The manmade fiber industry contributes two per cent to India’s GDP and provides jobs to over 18 million people directly and more than 20 million indirectly. Given the increasing focus on protecting the environment, the demand for manmade fiber textiles as a substitute for cotton is growing globally. Increasing price volatility, durability and sustainability concerns have made leading fashion brands gradually shift the fiber mix in favor of synthetic fibers, especially polyester and viscose. Currently manmade fibers dominate global textile fiber consumption. The ratio is manmade fibers 72 per cent and natural fibers 28 per cent. The share of manmade fibers has been steadily increasing due to cutting-edge technology.

Manmade fibers contribute 16 per cent to total textile and clothing exports from India. Technical textiles are expected to see a significant growth in coming times. India exports the manmade fiber textile value chain, including fiber, yarn, fabrics and made-ups to nearly 140 countries. More than 60 per cent of India’s exports are of value-added items such as made-ups and fabrics. India produces over 1,441 million kg of manmade fibers and over 3,000 million kg of manmade filaments annually. India is the second largest producer of polyester and viscose in the world.