National Symposium on Advancements in Composites, Speciality Fibres and Chemicals held

Mrs. Rachna Shah, Secretary of the Ministry of Textiles, highlighted India’s position as the fifth-largest technical textiles market globally, with an annual growth rate of 10%.

Today in New Delhi, the Ministry of Textiles, in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Ahmedabad Textiles Industries’ Research Association (ATIRA), convened a National Symposium on advancements in Composites, Specialty Fibres, and Chemicals. The event brought together key industry stakeholders to discuss the future of India’s rapidly growing technical textiles sector.

Mrs. Rachna Shah, Secretary of the Ministry of Textiles, highlighted India’s position as the fifth-largest technical textiles market globally, with an annual growth rate of 10%. She emphasized the unique structural and physical properties of composites which make them ideal for various applications including infrastructure, aerospace, the automotive sector, military and defense, and medical devices. Mrs. Shah underscored the critical role of institutional buyers, user ministries, and industries in adopting these advanced materials.

The symposium emphasized the need for a collaborative approach among industry representatives, policymakers, researchers, and investors to tackle cost issues and promote broader awareness and education, which are vital for the sector’s expansion.

Dr. Vijay Kumar Saraswat, a member of NITI Aayog, discussed the strategic importance of specialty fibers such as aramids and carbon fibers, which are fundamental in developing advanced composites. He outlined current trends like the use of high-performance resins and the increasing demand for bio-composites, stressing the importance of sustainable practices in material usage.

Shri Ajay Kumar Rana, Director General of RDSO, explained the application of geotextiles and geo-composites in the railways sector, emphasizing their role in load-bearing, erosion control, and drainage, among other uses. He noted that RDSO is actively developing new guidelines for their use in collaboration with BIS.

Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Textiles, Shri Rajeev Saxena, spoke about the fast-growing segment of technical textiles and its potential to enhance productivity and innovation across various applications. He also discussed the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) which aims to position India as a global leader in technical textiles.

Shri Nilesh M Desai, Director of the Space Applications Centre (SAC/ISRO), noted the significant role of composites in space and aerospace due to their lightweight and durable properties, with CFRP and Astro glass fibers being predominantly used.

The conference was attended by approximately 150 participants, including officials from central ministries, state government departments, industry leaders, scientific experts, and professionals connected to technical textiles, marking a significant step towards advancing India's capabilities in this critical sector.