Spinning success: India’s rising dominance in global textiles

14th September 2023

As consumerism and disposable income surge, the retail sphere witnesses rapid growth with the influx of international players, informs M K Raajeshwar.

The essence of a nation’s identity is intricately woven not only within its cultural heritage but also in the very fabrics it produces. India’s rich history, steeped in centuries-old textile craftsmanship, is a testament to this. Today, India’s influence in the global textile market extends far beyond hand-spun khadi and exquisite silks, embodying a comprehensive dominance.

The Indian textile industry, a fusion of modern machinery and ancient techniques, ranks among the world’s largest. Anticipated to grow at a robust 10 per cent CAGR from 2019-20, the Indian textile and apparel sector aims to reach a staggering $ 190 billion by 2025-26. This industry employs around 7 per cent of India’s workforce, encompassing approximately 45 million individuals, including 3.52 million handloom workers. Contributing 2 per cent to India’s GDP, its significance cannot be overstated. The sector comprises organised segments like mills and unorganised segments, including handlooms and handicrafts, adding to its multifaceted nature.

India’s diverse climatic conditions enable the production of a broad spectrum of fibres, including cotton, silk, wool, and jute, solidifying its status as a comprehensive textile producer. The nation is the second-largest producer and exporter of cotton, boasting over 5,000 ginning units and 3,000 textile mills.

The scope of India’s textile industry extends beyond apparel, encompassing:

Home furnishings: Globally cherished tapestries, bed linens, curtains, and cushions proudly carry the Indian touch.
Technical textiles: These materials excel in technical performance and functional properties, serving fields like automotive, medical, and geotextiles.
Agro textiles: Vital for crop protection, offerings include shade nets, mulch mats, and fishing nets.
Packaging textiles: From food grain sacks to jute bags, this sector plays a pivotal role.

In light of escalating awareness about sustainability, the Indian textile industry faces scrutiny due to environmental concerns related to dyeing and printing units. Strict adherence to regulations is now paramount.

Eco-mark label: Introduced by the Indian government to endorse environmentally friendly products.
The handloom mark: Ensures the authenticity of handwoven products.
Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD): Mandated in certain states for textile industries to prevent liquid discharge.

India’s textile prowess reverberates across the global market, accounting for approximately 5 per cent of the international trade in textiles and apparel. The country’s competitive edge extends beyond manufacturing, encompassing raw materials and the value chain. While the traditional export destinations include the US, EU, and Canada, recent years have witnessed penetration into newer markets in Latin America, Asia, and Africa.

Empowering the textile industry: The role of air compressors

Behind the scenes of the textile industry’s grandeur lies a powerhouse of machinery. ELGi air compressors play a pivotal role in this sector’s operations. Air compressors tailored for industries serve as a linchpin for the textile sector. Compressed air is indispensable in spinning, weaving, dyeing, and printing processes.

ELGi’s industrial air compressors, renowned for reliability and energy efficiency, are engineered to meet the textile industry’s demands. These compressors ensure seamless operations, enhancing product quality and reducing production downtime. ELGi’s air compressors find extensive use in the textile industry, collaborating with engineering teams to offer a streamlined pneumatic operational experience.

Spinning: Pneumatic systems regulate air pressure in spinning machines.
Weaving: Compressed air propels weft yarn across the shed in air-jet weaving.
Dyeing: Pneumatic systems maintain consistent pressure and flow during dyeing.

With cutting-edge technology, our air compressors ensure the smooth functioning of these applications. India’s textile industry is revered for its quality, versatility, and adaptability. Anchored in rigorous compliance, evolving applications, and seamless technology integration, it continues to weave tales of success.

Onward journey

The horizon of India’s textiles industry shines brightly, buoyed by robust domestic consumption and export demand. Key players in the sector embrace sustainability through textiles crafted from recyclable materials. As consumerism and disposable income surge, the retail sphere witnesses rapid growth with the influx of international players. Pioneering companies like ELGi, armed with world-class industrial solutions, fortify the industry’s position, proving that the convergence of tradition and technology commands global attention.

About the author:

Raajeshwar M K is the Vice President of Industrial Sales at Elgi Equipments. With an impressive track record in the engineering industry and over 30 years of experience, Raajeshwar excels in negotiation, customer relationship management (CRM), and sales management. He holds a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) degree in Sales and Marketing from the University of Madras.