India’s technical textiles sector, currently valued at $29 billion (FY24), is gaining momentum, accounting for 15% of the country’s overall textile market. The segment has witnessed steady growth, with exports rising at a 5.3% CAGR since FY2019, while imports have declined. Packtech dominates the sector with a 44% share, driven by the demand for eco-friendly and cost-effective packaging solutions.
Government initiatives like the PLI Scheme, PM Mitra, and the National Technical Textiles Mission are accelerating innovation in smart textiles, nanotech, and non-woven manufacturing. Meanwhile, technical textiles in defence are witnessing a surge, with Indian firms supplying bulletproof jackets, combat gear, and parachutes to over 34 countries.
With penetration levels still lagging behind global standards, India aims to boost technical textiles’ market growth to 15%-20% annually, positioning itself as a global leader in advanced textile technologies.
India Strengthens Position as Net Exporter of Technical Textiles
India has maintained its status as a net exporter of technical textiles since FY2021, with exports growing at a CAGR of 5.3% between FY2019 and FY2024, while imports declined at 1.7%. Key export categories include packtech (33%) and indutech (25%), with packtech’s share declining and indutech witnessing strong growth. On the import front, mobiletech and indutech dominate, accounting for 62% of total imports.
The sector has also seen significant credit expansion, with Vardhman Textiles leading investments in technical textiles capacity. Government initiatives such as the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM), PLI Scheme, and PM MITRA Parks are further driving growth. The Textile Policy 2024 offers financial incentives, while the Union Budget 2025 has revised customs duties to boost domestic manufacturing. With major players like Arvind, Welspun, and SRF investing in innovation, India is poised to strengthen its global footprint in technical textiles.
Nanotechnology and Smart Textiles: Transforming Functionality and Sustainability
Nanotechnology is revolutionising smart textiles, enhancing properties such as antimicrobial resistance, self-cleaning, UV protection, fire retardancy, and energy harvesting. As research advances, the integration of smart nano-devices into fabrics promises new applications across industries, from sports to defence.
In a significant push for innovation, the Indian government has approved a ₹255 million investment under the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) to develop Phase Change Material (PCM)-based activewear. This initiative, in collaboration with IITs and NIFT Telangana, aims to create climate-adaptive clothing, particularly benefiting military personnel facing extreme weather conditions.
Meanwhile, E-textiles are gaining traction in sports and fitness, integrating bio-signal monitoring for performance enhancement and injury prevention. However, seamless integration remains a challenge, with most designs still relying on detachable modules.
The hometech textiles market is also seeing rapid expansion, driven by smart innovations like temperature-regulating bedding and AI-powered home solutions. Sustainability is at the forefront, with companies shifting to eco-friendly materials like bamboo, organic cotton, and recycled fibres.
In packaging textiles, the demand for sustainable solutions is reshaping the industry, with advancements in biodegradable materials and functional coatings. The sector is moving towards compostible alternatives and recycled cotton-based textiles to reduce environmental impact.
Despite India’s growing dominance in technical textiles, challenges persist, including a lack of advanced testing infrastructure, skilled manpower shortages, and insufficient R&D funding. Strengthening policy support, fostering innovation, and building world-class manufacturing capabilities will be crucial for India to establish itself as a global leader in technical textiles.
With projections estimating the Indian technical textiles market to grow from $45 billion in 2026 to $309 billion by 2047, the sector is poised for exponential expansion, aligning with India’s ‘Atmanirbhar’ vision for self-reliance and global competitiveness.
Report sourced from Rubix Data Sciences.
