The domestic market for technical textiles is anticipated to reach a value of ₹2,00,823 crore by the year 2020-21, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20%. Companies in the textile industry are working to produce fibers for technical textiles that are made from recycled materials and natural sources in order to stay up with the expansion and to concentrate on more environmentally friendly fibers.
Traditional textiles, which are often used for clothing or home furnishings, are typically what most people think of when they hear the word “textiles.” The usage of textiles, on the other hand, is far more varied and technologically advanced than the majority of people believe. The market for textiles is dominated by non-traditional or technological applications, which account for approximately 27 percent of the total market. In certain Western nations, this sector accounts for 50 percent of the market, while in India, it accounts for 11 percent. It is believed that the technical textile industry is one of the industries that is expanding at the quickest rate.
Textiles that are considered to be technical are materials that are primarily concerned with performance rather than look, and they are now in demand across a variety of sectors. In 2018, the market value of technical textiles was estimated to be $159.29 billion, and it is anticipated that the industry would develop at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.7% between the years 2010 and 2026, as stated in a research by Fortune Business Insights that analyzed the sector from 2019 to 2026.
During the fiscal year 2017-18, the technical textiles sector in India had a valuation of ₹1,16,217 crore. The domestic market is anticipated to reach ₹2,00,823 crore by the year 2020-21, maintaining a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20%. Increasing levels of consumer affluence, expanding end-user sectors such as autos, healthcare, sports, and other industries, as well as general infrastructural and industrial development, are the primary growth drivers for the Indian technical textile industry. The steps that the government has made to encourage investments in technical textiles will also make a significant contribution to the expansion of this industry.
The market for technical textiles comprises both natural and synthetic fibers; however, the synthetic fiber category accounts for the greatest revenue share in the global market for technical textiles worldwide. nylon, polyester, acrylic, olefin, PLA, and modacrylic are some examples of the synthetic fibers that are used in this sector of the economy. Saran, vinalon, vinyon, spandex, sulphar, twaron, kevlar, nomex, zylon, dyneema/spectra, and vectran are some examples of fibers that possess unique characteristics. Petrochemicals are used in the production of all of these fibers, which results in the emission of significant quantities of carbon dioxide. In recent years, a number of textile businesses have produced fibers for technical textiles that are derived from recycled materials and natural sources. This is done in order to demonstrate their dedication to the preservation of the world and to provide us sustainable alternatives for the textile industry. Here are some of the recently created fibers that are environmentally friendly:
- DuPont Apexa fiber: DuPont Apexa is a polyester that is both environmentally benign and degradable. It can be composted successfully in industrial settings without causing any damage to the soil or the environment. The fiber, which was developed via a proprietary and creative technique, decomposes into simple carbon dioxide and water, so lowering the amount of waste produced by textiles and minimizing their effect on the environment. Apexa is superior to traditional degradable polymers such as polylactic acids and polybutylene succinate in terms of its resilience to heat and its endurance. It also mixes with natural fibers such as wool, cotton, or cellulose to increase their properties, making them stronger, softer, and more durable. This is in addition to the fact that it reduces the amount of waste production in the textile industry. Beginning in the year 2000, the Japanese sportswear producer Goldwin began manufacturing apparel that used Apexa fiber.
- DuPont Sorona fiber: DuPont Sorona fiber is a partly biobased PTT polyester polymer that contains yearly renewable plant-based materials that account for 37% of the total. These constituents include maize and corn starch. According to the results of its life cycle assessment, the manufacturing of Sorona needs thirty percent less energy and generates sixty-three percent less greenhouse emissions than the production of Nylon six. The usage of Sorona results in a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 56% and a reduction in energy consumption of forty percent when compared to Nylon 6.6. The primary applications for this material are textiles for use in clothes and interiors of homes, offices, and automobiles, as well as carpets for residential and commercial usage and vehicle mats.
- Jutecell fiber: Jutecell fiber is a new form of regenerated cellulose fiber that is manufactured from jute and kenaf using a specialty technique that was invented by Shandong Helon Co Ltd. The bacteriostatic, bactericidal, and anti-fungal capabilities of the fibers are attributes that are conferred by the specialized production method. In addition to this, the length and the denier may be altered in accordance with the sequence in which the spinning is performed. There are uses for the fiber in the fields of healthcare, fashion, and home textiles. Additionally, the fiber is biocompatible and favorable to the environment. Fabrics are able to breathe more easily because of its high tensile strength, minimal extensibility, and exceptional breathability.
- Avra fiber: Avra is a novel fiber technology that was developed by Eastman. It is composed of one hundred percent post-consumer recycled PET. When applied to knit textiles of comparable composition and weight, the performance fibers of Avra provide superior drape and softness at the same time. The use of fabrics that are produced with Avra helps to keep the body cool when exercising. Because of its low weight, flexibility, and breathability, Avra offers performance that can be experienced by the user. This is accomplished without the need for any extra chemical. Fabrics made from avra fibers are appropriate for use in the production of sportswear.
- EcoSure PET fiber: EcoSure polyester fibers are made from post-consumer PET containers that have been recycled one hundred percent. Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) has validated the efficacy of EcoSure Wellstrand (high denier) and EcoSure fibers, both of which are composed of PCR polymer in their hundred percent composition. From 1.2 to 500 denier, EcoSure core goods are available to choose from. EcoSure is suitable for use in a variety of applications, including hygiene products (such as wipes and diaper linings), industrial non-woven products (such as industrial wipes, furniture, automotive, filtration, insulation, scrub pads, foam-replacement seat cushions), geotextiles for erosion control, such as American Excelsior Recylex, in which one hundred percent of the loose web is made from EcoSure, and all types of textile products, including apparel, socks, and home fabrics.
- Coolmax EcoMade fiber: Coolmax EcoMade fibers are created from 97 percent recycled materials, such as plastic bottles, and they contribute to the prevention of plastic bottles from being disposed of in landfills. utilized plastic bottles are cleaned and converted into a polyester yarn that is then utilized in the production of fabric. This yarn is then used in the production of clothing goods. The user is able to remain cool, dry, and comfortable while wearing fabrics manufactured from these materials because they transfer moisture away from the skin and onto the surface of the fabric, where it evaporates. Activewear often makes advantage of these features.
The technological sectors account for a significant portion of the use of man-made fibers, which leads to a rise in the emission of greenhouse gases. A greater emphasis on environmentally friendly fibers is now necessary. The use of eco-fibers and recycled fibers is the most effective method for preserving the cleanliness of our environment and reducing the effects of global warming.