The Indian Technical Textile Association (ITTA) marked a significant milestone with the conclusion of its 14th Annual General Meeting (AGM). The event not only highlighted the progress made in the technical textile sector but also celebrated individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to its growth. The AGM saw the presentation of the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards and Innovation Awards, reinforcing ITTA’s commitment to recognizing and fostering innovation, sustainability, and excellence within the industry.
Honoring Lifetime Contributions
A key highlight of the AGM was the conferring of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Shri. Pramod Khosla, Chairman of Khosla Profil Pvt. Ltd., in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the technical textile industry. Shri Khosla, whose leadership has left an indelible mark on the sector, was also inducted into the ITTA Hall of Fame alongside industry pioneers Shri. Yogesh Kusumgar of Kusumgar Corporates and Shri. Mohan Kavrie of Supreme Nonwovens. These visionaries have not only shaped the technical textile landscape in India but also paved the way for future innovations and advancements.
Innovation Awards: Shaping the Future of Technical Textiles
The AGM also celebrated innovation in technical textiles with the ITTA Innovation Awards, recognizing companies that have made groundbreaking strides in sustainability and product development. Among the five awardees were Garware Technical Fibres Ltd. for developing ropes made from recycled materials and SRF Ltd. for their food-grade tank liners aimed at improving water storage in rural areas. The awards emphasized the sector’s potential to contribute to societal needs while driving sustainable solutions.
Garware Technical Fibres Ltd.: Development of ropes from recycled materials – Renew Ropes
SRF Ltd.: Food-grade tank liners for rural water storage
High Performance Textiles Pvt. Ltd.: Flame-retardant fabric for arc-flash protection
Fibriltex Pvt. Ltd.: Biodegradable sanitary pads
Indo German Yarn & Fibres LLP: Personal protection sustainable fabric
Call for Innovation and Collaboration
Shri. Rajeev Saxena addressed the ITTA members, emphasizing the vital role the association has consistently played in advancing the technical textile sector. He highlighted ITTA’s crucial position as a bridge between the industry and the government, driving key initiatives aimed at fostering innovation, sustainability, and growth in India’s textile industry. Acknowledging ITTA’s contributions, Shri. Saxena pointed to its active participation in key government bodies like the Mission Steering Group and the Empowered Programme Committee, as well as its role in start-up scrutiny committees under the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM), all of which have been instrumental in the effective implementation of sector-specific schemes.
Shri. Saxena further illustrated the government’s commitment to the sector by sharing that two-thirds of the total investments under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme are earmarked for technical textiles. Of the Rs. 60 crore allocation, Rs. 40 crore has been specifically directed toward this industry, demonstrating the government’s resolve to stimulate growth and innovation. He also encouraged companies to engage in market-oriented research and development initiatives, noting that the government will cover 90% of the associated costs while companies will retain Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) for a period of three to four years.
In a key announcement, Shri. Saxena revealed that Quality Control Orders (QCOs) will soon be introduced for 11 additional key technical textile products. These orders are designed to safeguard the domestic market from the influx of low-cost foreign products, thereby creating opportunities for Indian manufacturers to enhance their supply chains and improve competitiveness.
Shri. Saxena also addressed the need for traditional textile manufacturers to diversify into the technical textile space. He urged ITTA to take the lead in guiding companies to utilize their surplus manufacturing capacities, thereby improving both productivity and profitability. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of organizing training and skill development programs, along with seminars and workshops, particularly in Tier-2 cities where excess manufacturing capacity exists. These initiatives would help disseminate crucial technical knowledge and provide further support for the industry’s growth.
Shri. Virendra Singh presented Maharashtra’s State Textile Policy, focusing on the development of six technical textile parks, with the state’s collaboration with ITTA poised to bring transformative change to the region.
The 14th AGM of ITTA not only served as a platform to discuss the future direction of the technical textile industry but also honored those who have significantly contributed to its growth. Through Lifetime Achievement Awards and Innovation Awards, ITTA continues to inspire excellence and innovation, ensuring the sector remains at the forefront of technological advancements while promoting sustainability and collaboration.