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Tamil Nadu
Todd V. Lindermann, vice-president of Industrial Fabrics Association International. “The whole world is watching as India enters this segment,” says Todd V. Lindermann, vice-president of the Industrial Fabrics Association International, on India’s growing interest in technical textiles. Representing a trade body that has 2,000 members in 52 countries who make textiles related to a specific application or performance, he feels India is witnessing a growth in technical textiles and will see more of it in the future. He speaks to M. Soundariya Preetha on the prospects for this segment in India. Mr. Lindermann explains that the basic difference between technical textiles and plain textiles is that the former is made for a specific function and the latter is more for aesthetics. Globally, the technical textiles market is growing at about five per cent annually and the growth is higher in India. India is undergoing vast change in terms of income levels and production and all these drive demand. China and India have 40 per cent of the world population. As these countries develop, there will be higher demand. Now, the U.S. and the European Union are the major technical textile producing countries. The apparel industry was the largest in the U.S. 10 years ago. However, with the entry of countries such as China, Vietnam and Mexico at a larger level, the market shifted to these countries. Now, technical textiles are the largest in the U.S. As a general rule, though there are all types of mills, it is those making “very special products for very specific requirement” and in small quantities that are thriving. There are hundreds of technical textile products. Some of the popular ones are those used by the military for tents, biological wear and to store food and water. Geo synthetics, which are used in laying roads, canals, water reservoirs and land fills, are another major growth segment. Outdoor textiles and smart textiles that are sensitive to specific chemicals also have a huge market. We see India’s growth in the future and American mills will like to partner with the Indian companies. About 10 years ago, the American companies talked of China and a number of them have facilities there. Now, they are watching India and will see for friends and partnerships here,” he says. The association will conduct its annual show in October (IFAI 2008) and it will have 450 exhibitors and 8,000 participants. A delegation of 50 members will be attending IFAI 2008 to be held in the U.S. in October. This will be an opportunity for the entrepreneurs to know the latest technologies and products. Private business meetings and tours of mills are also planned. A lot of Indian companies know about technical textiles. But, they do not know the next step to take, he says. With the sector getting ready for a major leap here, it is important for the companies to know how to make technical textiles. Since these are made to perform a specific task, the textiles should not fail. So, technology is important. “You will see a lot more trade and partnering between India, U.S. and EU in this market. It is only natural,” he says. Next, there should be education on standards for each product. For the entrepreneurs to know the technologies, they should join trade associations, start attending exhibitions, read magazines and network with people, he says.
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