Textiles is one of the oldest and ever growing industries in India. Founded centuries ago, the textile industry in India is on the path of profound growth and changes with reforming times. By the year 2029, the textile industry is estimated to grow more than US$ 209 billion.
Essentially said, with newer reforms, government initiatives, & notable global developments, the textile companies in India are emerging ahead in a new direction of progress and milestones.
The textile industry in India enjoys a rich heritage. India is one of the largest producers of cotton. With a sharp rise since 2007, production of cotton stood at 28 million bales to 2014 39 million bales with an average estimate of 37.1 million bales for the crop year of 2022.
Such a strong history of cotton can be dated back to Mughal India, where cotton textile manufacturing was the largest manufacturing industry with the production of fabric scraps, sheetings, calicos, and muslins. The cotton textile industry accounted for 25% share of the global textile trade in the early 18th century.
In the British Era, the cotton industry grew vastly with British cotton products being successful in European Markets. In the 1920’s, the Khadi Movement was launched in an attempt to use simple homespun cotton textile such as khadi and boycott British cotton products. India’s fabric to freedom, khadi stood as a symbol of independence and profound patience. After Independence in 1957, the Khadi, Village and Industries Commission (KVIC) was born. With KVIC, khadi was in vogue. In 1989, the first khadi fashion show was organised in Bombay presenting 80 unique statement pieces. Taking khadi into the big leagues, Ritu Beri was among the few fashion designers showcasing her first khadi collection at the Tree of Life show held at Delhi’s craft museum in 1990’s.
Strong raw material base, years of ample experience, variety of local cultures, large and growing domestic market, stable, low-risk business backed by traditional methods and efficient operating process has enhanced the labour strength of textile companies in India. Currently, textile companies in India employ over 6 crore people in the allied sectors, inclusive of women and the rural population and over 4.5 crore people in direct employment.
While all these are the plus points of the textile industry in India. There are some challenges as well. Recently, the textile industry in India is facing solid competition from China. Sadly, inflation has taken over the textile industry making it tough to do business. Increase in fuel prices, increase in labour costs and labour wage, liberal import laws aiding the availability of alternative cheap materials imported from China, Thailand, and Indonesia in Indian markets has indeed worsened the situation. All of these factors have ultimately led to an increase in garment prices.
Fortunately, some global developments are helping the textile industry in India.
Speaking about China + 1 strategy, global retailers are choosing to shift their manufacturing operations to friendly sourcing destinations such as India. All thanks to abundant raw materials, strong manufacturing base, and government support. As a result, global retailers have even diversified their supply chain.
Another example would be the rise in demand for Spunlace nonwovens, the Sri Lankan crisis, the Free Trade agreement with Australia have brought about positive impacts for reputable textile industry such as Welspun Living among others.
With innovation, leading technology non-woven technology, Spunlace non-woven fabric by Welspun Living is expanding. Starting in 2021, Welspun Living has announced a completely fresh ‘neXline Spunlace’ line in association with the international technology group Andritz for its new plant in Hyderabad, Telangana. This ‘neXline Spunlace’ line will support the production of nonwoven roll goods and wipes. To support and promote sustainability, the final products of ‘neXline Spunlace’ line will provide more eco-friendly disposable products as well as save on resources such as energy and water.
Welspun Living, being one of the strong leaders in the textile industry, has diversified and showcased its technology and innovation with nonwoven production lines in operation, including needle punch and spun lace fabric equipment. With its new plant, Welspun Living is truly revolutionizing the hygiene, home care, and industrial cleaning sector, bringing pride to the textile industry on a global level.
In addition to its technological advancements, Welspun Living ensures quality and comfort in its products, making it a prominent choice for consumers seeking hotel linen, the best bath towels, and reliable towel manufacturers in India.
