In acquiescence with the dynamic governmental safety regulations, the textile and apparel testing industry has been striving to meet the upsurging consumer demand for high-quality textiles and apparel, meanwhile minimizing risks and defending the interests of brands, retailers, suppliers, and consumers. Emerging as a trailblazer to determine the quality of the tempestuous textile vertical where demand is always at an all-time high, Bombay Textile Research Association (BTR A) has been able to carve its niche identity over the years since its inception in 1954.
Meeting the technological needs of the Indian textile industry as well as achieving S&T objectives set at the national level, BTR A not only comprehends textile units (from the mill sector as well as the decentralized sector), but also manufacturers from man-made fibre, machinery, dyes, and chemical auxiliary industries. Striding in the textile testing and research industry for the last 67 years, a large number of industries throughout India are availing consultancy and technical service from BTRA.
Transforming Knowledge to the Industry
Comprised of contemporary and composite mills, the facilities of BTR A are adorned with exclusively advanced equipment, along with fine-tuned R&D services to satisfy their comprehensive requirements. “With distinctive standards for defect analysis, we can detect very small defects which are practically non-existent with the naked eye. We have a separate division just for a different analysis of fabric or quality testing.
Keeping customers’ satisfaction as our first preference and considering factors pertaining to
moisture management properties of the textile and as such, we thrive as new-age research and testing organization that can help the industry to experience the perfect amalgamation of both comfort and style. Equipped with the apt testing equipment added from the Ministry of Textile and also the manpower which is suited for textile industry, we have curated ourselves through R&D as well as advanced knowledge which can be transformed to the industry,” shares T. V. Sreekumar, Director, Bombay Textile Research Association (BTRA).
With Geo Synthetic Laboratory or geotextiles testing laboratory as its USP, BTR A has emerged as the center of excellence for geotextiles and played a crucial role in showcasing a 20-30 percent increase in geotextile export from India during the pandemic. Supported by the Ministry of Textile and accredited across the globe not only by NABL, but also by the Geosynthetic Association, US, the testing certification from BTR A is valid throughout the world to help brands to improve the properties of their geotextiles and be more sustainable in the market. With a pilot plant equipped with Plasma Technology that can convert the polyester into hydrophilic material and a good flammability characteristic measuring laboratory to handle apparel and clothes for use in a closed environment, BTR A has also a systematic mechanism to help the industry develop flame retardant fabrics.
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We have curated ourselves through R&D as well as advanced knowledge which can be transformed to the industry
T. V. Sreekumar, Director
Trust On BTRA By Government & Industry
Apart from being approached by MNCs such as Unilever, LG, and few other washing-machine companies for testing, BTR A is getting samples from all over India along with Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the US, which highlights its globally accepted testing methods. The firm is also involved with Government organizations like DRDO, BARC, and IREL, and now with the National Technical Textile mission in an 18-crore project for making carbon fiber in India. Creating most of its revenues from testing, certification, and audits, BTR A is now recognized as a third-party auditor for the Maharashtra pollution control board, along with a separate section to help the industry with its ETP related solutions.
BTR A is also planning to launch a cotton and nanofiber membrane based five layer protective mask in the market having 98 percent bacteria filtration efficiency with very good breathability as well as reusability. “Equipped with the knowledge that can be utilized by the industry, BTR A welcomes more organizations to come forward and utilize our facilities, as it will ultimately help build a new textile industry for India,” concludes Sreekumar.
