Technical textiles are high performance textiles that require special functionality. The market of technical textiles is significant and expanding as the products are being put to an ever-increasing number of end uses in various industries such as agriculture, clothing, construction, health care, transportation, packaging, sports, environmental protection, protective wear, and many more.

The global market for technical textiles was estimated to have a volume of 16.7mn. tonnes with a value of US$ 92.88 billions in the year 2000 and is expected to grow to a volume of 23.77mn. tonnes with a value of US$ 127 billion by the year 2010. In developed nations technical textiles holds a share of more than 40% of the total textile manufacturing activity. While the US and EU continue to be the main manufacturers and consumers of functional textiles, China has emerged as a large manufacturer of the same.

India and Russia are the other important markets for technical textiles, where consumption is increasing at a fast pace.

The Indian Scenario:
In the present scenario, technical textiles has been identified as a great potential area for upgrading the Indian textile industry. Since the conventional textiles industry has reached a level of saturation in terms of development, innovation and value-addition, technical textiles offer a great opportunity to succeed in the post WTO scenario.

Secondly as the country is transforming into a developed nation, huge emphasis is being laid down in adopting latest technologies and procedures in various fields. Therefore the market for technical textiles is very positive and poised for a stupendous growth. Attractive statistics for market potential seem inviting for global intervention.

Considering that India has a large pool of skilled and scientific/technical manpower, it can play a major role in shaping the future of this industry. Development of new fibers and technologies has led to the creation of new applications of technical textiles, which is bound to enlarge the market size and offer opportunities for high growth.

The growth of technical textiles will also lead to steep rise in the demand for highly skilled manpower for both production & R&D. This should throw open a new area that has tremendous opportunities of employment, which is a major focus of the national government today.

Since the growth of technical textiles industry serves the interests of the government and the nation, hence it is inevitable to see a major thrust on the development of this industry by giving impetus on product and local consumption. This offers a compelling reason for the buyers and sellers of technical textiles to keep their focus on India and develop a rational strategy to seize the emerging opportunities.