India’s technical textile market which is currently estimated at 14 billion dollars is likely to reach a level of 32 billion dollars by 2023, by diversifying towards non-woven technical textiles and forging global partnerships with counterparts.

The vertically integrated supply chain and the diverse range of products are the main factors expected to contribute to the growth of the industry.

India is looking to increase exports of technical textiles, such as sweat absorbing clothes for athletes or fire retardant wear used by factory workers or fire-fighters, where margins are higher than they are in traditional garments.

These apparel require specialised processing to meet requirements of customers as per global standards, but sell at higher price points than do readymade garments.

Technical textiles have multiple segments such as agrotech — crop covers and shade mats; tarpaulins, floor and wall coverings for buildings, and apparel used in cars and aircraft.

The global technical textile market is estimated to be around 100 billion dollars in which India has a negligible share.

India expects this segment could also absorb better-qualified engineers and researchers to work on products that could eventually get sold in the US and Europe. At the same time, it would also increase employment for women in states such as Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, where there is an educated workforce.