The textiles ministry is developing a new clothing range based on the indigenous phase-change material (PCM) technology. Allowing consumers to wear the same set of clothes across all seasons, the technology eliminates the periodic hassle of packing away seasonal clothes.
The technology is a result of collaboration between the ministry and leading tech and fashion institutes. It aims to provide a versatile clothing solution to India's varying weather patterns, thus reducing the need for multiple sets of clothing for different weather conditions and environments.
The PCM-based collection is especially beneficial for army personnel working in extreme weather conditions, from the cold climate of Jammu & Kashmir to the scorching heat of Rajasthan, Telangana, Bihar, and other states across the country.
The government has approved three projects focusing on the development and application of PCM under the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM). To be developed with an outlay of Rs 25.5 crore, these projects will be executed by the Indian Institutes of Technology, Delhi and Ropar in collaboration with the National Institute of Fashion Technology, Telangana. The PCM technology enables garments to regulate temperature effectively, offering enhanced comfort and efficiency.
Devika S Pathak, Professor and Department Head-North Zone, Fashion Design Department, Pearl Academy, New Delhi, says, by reducing the energy required for heating and cooling, PCM-enhanced clothing can contribute to energy conservation efforts, ultimately lowering the carbon footprint associated with temperature regulation. This is particularly relevant for India, where energy demand is rapidly increasing, and sustainable solutions are crucial for long-term environmental health,
The technology will usher in a new era of smart clothing that not only adapts to the environment but also supports broader sustainability efforts, says Ashok Kumar, Wholesale Trader-RMG Garments, Delhi. The government should collaborate with leading textile manufacturers to bring this technology to market, he opines.
