Technical Textiles in the footwear industry
Why in News?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently highlighted the deep integration of technical textiles in the footwear industry, calling for scaling this "hidden potential" globally.
Definition and Features
- Functional Focus: Engineered for specific performance characteristics like high strength, thermal resistance, and chemical durability.
- Material Variety: Uses synthetic polymers (polyester, nylon, aramid), natural fibres (jute, cotton), and advanced minerals like carbon or glass fibre.
- Advanced Processes: Manufactured using non-woven, 3D weaving, knitting, and coating techniques.
Major Segments (The 12 "Techs")
- Agrotech: Shade nets and crop cover for better agricultural yields.
- Meditech: Surgical sutures, implants, and high-performance PPE kits.
- Mobiltech: Airbags, seat belts, and lightweight automotive components (the largest global segment).
- Buildtech/Geotech: Geotextiles for soil stabilisation and roofing for infrastructure.
- Protech: Fire-resistant clothing and bulletproof vests for safety.
- Packtech: Industrial packaging and sacks (the largest segment by volume in India).
- Sportech: High-performance activewear and sports gear.
Government Initiatives in India
- National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM): Aimed at R&D, export promotion, and skilling 50,000 individuals by 2026.
- PM MITRA Parks: Seven mega integrated textile parks being established to create a "plug-and-play" ecosystem for large-scale manufacturing.
- PLI Scheme: Production Linked Incentives for MMF (Man-Made Fibre) and technical textile products to attract massive investment.
- Samarth 2.0: An upgraded skilling programme to provide industry-ready manpower for advanced textile factories.
Future Trends & Challenges
- Smart Textiles: Integration of sensors and electronics to monitor health or environmental changes.
- Sustainability: A shift toward bio-based, biodegradable, and recycled materials (e.g., mycelium leather or banana fibre).
- Key Challenges: High production costs, shortage of skilled interdisciplinary labour, and continued dependence on imported specialty fibres.
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