Shaping a Sustainable Future

There is a need for continuous investment in skill development and training to address the gap in skilled labor, particularly in areas like design, technical textiles, and sustainable production techniques, says Rajeev Tulshyan.

The Indian textile industry, one of the largest and most dynamic in the world, continues to play a crucial role in India’s economy, society, and culture. The Indian textile industry includes a wide range of segments such as cotton textiles, silk, woolen textiles, ready-made garments, technical textiles, and home textiles. The country is among the largest producers of textiles globally, especially in cotton and garments.

The textile industry contributes around 5 per cent to India’s GDP and 13 per cent to the country’s total export earnings. It is a major employer, providing jobs to over 45 million people, which makes it one of the largest employment generators in India.

India’s textile exports have been seeing steady growth, especially with a push toward newer markets, alongside traditional ones like the US, EU, and the Middle East. The industry has been diversifying into high-value products such as technical textiles, home textiles, and apparel, aiming to move beyond its traditional strength in cotton-based textiles.

The adoption of automation in textile production processes is on the rise. Technologies like automated cutting machines, digital printing, and robotic stitching are enhancing production efficiency and product quality. 3D knitting and digital textile printing are transforming design capabilities and reducing wastage.

The textile industry is poised for growth, especially with its increasing focus on high-value- added products, exports, and sustainability. The transition toward smart textiles (like wearable or fabrics with embedded electronics) and automation in production is expected to shape the future of the industry.

India’s textile industry has enormous potential and continues to grow, it must navigate challenges around infrastructure, sustainability, and global competition to maintain its leadership position in the global market.

How will modern technologies be helpful to gain a competitive edge

Modern textile technologies are playing a crucial role in enhancing the competitiveness of the Indian textile industry. These innovations not only help in improving production efficiency, product quality, and sustainability but also enable Indian manufacturers to meet global demands and stand out in a highly competitive market.

Implementing automated machinery, such as robotic arms for stitching, cutting, and packaging, reduces the dependence on manual labour, minimises errors, and increases production speed. This helps lower labor costs and boosts overall productivity. Newer spinning technologies like rotor spinning and air-jet weaving can significantly increase production capacity, improve yarn strength, and reduce waste, making operations more cost-effective. Digital textile printing technology allows for quick design changes, low setup costs, and the ability to print complex designs without the need for screens or plates. This results in faster turnarounds, especially in the fast-fashion sector, and caters to smaller, custom orders.

New technologies like nano-technology and coating technologies can enhance the functional properties of textiles, such as making them water-repellent, stain-resistant, anti-microbial, and UV-protective. These high-performance textiles are increasingly in demand in the fashion, medical, and industrial sectors. Innovative technologies, such as waterless dyeing and low- energy finishing processes, can significantly improve the quality of textiles while reducing environmental impacts.

Technologies for textile waste recycling and the use of recycled fibers (e.g., recycled polyester and cotton) allow manufacturers to meet the growing demand for sustainable fashion. Modern energy-efficient technologies, such as solar-powered textile factories or waste heat recovery systems, can lower production costs and reduce carbon footprints, aligning with the global push for green manufacturing practices.

With digital technologies, designers and manufacturers can quickly produce virtual prototypes of new collections and products. This allows brands to test new ideas in a virtual environment without the need for physical samples, reducing time-to-market.

The implementation of modern textile technologies offers Indian manufacturers the opportunity to enhance their global competitiveness by improving production efficiency, product quality, and sustainability. These innovations allow Indian textile companies to meet the rising demand for customised, sustainable, and technologically advanced products. By embracing these technologies, the Indian textile industry can not only strengthen its position in traditional markets but also expand into high-value and niche sectors, ultimately gaining a competitive edge in the global textile market.

Key growth areas for 2025

As the global economy recovers from the pandemic, the demand for textiles, particularly ready- made garments (RMG) and home textiles, is expected to surge. With international markets rebounding, Indian textile exports have a promising outlook. India can increase its share of global textile exports by tapping into high-demand markets such as the US, EU, Middle East, and Africa.

Due to geopolitical factors, rising labor costs in China, and a move toward diversifying supply chains, many Western and European companies are looking to move their sourcing away from China. India is seen as a strong alternative, especially in cotton-based products and garments. Developing economies, particularly in Africa and Southeast Asia, are becoming significant importers of textiles. India can tap into these markets by offering competitive pricing, high- quality products, and a diverse range of textile offerings.

As consumers increasingly demand eco-conscious products, there is an expanding market for sustainable fashion and eco-friendly textiles. India can capitalise on this trend by producing organic cotton, recycled polyester, sustainable dyes, and using waterless dyeing technologies. The growing emphasis on circular fashion also presents an opportunity to promote textile recycling and upcycling, both domestically and globally. The global market for sustainable textiles is expected to grow rapidly, and Indian textile companies can enhance their appeal by obtaining internationally recognised sustainability certifications, such as OEKO-TEX, GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), and Fair Trade. This will give Indian manufacturers a competitive edge, particularly in markets that prioritise sustainability, like Europe and North America.

The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme introduced by the government is a significant opportunity. It encourages domestic production and investment in high-value textile products, including man-made fibers and technical textiles. The Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel (MITRA) scheme, aimed at developing world-class textile parks across the country, will provide state-of-the-art infrastructure, improved connectivity, and incentives for textile manufacturers. The Indian government is focusing on boosting textile exports through policy reforms, trade agreements, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The rise of online retail platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, and specialised e-commerce platforms like Myntra has created new growth opportunities for Indian textile businesses. Selling directly to consumers (D2C) via digital channels allows textile brands to reach a global audience, cut out intermediaries, and provide personalised customer experiences. Indian textile manufacturers can increase their presence in the premium and luxury textile markets by focusing on high- value products like handwoven fabrics, traditional textiles, and ethnic wear.

There is a need for continuous investment in skill development and training to address the gap in skilled labor, particularly in areas like design, technical textiles, and sustainable production techniques. This presents an opportunity for the Indian textile industry to build a strong, skilled workforce capable of handling advanced technologies and meeting global standards.

The Indian textile industry has significant opportunities to grow and gain a competitive edge in 2025 by focusing on key trends such as sustainability, technological innovation, and global market expansion. By leveraging government initiatives, embracing digital transformation, and aligning with global demands for eco-friendly, high-performance textiles, Indian manufacturers can capitalise on emerging market trends and further strengthen their position as global leaders in the textile sector. Additionally, focusing on value-added products, technical textiles, and customisation will help Indian companies meet the diverse needs of both domestic and international consumers.

Emerging areas in textile industry

Brands are increasingly using recycled fabrics, plastic waste, and upcycled textiles to reduce waste and carbon footprints. Materials like organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, and flax are gaining popularity due to their sustainability. Techniques like waterless dyeing and digital printing help reduce the amount of water and chemicals used in textile manufacturing. The move toward circular fashion—where textiles are designed to be reused, recycled, or repurposed—is a major trend.

Smart textiles, also known as e-textiles or intelligent textiles, are fabrics that have been embedded with technology to offer interactive features. These textiles can sense and respond to environmental stimuli such as heat, moisture, or pressure, and sometimes incorporate embedded electronics. Wearable technology is gaining traction in sectors like healthcare (e.g., health-monitoring fabrics), sports (e.g., performance-tracking garments), and military (e.g., protective and responsive clothing). The demand for healthcare wearable, fitness tracking clothing, temperature-sensitive fabrics, and fashion-integrated technology offers vast potential for growth.

Nonwoven fabrics are textiles that are made by bonding fibers together without the need for traditional weaving or knitting. These fabrics are used in a wide range of applications, such as medical products, filters, insulation materials, and disposable products. The global demand for nonwoven fabrics is rising, driven by applications in hygiene products, healthcare, and filtration. India can tap into this market by investing in modern manufacturing technologies for nonwoven textiles and expanding its export potential in the hygiene and medical sectors.

AR technology allows customers to virtually try on clothes using their smartphones or other devices. This helps improve the shopping experience and reduces the need for physical fitting rooms, which is especially useful in the e-commerce space. Virtual fitting rooms, personalised shopping experiences, and design visualisation for textiles and garments. Indian textile manufacturers and retailers can partner with tech startups to integrate AR into the online shopping experience, making it easier for customers to visualise how garments will fit and look.

Especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is growing interest in textiles with antimicrobial and antiviral properties for use in healthcare, work wear, and everyday clothing. Fabrics that repel dirt, water, and stains through innovative coatings or treatments, reducing the need for frequent washing and extending the life of garments.

These areas are pushing the boundaries of what textiles can do, making the industry more innovative, sustainable, and technologically advanced. Whether through sustainability, functionality, or customisation, the future of textiles looks incredibly dynamic.

About the author: