R&D helps us explore alternatives to traditional fabrics

VIP Clothing is engaged in manufacturing and marketing of innerwear. The company markets well-known brands like VIP Innerwear, Frenchie, Frenchie X, and VIP Feelings and all of their sub brands. VIP Clothing’s brands and their extensions occupy leadership positions with significant market shares in the respective categories. Kapil Pathare, Director, VIP Clothing, explains the current state of the Indian textile industry and importance of R&D in the manufacturing process.

Please give us an overview of the current state of India’s textile and textile engineering industry.

India’s textile industry is experiencing a transformative phase. As one of the largest producers of textiles globally, the sector continues to be a cornerstone of the Indian economy, contributing significantly to exports and employment. The rise of advanced textile engineering and automation has enabled India to maintain competitiveness in global markets. There’s been a clear shift towards value-added products like technical textiles, smart fabrics, and sustainable materials, driven by evolving consumer demands and a global shift towards eco-consciousness.

At VIP Clothing, we are at the forefront of this change, leveraging advanced manufacturing techniques, innovation, and technology to deliver sustainable products that meet international standards while staying true to our heritage.

What are the challenges faced by the Indian textile industry?

One of the major challenges for the Indian textile industry is maintaining cost competitiveness while adhering to sustainability requirements. Rising raw material costs, fluctuating global demand, and the need for consistent technological upgrades are ongoing concerns. There is also increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices while ensuring scalability and cost-efficiency.

Additionally, the fragmented nature of the industry, with a large informal sector, creates hurdles in scaling and standardizing quality. The shortage of skilled labour, especially in high-tech textile manufacturing, adds to the complexity. The focus needs to be on building strong domestic supply chains, improving labour productivity, and adopting more efficient technologies across the board.

What is the importance of R&D in the development of T&A industry?

R&D is critical in transforming the textile and apparel (T&A) industry. It helps drive innovation in fabric development, product design, and process optimization. For companies like us (VIP Clothing), investing in R&D has allowed us to create high-performance products, such as moisture-wicking and anti-bacterial fabrics, that meet evolving consumer expectations.

Moreover, with global trends moving towards sustainable and eco-friendly production, R&D helps us explore alternatives to traditional fabrics, develop new dyeing techniques, and reduce water consumption and waste. The future of textiles will be defined by innovation, and R&D will play an integral role in ensuring that India stays at the cutting edge.

Which are the Government Policies & Initiatives that are helping to boost the industry?

Several government initiatives have significantly bolstered the textile sector. Schemes like the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and the Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (TUFS) have encouraged investments in modernizing manufacturing facilities. The MITRA Parks Scheme, which is set to establish world-class textile parks, will also provide integrated infrastructure, allowing manufacturers to achieve economies of scale and reduce production costs.

In addition, the government’s focus on boosting exports through Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and reducing customs duties on textile machinery has helped the sector expand its global footprint. Skill development programs aimed at training the workforce to handle advanced textile machinery have also contributed to enhancing productivity and quality.

What sustainable Initiatives is your company taking in its manufacturing process?

As a responsible manufacturer, sustainability at VIP Clothing is more than just a buzzword—it’s deeply embedded in our operational philosophy. We are in the process of planning several key initiatives which may be aimed at reducing our environmental footprint. This may include optimizing water usage in our dyeing processes, introducing eco-friendly dyes, and exploring the incorporation of sustainable fibres like organic cotton and recycled polyester into our range of products.

Moreover, we are evaluating certain investments in energy-efficient machinery, which will help us significantly lower our carbon emissions. In the near future we may plan to focus on waste management strategies for recycling and reusing materials, which may further help us in ensuring minimal wastage across our production lines. In terms of packaging as well, we are evaluating a shift to biodegradable materials to further reduce our environmental impact.

How do you view the Future of the Indian Textile industry?

The future of the Indian textile industry is promising. With a growing domestic market and increasing demand for high-quality, sustainable textiles globally, India is well-positioned to become a leader in the sector. The push towards innovation, coupled with government support, will further accelerate growth.

Companies that can adapt to changing consumer demands—particularly the shift toward sustainability, performance-driven textiles, and fashion technology—will thrive. At VIP Clothing, we see immense potential in expanding to sustainable product lines, integrating more digital technologies into our processes, and exploring in depth sustainable textiles.

India’s textile sector will continue to be a major driver of economic growth, job creation, and global exports, and we are proud to be a part of this journey. ‘Made In India for India’ has always been the most important goal of VIP Clothing.