Embracing sustainability in technical textiles
Sustainable technical textiles are not merely an industry trend; they are the foundation of a responsible, future-ready textile sector, opines Divyesh Dadhaniya.
As global awareness of climate change and resource depletion intensifies, the textile industry finds itself at a critical crossroads. Technical textiles—high-performance fabrics designed for functionality beyond aesthetics—are indispensable across sectors. Yet, with their environmental impact, particularly through the release of microplastics, the need to pivot toward sustainable alternatives is urgent. Today, microplastics are pervasive in our environment, even making their way into human organs and newborns. A major contributor to this crisis is nonwovens, which easily break down into microplastic particles, polluting land, water, and air. The issue has reached an emergency level, underscoring an undeniable truth: we must act now. The future we envision depends on sustainable action today.
The environmental toll of traditional technical textiles
Most conventional technical textiles rely on synthetic fibres such as polyester, nylon, and polypropylene, derived from petrochemicals. While these materials offer durability and performance, they come with a high environmental cost. Non-biodegradable and resistant to decomposition, these fibres accumulate as waste in landfills and oceans, posing long-term threats to ecosystems and health. Given the rising demand for technical textiles, the environmental impact of synthetic materials will only increase without intervention.
A demand for change
Today’s consumers and industries are increasingly vocal about the need for eco-friendly products, and regulatory bodies worldwide are implementing stricter environmental standards to curb waste and emissions. This growing demand offers the textile industry a chance to redefine itself by merging innovation with sustainability. Adopting sustainable materials and practices isn’t just a response to external pressures; it’s an opportunity for growth, resilience, and leadership in the next chapter of textile manufacturing.
The plastic packaging has become a disaster for the environment. In a landfill, it will remain unchanged for hundreds of years. They’ll stand as memorials for future generations. In the same way that archaeological digs now uncover priceless artefacts from our ancestors, future digs will find plastic trash.
Why are we using our intelligence so poorly and demanding so much packaging where there is no need? for instance MLPs (multi-layer packaging), FMCG companies are making smaller packets as per their marketing strategy; are they promoting littering too? The major responsibility lies with the manufacturer for promoting small packets and increasing the burden of plastic pollution & littering. These massive FMCG companies, in contrast, have CSR and sustainability pages on their websites that are solely for display. I am sure that they are not going to clean their rubbish from the streets and landfills.
There are plenty of examples of intelligence being utilized for luxury at the expense of serious environmental damage. Don’t we know the consequences of environmental damage? We are already experiencing the worst-ever climate changes and natural calamities. Is it not enough to understand our mistake? Let’s stop being a part of pollution and limit ourselves to using excessive plastic packaging. We should remember that we have only one earth.
Pioneering innovations in sustainable technical textiles
Biodegradable and compostable fibres, like PLA (polylactic acid) and PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoates), are at the forefront of sustainable innovation, offering practical, eco-friendly alternatives to traditional synthetic materials. These bio-based polymers naturally break down in the environment, significantly cutting down on long-term waste and pollution. PLA, for example, can be tailored to meet the strength and durability needs of technical textile applications—delivering high performance with a fraction of the environmental impact. Compostable textiles shine in applications with limited lifespans, like medical disposables and agricultural mulch, and the lifespan of PLA-based products can be fine-tuned to suit specific application requirements, providing remarkable versatility and reducing waste.
In recent years, global PLA production has skyrocketed, with new capacities emerging to meet the demand for sustainable alternatives. In India, Balrampur Chini Mills has announced a 75,000 MT PLA production plant expected to be operational by the end of 2026, creating a strong domestic supply chain for PLA. Additionally, advancements in PLA manufacturing technology within India are paving the way for cost-effective, large-scale production, making it even more viable for companies seeking sustainable solutions.
PLA is now breaking into a wide range of applications: spunbond fibers, meltblown fibers, melt spinning, and monofilament production are well on their way to commercialization, highlighting the potential for compostable and biodegradable technical textiles. This growth signals an enormous opportunity within the technical textiles sector, with PLA emerging as the most suitable and scalable biopolymer to date. It is being used in various single-use applications, including cutlery, straws, packaging films, bottles, pouches, 3D printing, cups, containers, and clamshells. With such diverse applicability, PLA is proving to be a versatile, sustainable replacement for traditional materials.
Technical textile applications—such as face masks, gloves, medical apparel, shoe covers, caps, medical bedsheets, fruit and vegetable covers, shopping bags, hygiene products, towels, and filters—can easily incorporate PLA-based compounds. As products offer breathability and durability, they also promote faster degradation once disposed of. Thanks to their high surface area, the product will break down faster than solid products, making them a truly sustainable choice.
The shift to PLA and similar biodegradable materials signals a turning point for the industry, bringing us closer to a future where technical textiles not only meet functional demands but also champion environmental stewardship. With investments in technology, production, and a growing market for sustainable goods, compostable fibres like PLA can lead the way toward a greener, more responsible world
Ensuring authenticity with certifications
To guarantee product credibility, certification standards like ISO 17088 specify that a product must degrade at least 90 per cent within 180 days under specified conditions to be labelled as compostable. The test can be done at CIPET or relevant laboratories. In India, products that meet these criteria can be certified by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), adding a layer of trust for consumers and companies alike. Similar standards exist internationally, ensuring that compostable technical textiles meet the highest sustainability criteria.
Other paths to sustainability
While PLA and recycled materials lead the way, alternative solutions like natural fibres with enhanced properties, waterless and energy-efficient dyeing and finishing Processes, advanced coatings for enhanced functionality, chemical-free bleaching and washing, etc. offer eco-friendly options for applications where replacements are not readily available. Embracing a diverse range of sustainable technologies allows the industry to adapt to various needs and ensure that sustainable alternatives are accessible and scalable.
Challenges and the road ahead
Transitioning to sustainable technical textiles is not without obstacles. Biodegradable fibres can be more costly, and matching the performance of traditional synthetics may require continued innovation. But the path forward is clear. By fostering collaboration across governments, manufacturers, and research institutions, we can accelerate sustainable adoption, improve recycling systems, and drive industry-wide transformation.
Government actions to support a greener future
In India, the government’s phased ban on single-use plastics (SUPs) has already prohibited nonwovens under 50 microns and, more recently, under 75 microns for specific products. However, rather than just enforcing bans, government support is essential for fostering sustainable alternatives. By investing in the industry and encouraging innovation, sustainable manufacturing can flourish, giving the next generation of entrepreneurs the tools they need to create impactful solutions.
Conclusion
Sustainable technical textiles are not merely an industry trend; they are the foundation of a responsible, future-ready textile sector. By committing to eco-friendly materials and processes, technical textiles can evolve to meet the demands of a changing world and contribute to a sustainable future. This shift requires vision, investment, and collaboration, but the environmental and economic rewards will be invaluable. With a renewed focus on sustainability, technical textiles can embody the promise of progress, proving that functionality and environmental responsibility can indeed go hand in hand. Together, we have the power to reshape the future, from pollution to solution.
About the author:
Divyesh Dadhaniya is the Founder & CMD at Deltora Biopolymers, Ahmedabad.
Deltora Biopolymers is a ground-breaking startup revolutionising the production of 100 per cent compostable raw materials/compounds for all types of single-use products. The company is driven to become the first Indian company to create comprehensive raw material compounds for all types of single-use products. Their cutting-edge research is pushing the boundaries of commercial-scale PLA manufacturing technology, setting new standards in the industry.
