting-edge solutions that can drive the transition from a linear to a circular economy in the textile sector. This conference presents a unique opportunity to delve into the latest advancements in sustainable textile technologies, eco-friendly material innovations, and the role of circularity in textile production. At IIT Delhi, we believe that interdisciplinary research, collaboration between academia and industry, and a commitment to sustainable development are key to addressing the pressing challenges of resource efficiency and waste reduction in
textiles. I look forward to engaging in discussions that will shape the future of sustainable textiles and foster impactful collaborations that bridge research with real-world applications.”
Mr. Vijay Bhalla, Patron and Past Chairman NISTI
“As we approach a new era in textile manufacturing, sustainability is no longer a choice but a fundamental responsibility. The transition from a linear consumption model to a circular, sustainable one will shape the future of the industry. This conference provides a critical platform to discuss the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders in reducing waste, embracing responsible sourcing, and incorporating eco-friendly innovations. Together, we can create a textile sector that serves both the environment and future generations.”
Dr. VK Kothari, Professor (Retd), Patron and Past Chairman NISTI
“Sustainability in textiles is a comprehensive journey that extends across every stage of the product lifecycle—from sourcing to disposal. Circularity is not just an idea; it must be embedded in every process, with eco-friendly materials and innovative manufacturing techniques at the core. This conference is a timely opportunity to engage with experts, share knowledge, and work toward a truly circular textile ecosystem that adds lasting value to both the environment and economy.”
Dr. Vinod Shanbhag, Professor (Retd), Patron and Past Chairman NISTI
“Technology is a key enabler of circularity in textiles. Advances in recycling, fabric reuse, and smart textiles can revolutionize the industry, making it sustainable and circular. At this conference, we will explore how technological innovations, aligned with policy shifts and industry research, can drive a closed-loop textile economy. I believe that by embracing innovation, we can create a sustainable future for textiles.”
Dr. Sailen Chaudhuri, Patron and Past Chairman NISTI
“Designing textiles with durability, repairability, and reusability in mind is essential to creating a more sustainable industry. Business models focused on repair, reuse, and recycling can drive meaningful change. The NISTI-IIT Delhi Conference is the perfect forum to bring together thought leaders, industry stakeholders, and innovators to discuss how circularity can be seamlessly integrated into the textile sector. Let’s act now to shape a sustainable and resilient textile industry for the future.”
Dr. Kuldeep Kumar Sharma, Patron and Past Chairman NISTI
“Sustainability in textiles goes beyond recycling; it’s about rethinking the entire lifecycle of textile products. We must innovate in material sourcing, waste management, and product design to create a truly circular textile industry. This conference offers a unique opportunity for collaboration across all stakeholders, ensuring that sustainability is at the forefront of every decision. Let’s work together to build