Strategising for the global textile and materials sector

TAI will be organising a global event in Ahmedabad, India during February 25-26, 2023, which will attract leaders and practitioners in the field of fibre to fashion, informs Prof Seshadri Ramkumar.

Strategies to move the global textile and materials forward to guard against volatilities are needed.

 The world’s largest professional body of the textile industry, The Textile Association India (TAI), which has about 25,000 members, is doing its part to provide a global platform for deliberating the needs and future of the industry.

 TAI will be organising a global event in Ahmedabad, India during February 25-26, 2023, which will attract leaders and practitioners in the field of fibre to fashion, advanced textiles to nonwovens to discuss and chart out the plans for the sector. The event is aimed at realigning the sector with the future needs and supply and demand scenario. Speaking about the event, Dr P R Roy, Former Group Chief Executive, Arvind Group, stated, “An event of major significance for the textile industry that will deliberate key challenges and opportunities and endeavour to chart out a growth plan.”

How should the industry handle price volatility, develop new products which are in need, invest in R & D, and focus on sustainability are some of the themes, which will receive due attention.

Tony Fragnito, President of USA-based Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry (INDA), will travel to India to interact with industry professionals and discuss about the status of the nonwovens sector. Views on the status of the textile sector will be highlighted by representatives from The Southern India Mills’ Association and key companies such as Indorama Ventures. The importance of research as a way forward will be highlighted by Bryan Haynes, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of INDA, who is traveling all the way from United States to India for strengthening much needed global collaboration.

 “India’s textile industry provides both direct and indirect jobs to millions and is looking towards next phase. TAI will be providing a platform for international players to discuss technical and market aspects of the industry such as R & D to enhance its strength. We are excited to put forward a major international congress to address timely issues and very pleased that key people from all over the world are attending,” stated Mahendrabhai Patel, Honorary Secretary of the world’s largest professional association in the field of textiles.

The congress is making efforts to attract young entrepreneurs and business leaders to share their experience in dealing with the ongoing COVID-19 and economic crisis. Arunkrishna Srinivasan, Director of India-based Jayalakshmi Textiles will highlight the challenges for the cotton textiles industry and actions needed to go on a high gear.

 Timing is critical, as the world is witnessing a slump in the demand of commodity products. The conference will endeavour to brainstorm feasible options for growth such as the development of cost-effective advanced textile products for non-commodity markets, recycle and reuse and sustainability.

 Given that India is a major player in the field of textiles, an event of such a magnitude with global participation will enable growth opportunities by way of global collaborations and interactions.

About the author:

Dr  Seshadri Ramkumar is a Professor, Nonwovens & Advanced Materials Laboratory  in Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA.