Hopes Amid Chaos

The world is moving fast, and technologies in textile industry too, faster. Disruptive technologies are surfacing at a speed never seen before. At the recently-concluded ITMA Asia+CITME 2018, a knitting major, which has already introduced the concept of spinning to knitting and winding in a single process, attracted many customers. Linear economy is beginning to change into circular economy. A new cotton t-shirt requires approximately 2,650 litres of water from the growing stage to the final transport.

After several years passing under development, the water-less dyeing technology has already produced sustainable products. Waste reduction, eco-friendly processes, and ultimately sustainability are the synonyms for the new game. The textile industry is the backbone of many developing economies.

New technologies, however disruptive they may be, are likely to help mills remain competitive. Textile industry in every nation relying on textiles must change the attitude and involve research to contribute to green environment. Changing the mindset of textile mills about water conservation and energy saving should be an industry priority. Efforts may be small but industry should huddle together to find new ways for fresh hopes. Are we doing it or shrugging off saying that our efforts will be of little consequence?

An African folk tale tells that one day a huge fire broke out in the forest, and all the animals took flight in an effort to escape the flames. All except one, a hummingbird. The hummingbird took a drop of water from a pool and let it fall onto the fire, then returned to pick up another. The lion stopped him and asked “What do you think you’re doing? You’re tiny!” Before returning to the flames, the hummingbird stopped and said, “I’m playing my part”. Are we playing our part, however small it may be!

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S Joseph
Editor & Associate Publisher