Kumaraguru College of Technology has established the Kumaraguru Centre for Research in Technical Textiles and inked four memorandums of understanding with industry organisations to foster innovation in the field.
The Memorandums of Understanding with the Indian Technical Textile Association (ITTA), the Textile Association of India (TAI), Tamil Nadu Coir Business Development Corporation (TANCOIR), and the OETI Institute for Ecology, Technology, and Innovation aim to produce high-value products that promote waste reduction, the circular economy, and green manufacturing.
The first session of the Industry Conclave on Technology-Integrated Textiles and Fashion, organised by KCT’s Department of Textile Technology and Fashion Technology, featured a speech by K.S. Sundararaman, Chairman of SIMA (Southern India Mills’ Association) and Managing Director of Shiva Texyarn Limited. According to him, technical textiles that tackle global issues, like high-strength fibres used in aerospace and defence and breathable waterproof fabrics in raincoats, offer a route to sustainable growth and global competitiveness, even though India’s traditional textile industry has thrived on currency depreciation rather than value addition.
Shankar Vanavarayar, president of Kumaraguru Institutions, says the Textile Technology Department needs to be reimagined to be relevant in a changing global economy.
According to Avinash Mishra, Chairman of the ITTA and CEO of Advanced Material Solutions Koshala Profile Private Limited, technical textiles are one of the most dynamic businesses in the country, growing at an astounding 8–12% annual pace compared to conventional textiles. According to him, technical textiles, which come in 13 distinct verticals, are used in industries including geotechnology, automotive, aerospace, and healthcare.
SIMA Secretary General K. Selvaraju suggested creating a National Textile Profession Competency Fund to promote innovation and skill development in the sector.