Textile firms switch from cotton to natural fibre

Summers have taken full bloom and so has the textile industry. Earlier, cotton garments were most preferable during this season, but now the industry is all set to use natural fibres. This season, even the companies across the world are becoming eco-friendly with the use of these natural fibres.

These fibres are also known as cellulosic fibres and some of the most popular of them are Modal and Tencel, which are made of wood pulp, and the companies claim they can easily blend with any fibre.

The companies also claim that in these fibres, bacteria growth is one-tenth less than in cotton. These fibres are 100 per cent natural and eco-friendly, biodegradable fibre made from high quality wood pulp, a renewable natural resource.

To prove this point, Austria-based global man-made fibre major, Lenzing Fibres, in collaboration with Vardhman Spinning Mills, organised a technical seminar in the city.

Speaking to Business Standard, Pradeep Roongta, managing director of Stuti Exports Pvt Ltd and the sole agent for Lenzing Fibres in India, said these fibres were made of wood pulp and so they are perfect for the skin.

"Cellulosic fibre gives three times more yield as compared to cotton. Also, water usage is 10 times less. These fibres are not replacement of cotton but value enhancement of cotton because they can easily blend with it. Bacteria growth in these fibres is also very less than that in cotton so they good excellent results in undergarments, bed sheets, towels etc. We introduced these fibres five years back and in the initial year, we sold 400 tonnes of this fibre. We sold 2,000 tonnes last year and the target fixed this year is 3,000 tonnes. In the next four years, we have a target of selling 15-20,000 tonnes of this fibre."

Pradeep Roongta also told that Lenzing Fibres is already selling this fibre to big companies like Vardhman Group, Satluj Industries, Lakshmi Mills and many more.

Speaking about the pricing aspect of these fibres, Roongta said that while their price is double that of cotton, but comfort level is far more than any other fabric.

"These fabrics have a natural brilliant sheen, high moisture absorption capacity and remains fresh even after repeated washes. It also has a high dimensional stability, blends with almost all textile fibers like cotton, wool, silk, synthetics and even spandex to make it the chosen fiber.''