| |SEPTEMBER 202219conditions. Technological advancements, increase in end use applications, cost-effectiveness, durability, user friendliness and eco-friendliness of technical textiles has led to the upsurge of its demand in the Indian market. India has seen a tremendous growth in this sector and captures the largest market share due to rapid urbanization and technological advancements in medical, automobile and construction industries. This is further catalyzed by easy production, low cost labour and conducive government policy support. Availability of Raw MaterialsAvailability of raw materials such as cotton, wood, jute and silk along with a strong value chain, low cost labour, power and changing consumer trends are some of the contributing factors to India's growth in this sector. Technical textiles find end use application across multiple non-conventional textile industries such as healthcare, construction, automobile, aerospace, sports, defence and agriculture. Taking cognisance of technological advancements, India is aligning its industries to accommodate technical textiles. Hometech, Packtech and Clothtech are the prime segments of the Indian industry encompassing around 65 percent of the Indian technical textiles market while Geotech, Hometech, Sportech, Oekotech, Packtech and Indutech are anticipated to accomplish high growth rates. India is a significant producer of technical textiles products including jute carpet backing, flexible intermediate bulk containers, crop covers, hessian, tarpaulins, surgical dressings and fishnets which are typically commoditized. Introduction of PLI SchemeThe Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for man-made fibre and technical textiles is helping to boost manufacturing, increase exports and attract investment into the sector. Companies in home textiles are using technology to optimize the value chain. For example, in October 2021, Welspun India introduced Wel-Trak 2.0 which is an upgraded, patented end-to-end traceability technology to track textile raw materials throughout the supply chain process.Increasing Use in Various IndustriesTechnical textiles are designed for maximum functionality rather than comfort and aesthetics. Government of India is looking forward to mandate the use of technical textiles in certain industries like mining and manufacturing operations. They are also implementing strategies to encourage local manufacturing of technical textile products. Rising awareness about various benefits of technical textiles and introduction of modern technologies to boost production rate is positively influencing growth. Demand for geo-tech textiles is increasing owing to the rising incidence of soil erosion and demand for sustainable solutions for water treatment and soil erosion protection. Considering their application in the manufacturing of surgical hosiery, caps, beddings, sheets, pillow cover and uniforms, the demand for technical textiles is surging at an accelerated pace in the country. What can be Expected from the FutureIndia is working on major initiatives, to boost its technical textiles industry. Owing to the pandemic, the demand for the technical textiles in the form of PPE suits and equipment is on rise. Although, there is a huge potential to fulfil a large demand gap as the consumption of technical textiles in India is still only at 5-10 percent against 30-70 percent in some of the advanced countries like China, Japan, and other countries. Government is also supporting the sector through funding and machinery sponsoring. The Indian Technical Textiles Industry is on the threshold of the tidal wave of growth. The country has all the ingredients to emerge as a powerhouse of technical textiles for both commodity as well as high-end products. The momentum which has been building up in the recent years is expected to accelerate and would catapult India into the league of major technical textile producers within next five years. Technological advancements, increase in end use applications, cost effectiveness, durability, user friendliness and eco-friendliness of technical textiles has led to the upsurge of its demand in the Indian market
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