Geosynthetics: Engineering Strength Beneath the Surface

Geotextiles have emerged as vital components in infrastructure and environmental projects, delivering strength, durability, and innovative solutions. They form a diverse and high-performance segment that supports critical applications in civil engineering, road construction, riverbank protection, and waste management. With their ability to enhance soil stability, improve drainage, and extend the life of structures, geotextiles play a pivotal role in building sustainable and resilient infrastructure. The industry covers a wide range of specialized products such as geobags for shoreline and erosion control, geotubes for dewatering and coastal protection, geogrids for soil reinforcement, geocells for slope stabilization, and advanced geosynthetics used in landfill liners, drainage, and filtration systems.

The Geotech (Geotextiles) market in India was valued at INR 2,397 Crores in 2021, and is projected to grow to INR 4,483 Crores by the financial year 2024-25, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.94%. With exports valued at ₹2,544 crore during FY 2024-25, India’s geotextile accounted for approximately 9.10% of total technical textile exports. Meanwhile, imports stood at ₹1,857 crore, representing around 8.35% of total technical textile imports. These figures underscore India’s growing manufacturing capabilities and its rising footprint in the global geotextiles arena. This cover story explores the key products of the Geotech sector, highlighting the technological advancements, market opportunities, and challenges that are shaping the future of Geotextiles in India and beyond.

To gain insights into current market trends, growth opportunities, innovations, investment potential, and challenges in the Geotextiles sector, we interviewed some of the leading manufacturers in the field – Strata Geosystems (India) Pvt. Ltd., Techfab (India) Industries Ltd., Texel Industries Ltd., Garware Technical Fibres Ltd., and Jeevan Ecotex Pvt. Ltd.

Their valuable feedback offers a compelling perspective on the industry’s evolving landscape and is sure to inspire entrepreneurs to diversify and explore investment opportunities in the Geotextiles business.

1. GEOGRID 

Shri. Gautam Dalmia, CDO, Strata Geosystems (India) Pvt. Ltd.

1. Market size & Growth of Geogrid –
2. What is the current market size and estimated CAGR in India and globally?

Geogrids are broadly classified into uniaxial, biaxial, and multiaxial types, chosen based on their specific functions. In India, infrastructure construction is growing at 8-10%, driven by the demand for sustainable solutions and supported by major government investments in highways, railways, metro systems, and rural connectivity. The Indian geogrid market is valued at ₹800-1,000 crore. Globally, infrastructure is expanding at 2–4%, with the geogrid market estimated at ₹4,000-5,000 crore, as sustainable practices and lifecycle cost optimization drive wider adoption.

2. Is there a demand-supply gap of these products in India? If yes, how much is imported?

There is a substantial supply-demand gap in favor of supply, driven by significant capacity additions over the past few years. With ongoing investments to further expand manufacturing capabilities, India’s geogrid production capacity now exceeds domestic demand by a factor of approximately 2.5:1. As a result, India has emerged as a net exporter of geogrids, with negligible imports into the country.

3. Are we exporting any niche or innovative products?

Currently, India primarily exports standardized geogrid products. While domestic manufacturing is robust, exports are largely focused on conventional grades rather than niche or highly customized solutions.

2. What are the primary raw materials used in manufacturing Geogrid in India? Are they produced in India, or are many of them imported & at what cost?

The primary raw materials used in the manufacturing of geogrids in India are polyester yarn (PET) and polypropylene granules. While both materials are produced domestically, there is a shortfall in the supply capacity of high-quality polyester yarn. As a result, imports are required to meet the demand. However, the implementation of the Quality Control Order (QCO) on polyester yarn has significantly impacted import availability, creating procurement challenges for manufacturers relying on overseas suppliers.

3. What are the recent trends in innovative products in this product segment? 

Recent innovations in the geogrid segment are focused on both material advancements and manufacturing technologies. One emerging trend is the use of alternative polymers such as aramids, which offer superior strength-to-weight ratios and durability, particularly in extreme environments. In manufacturing, technologies like multilayered extrusion are being explored for producing biaxial polypropylene (PP) geogrids with enhanced performance characteristics.

         Another significant development is the introduction of stress-sensing geogrids, which are capable of detecting and relaying variations in stress within the structure. These smart geogrids are particularly useful for real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and long-term infrastructure health assessment, adding a layer of intelligence to traditionally passive systems.

4. Are all required IS standards available in this product segment? If not, please mention the Standards that you want BIS to develop.

Broadly, all major tests relevant to this product segment are already covered under existing BIS standards. At this stage, there is no immediate need for the development of additional standards.

5. Are all critical testing facilities available in Indian Labs? 

While India has made significant progress in developing geosynthetic testing infrastructure, there are still several performance-related tests that are either unavailable or limited in capability. As the market matures and demand for higher-quality, technically advanced products grows, there is a deeper understanding of the need for comprehensive and reliable testing. The Indian geogrid industry is evolving rapidly in both scale and technical sophistication, and expanding advanced testing capabilities will be essential to support this growth and ensure compliance with global standards.

2. PRE-FABRICATED VERTICAL DRAINS

Shri. Saurabhh Vyas, Business Head – Reinforced Soil Structures, TechFab (India) Industries Limited.

Market size & Growth of Pre-fabricated Vertical Drains –

1. What is the current market size and estimated CAGR in India and globally?

According to recent market analyses, the Prefabricated Vertical Drains (PVD) market in India is estimated to be around USD 187.4 million in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of about 5.4% through 2030, driven by infrastructure development and land reclamation projects. Globally, the PVD market is valued at approximately USD 800 million in 2024 and is expected to reach nearly USD 1.3 billion by 2033, with a CAGR of around 7.2%. These figures, based on secondary sources, highlight a strong growth outlook both in India and worldwide as demand for ground improvement solutions increases.

2. Is there a demand-supply gap of these products in India? If yes, how much is imported?

India has robust domestic manufacturing capacity with no shortage in this segment. For instance, TechFab India’s installed capacity is far above current demand, with utilization at only 15–20%. This shows that India can fully meet its PVD requirements indigenously, though imports still occur despite adequate local capacity.

3. Are we exporting any niche or innovative products?

Yes, India is also exporting PVDs to international markets. In addition to standard products, Indian manufacturers have the capability to develop customized solutions for projects with special technical requirements. For example, advanced variants have been designed with discharge capacities up to 150 × 10⁻⁶ m³/s (at 300 kPa, straight condition) and 110 × 10⁻⁶ m³/s (at 25% buckled condition, 250 kPa). These high-performance specifications make them suitable for demanding applications under high loading conditions, beyond what standard PVDs offer. 

2. What are the primary raw materials used in manufacturing Pre-fabricated Vertical Drains in India? Are they produced in India, or are many of them imported & at what cost?

In India, the primary raw materials – polypropylene and polyester – are largely produced domestically through well-established petrochemical and textile industries. For example, TechFab TechDrains are composite prefabricated vertical drains made with a polypropylene inner core wrapped in a nonwoven geotextile filter fabric of polypropylene or polyester. These drains are designed to provide high permeability and adequate discharge capacity, ensuring effective removal of pore water and faster ground consolidation. Hence, most PVDs are manufactured indigenously, while only certain specialty grades of raw materials may occasionally be imported for specific project requirements.

3. What are the recent trends in innovative products in this product segment? 

Recent innovations in prefabricated vertical drains focus on improving efficiency and meeting diverse project needs. For example, TechFab India manufactures PVDs with two core patterns – corrugated and fishbone – each designed to optimize discharge capacity and performance under varying soil and loading conditions. The use of high-strength polymers and advanced nonwoven geotextile filters enhances durability and filtration efficiency. Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on sustainable manufacturing practices and customized solutions for challenging ground improvement projects. 

4. Are all required IS standards available in this product segment? If not, please mention the Standards that you want BIS to develop.

Yes, the IS standards required for Prefabricated Vertical Drains are available. The Bureau of Indian Standards has introduced IS 18309:2023 – Specification for Prefabricated Vertical Drains, which provides detailed requirements for materials, design, and performance. This ensures that quality products can be manufactured and supplied consistently within India. At present, no major gaps exist, though additional guidance documents on testing methods and performance evaluation under varied field conditions could further strengthen the framework.

5. Are all critical testing facilities available in Indian Labs? 

Some of the critical tests for Prefabricated Vertical Drains can be carried out in India, as several accredited laboratories and research institutes are equipped with the required facilities. These include evaluations of discharge capacity, tensile strength, compressive resistance, and filter performance. For certain specialized or long-term performance tests, international laboratories are also utilized to complement domestic capabilities. Together, this ensures that PVDs manufactured in India are validated for quality and meet both national and global standards.

3. DRAINAGE COMPOSITE

Shri. Saurabhh Vyas, Business Head – Reinforced Soil Structures, TechFab (India) Industries Limited.

1. Market size & Growth of Drainage Composite –
2. What is the current market size and estimated CARG in India and globally?

The global market of Drainage Composite and associated similar geotextile products is valued at approximately USD 1.5 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 2.9 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 7.5%. While the Indian market is expected to grow at a CAGR of approximately 6.0% from period 2024-2033.

2. Is there a demand-supply gap of these products in India? If yes, how much is imported?

India faces a low to medium demand-supply gap, especially in high-performance and specialized drainage composites. The reports don’t show the exact figure regarding the number of imports. However, the imports are largely in the advanced geocomposites and prefabricated drainage system segment.

3. Are we exporting any niche or innovative products?

Yes. India exports various classes of drainage composites, prefabricated drainage boards, geonet-geotextile composites, and custom-engineered solutions for various applications, i.e,. tunnelling, mining, landfill, reinforced soil structures, etc.

2. What are the primary raw materials used in manufacturing Drainage Composite in India? Are they produced in India, or are many of them imported & at what cost?

Polypropylene (PP), Polyester (PET), and High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) are the major raw materials used for the manufacturing of the Drainage Composite products in India. A major amount of the raw material is sourced domestically.

3. What are the recent trends in innovative products in this product segment? 

Recent trends show the application of tri-planar geonets, which can offer superior flow capacity and compression resistance.

4. Are all required IS standards available in this product segment? If not, please mention the Standards that you want BIS to develop.

As of now, there is no dedicated IS standard specifically for the drainage composite products. The BIS may develop a dedicated IS standard covering the material specifications, applications of the drainage composite, structural integrity, hydraulic performance, and guidelines for Installation and Maintenance.

5. Are all critical testing facilities available in Indian Labs? 

Most of the critical testing facilities are available in various BIS-recognized and NABL-accredited laboratories and test houses, including Central Soil and Material Research Station (CSMRS) and CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CRRI). However, some advanced tests like thermal integrity profiling, long-term durability, and multi-axial stress testing may be limited to only selected labs.

4. GEOBAGS 

Shri. Saurabhh Vyas, Business Head – Reinforced Soil Structures, TechFab (India) Industries Limited.

1. Market size & Growth of Geobags –
2. What is the current market size and estimated CARG in India and globally?

The global geotextile bag market is witnessing steady growth due to rising infrastructure projects and environmental concerns. While exact figures vary, estimates suggest a CAGR of 6–8% globally through 2030. In India, the geotextile bags market was projected to grow at a CAGR of 13% by 2017–18 and demand continues to rise with coastal protection and flood control initiatives.

2. Is there a demand-supply gap of these products in India? If yes, how much is imported?

India faces a Negligible to low demand-supply gap, especially during and post the peak monsoon/flood season. India’s domestic production for geotextile bags is robust and efficient to cater to the market demand of basic to specially customized geotextile bags. At Techfab India Industries Ltd., we are efficiently able to cater to the needs of the geotextile tubes within the country and also export them as per the market demand as well.

3. Are we exporting any niche or innovative products?

Yes, India exports customized geotextile bags made from high-grade polypropylene and polyester to the USA, Australia, Middle Eastern countries, and Southeast Asian Countries, etc. These include bags tailored for beach protection, river bank protection, flood control, and offshore applications

2. What are the primary raw materials used in manufacturing Geobags in India? Are they produced in India, or are many of them imported & at what cost?

Polypropylene (PP) and Polyester (PET) are the primary raw materials used for the manufacturing of the geotextile bags in India. PP and PET are largely produced in India. Yet, High-performance fibers and specialized yarns may be imported as per the project-specific requirements. The cost of the imported raw material varies largely depending on the size, material, specifications of the geotextile bags, import duties, and material availability.

3. What are the recent trends in innovative products in this product segment? 

Regarding the product improvisation, the recent trends in this segment show the usage of Improved UV resistance, microbial degradation, and resistance to chemical exposure. Geotextile bags made up of biodegradable geotextiles like jute or coir are also in the recent trends. However, their application and functionality are still questionable.

4. Are all required IS standards available in this product segment? If not, please mention the Standards that you want BIS to develop.

Yes, IS 16653:2017 and IS 16654:2017 explain the material specifications, sampling, and testing for the Needle-Punched nonwoven geotextile bags and PP multifilament woven geotextile bags, respectively. 

However, BIS may develop a dedicated standard that explains the application overview with the design considerations for the woven, nonwoven, and composite geotextile bags.

5. Are all critical testing facilities available in Indian Labs? 

Most of the critical testing facilities are available in various BIS-recognized and NABL-accredited laboratories and test houses in India. However, some advanced tests like thermal integrity profiling, long-term durability under marine conditions, and multi-axial stress testing may be limited to only selected labs.

5. GEOTUBES

Shri. Saurabhh Vyas, Business Head – Reinforced Soil Structures, TechFab (India) Industries Limited.

1. Market size & Growth of Geotubes –
2. What is the current market size and estimated CARG in India and globally?

As per the latest reports, the global geotextile tubes market is valued at USD 3.7 billion in 2024, projected to reach USD 9.6 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 9.9%. Key growth drivers include coastal protection, sediment dewatering, and environmental remediation. While specific figures for India are less publicly available, the country is part of the Asia-Pacific region, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.7% from 2020 to 2027. India’s increasing infrastructure investments and vulnerability to coastal erosion are fuelling domestic demand.

2. Is there a demand-supply gap of these products in India? If yes, how much is imported?

India faces a less to negligible demand-supply gap, especially for customized or high-performance geotextile tubes used in marine and hydraulic applications. At Techfab India Industries Ltd., we are efficiently able to cater to the needs of the geotextile tubes within the country and also export them as per the market demand.

3. Are we exporting any niche or innovative products?

Yes, India exports customized geotextile bags made from high-grade polypropylene and polyester to the USA, Australia, Middle Eastern countries, and Southeast Asian Countries, etc. These include bags tailored for beach protection, river bank protection, flood control, and offshore applications.

2. What are the primary raw materials used in manufacturing Geobags in India? Are they produced in India, or are many of them imported & at what cost?

Polypropylene (PP) and Polyester (PET) are the primary raw materials used for the manufacturing of the geotextile bags in India. PP and PET are largely produced in India. Yet, High-performance fibers and specialized yarns may be imported as per the project-specific requirements. The cost of the imported raw material varies largely depending upon the size, material, specifications of the geotextile bags, import duties and material availability.

3. What are the recent trends in innovative products in this product segment? 

Regarding the product improvisation, the recent trends in this segment show the usage of Improved UV resistance, microbial degradation, and resistance to chemical exposure. Geotextile bags made up of biodegradable geotextiles like jute or coir are also in the recent trends. However, their application and functionality are still questionable.

4. Are all required IS standards available in this product segment? If not, please mention the Standards that you want BIS to develop.

Yes, IS 16653:2017 and IS 16654:2017 explain the material specifications, sampling, and testing for the Needle-Punched nonwoven geotextile bags and PP multifilament woven geotextile bags, respectively. 

However, BIS may develop a dedicated standard that explains the application overview with the design considerations for the woven, nonwoven, and composite geotextile bags.

5. Are all critical testing facilities available in Indian Labs? 

Most of the critical testing facilities are available in various BIS-recognized and NABL-accredited laboratories and test houses in India. However, some advanced tests like thermal integrity profiling, long-term durability under marine conditions, and multi-axial stress testing may be limited to only selected labs.

6. GEOMEMBRANES

Shri. Upadhyay Kalpesh Kumar, Sr. Executive QA/QC, Texel Industries Ltd. 

Market size & Growth of Geotubes –

1. What is the current market size and estimated CARG in India and globally?

Global Geomembrane Market – According to Grand View Research, the global geomembrane market was valued at approximately USD 1.36 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 1.97 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.5% from 2024 to 2030. 

India Geomembrane Market – Grand View Research estimates India’s geomembrane market size at approximately USD 87.4 million in 2023, with projected growth to USD 136.9 million by 2030, at a CAGR of 6.6% from 2024 to 2030.

2. What are the primary raw materials used in manufacturing Geomembranes in India? Are they produced in India, or are many of them imported & at what cost?

Indian geomembranes are primarily made from locally produced HDPE/LLDPE Granules, integrated with carbon-black masterbatch and assorted UV-resistance additives. The cost may vary depending on the current market trends.

3. What are the recent trends in innovative products in this product segment? 

Recent geomembrane innovations focus on durability, flexibility, and sustainability, with thickness varying by application: 30–40 mils: Ponds, canals; UV-stabilized, textured, 40–60 mils: Landfills, mining; multilayer, crack-resistant, 60–80+ mils: Hazardous waste; reinforced, high-strength, Smart membranes (40–60 mils): Sensors for leak monitoring and Eco-friendly liners (30–60 mils): Recycled/biobased, sustainable.

4. Are all required IS standards available in this product segment? If not, please mention the Standards that you want BIS to develop.

Yes, IS 15351:2015

5. Are all critical testing facilities available in Indian Labs? 

Yes, the following laboratories are equipped with the required facilities: Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering & Technology (CIPET), Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Bombay Textile Research Association (BTRA), and Atmy Analytical Labs Pvt. Ltd.

7. NON-METALLIC GABION

Shri. Rajendra Ghadge, AGM – QA, Garware Technical Fibres Ltd.

Market size & Growth of Non-Metallic Gabion –

1. What is the current market size and estimated CARG in India and globally?

The market size for this product category has not yet been released for either India or the world in recent years because it is still relatively unknown and only utilized in erosion control applications.

2. Is there a demand-supply gap of these products in India? If yes, how much is imported?

No. As the need is modest at the moment and predicted to increase, there is no gap between demand and supply.

3. Are we exporting any niche or innovative products?

No. Currently, there is no export activity for this new product segment.

2. What are the primary raw materials used in manufacturing Geobags in India? Are they produced in India, or are many of them imported & at what cost?

Non-metallic gabions, also known as polymeric gabions, are primarily made from high-strength polymer materials like Polypropylene that are resistant to corrosion and suitable for use in saline or chemically aggressive environments. Unlike traditional gabions, they don’t rely on steel wire mesh. Instead, they utilize geotextiles or other synthetic fabrics to create the cage-like structure. The Non-metallic Gabions are produced in India. There is negligible import for this product. 

3. What are the recent trends in innovative products in this product segment? 

Indian industry is concentrating on creating a variety of varieties in this product and increasing the range because this industry is still in its infancy.  It may be kind of enhancing product sustainability in harsh environmental circumstances if the emphasis is on innovation.

4. Are all required IS standards available in this product segment? If not, please mention the Standards that you want BIS to develop.

Yes, IS 17880 is an Indian Standard (IS) number. Specifically, it is the standard for Geosynthetics-Synthetic Polymer Rope Gabions for Coastal and Waterways Protection, according to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). It was published in 2022. 

5. Are all critical testing facilities available in Indian Labs? 

While there is no definitive “yes” or “no” answer to whether all critical testing facilities for non-metallic gabions are available in Indian labs, it’s likely that most essential tests can be conducted. Indian labs accredited by NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories) can perform various tests on materials used in gabions, such as tensile strength, durability, and resistance to environmental factors. However, specific, specialized tests or long-duration tests might require additional resources or collaborations with international labs. 

8. EROSION CONTROL MAT

Shri. Rajendra Ghadge, AGM – QA, Garware Technical Fibres Ltd.

1. Market size & Growth of Erosion Control Mat –
2. What is the current market size and estimated CARG in India and globally?

The current global market size for erosion control mats is estimated at USD 1.05 billion in 2023, with a projected growth to USD 1.7 billion by 2033, according to Spherical Insights. The global market is experiencing a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.94% from 2023 to 2033. While specific data for the Indian market alone isn’t available in the provided context, the Asia Pacific region is expected to experience the fastest growth in the erosion control blankets market, according to Spherical Insights. 

2. Is there a demand-supply gap of these products in India? If yes, how much is imported?

Yes, there is a demand-supply gap for erosion control mats in India, leading to imports. While India has a growing market for erosion control products, the demand is often higher than domestic production capacity, necessitating imports to meet the needs of various projects, particularly in infrastructure development and environmental conservation. The specific volume of imported erosion control mats isn’t readily available in the provided search results, but the general trend indicates a reliance on imports to supplement local production. 

3. Are we exporting any niche or innovative products?

No. Currently, there is no export activity for this new product segment.

2. What are the primary raw materials used in manufacturing Erosion Control Mat in India? Are they produced in India, or are many of them imported & at what cost?

The primary raw materials for erosion control mats in India are coir, jute, and straw—readily available, locally produced, and cost-effective. Coir from coconut husks offers durability, jute provides strength, and straw serves as an economical filler, often combined with other fibers. While some mats may include synthetic fibers like polypropylene or netting for added reinforcement, the core materials are largely sourced within India, reducing reliance on imports and keeping costs competitive.

3. What are the recent trends in innovative products in this product segment? 

Erosion control mats are shifting toward sustainable, biodegradable materials, smart monitoring with IoT sensors, and advanced geosynthetics for higher strength and durability. Application-specific designs, pre-seeded mats, and eco-friendly solutions are driving growth, supported by rising infrastructure projects and stricter environmental regulations.

4. Are all required IS standards available in this product segment? If not, please mention the Standards that you want BIS to develop.

Indian Standard IS 19218 refers to the standard for “Textiles – Coir Non-woven Stitched Composite Geotextiles for Erosion Control Applications – Specification”, as per the Bureau of Indian Standards. This standard, published in 2025, outlines the requirements and testing methods for these specific types of geotextiles made from coir fibre.

5. Are all critical testing facilities available in Indian Labs?

Absolutely. Facilities such as the Bombay Textile Research Association, located in Mumbai, provide comprehensive testing capabilities. Additionally, other NABL-accredited laboratories are also being developed to assess this geotextile product testing.

9. GEOCELL

Shri. Rajendra Ghadge, AGM – QA, Garware Technical Fibres Ltd.

1. Market size & Growth of Geocell –
2. What is the current market size and estimated CARG in India and globally?

The geocells market is expected to grow from USD 160.1 million in 2025 to USD 281.3 million by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 5.8% during the forecast period. The global geocells market is projected to witness a CAGR of 6.6% during the forecast period 2024-2031, growing from USD 551.2 million in 2023 to USD 919.11 million in 2031.

2. Is there a demand-supply gap of these products in India? If yes, how much is imported?

Yes, there appears to be a demand-supply gap for geocells in India, as evidenced by the import of geocells. While some geocells are manufactured in India, the country also relies on imports to meet the growing demand, particularly in infrastructure development projects. Import data from Volza.com shows that India imported 27 shipments of geocells between October 2023 and September 2024. 

3. Are we exporting any niche or innovative products?

Yes. India exports Geocell to over 36 countries globally, with the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and the United States standing as the principal importers.

2. What are the primary raw materials used in manufacturing Geocell in India? Are they produced in India, or are many of them imported & at what cost?

The primary raw materials for geocell manufacturing in India are high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP). These materials are typically petroleum-based and are often produced from derivatives that can be subject to price fluctuations. While India does produce these polymers, they may also be imported depending on the specific needs of the manufacturer and market conditions. The cost of these raw materials can be influenced by global oil prices and other market factors. 

3. What are the recent trends in innovative products in this product segment? 

Innovative geocell products are evolving with a focus on sustainability, smart technologies, and customization. Key trends include bio-based and recyclable geocells, 3D designs for challenging terrains, IoT-enabled monitoring for soil stability, and project-specific customization. Growing use of automated installation, integration of AI/IoT, and emerging international standards are further driving adoption, especially in rapidly developing regions.

4. Are all required IS standards available in this product segment? If not, please mention the Standards that you want BIS to develop.

Yes, relevant Indian Standards (IS) for geocells are available and mandatory – IS 17483 (Part 1): 2020 for load-bearing applications and IS 17483 (Part 2): 2020 for slope erosion protection. Compliance is ensured through BIS certification, requiring manufacturers to meet specified quality and performance criteria such as tensile strength, durability, and environmental resistance.

5. Are all critical testing facilities available in Indian Labs? 

While it’s challenging to definitively say if all critical testing facilities for geocells are available in Indian labs, many essential tests are indeed conducted. Indian labs, particularly those accredited by NABL, offer a wide range of testing services for geocells, including tensile strength, permeability, and UV resistance. However, the availability of specific or advanced tests may vary, and it’s crucial to verify with individual labs. 

10. GEOTEXTILE

Shri. Aditya Agarwal, MD, Jeevan Ecotex Pvt. Ltd.

Market size & Growth of Geotextile –

1. What is the current market size and estimated CARG in India and globally?

Geotextile use in India is concentrated in railways, roads, riverbank and marine protection, and landfills, with smaller applications in landscaping, playgrounds, etc. Roads offer the largest potential, as India has a 66-lakh km road network; even 20% carriageway usage would create sizable demand. Railways, with a 70,000 km network, already specify geotextiles under RDSO, and about 20% of the network has weak soil issues. If mandated across existing and upcoming projects, the geotextile market alone could reach ₹10,000 crore. Globally, geotextiles are growing at a 6-7% CAGR till 2030, with nonwovens holding ~65% share. In India, the current market is ~₹1,000 crore (2023) and expected to grow at ~9% CAGR by 2030.

2. Is there a demand-supply gap of these products in India? If yes, how much is imported?

With new players entering and existing ones expanding capacity, the geotextile supply in India has increased. Certain grades are still imported, estimated at about 15%, though exact figures are unclear as imports fall under multiple categories. Some low-cost imports without proper specifications are also in use. Overall, supply exceeds demand, but limited awareness among users often creates sourcing gaps.

3. Are we exporting any niche or innovative products?

Currently, we are exporting thermally bonded geotextiles, but since geotextiles are based on specifications, the only innovation possible is reducing the weight, thereby benefiting the end use commercially and technically too.

2. What are the primary raw materials used in manufacturing Geotextile in India? Are they produced in India, or are many of them imported & at what cost?

For woven geotextiles, polypropylene (PP) is the main raw material, while high-tensile fabrics use polyester. Nonwovens use both PP and polyester, but mainly polyester. In India, PP fibre production is less than 25% of polyester fibre output, and locally available PP fibre often does not meet international standards, requiring imports. Average fibre costs are ~₹90/kg for polyester, ~₹130/kg for PP, and ₹30–80/kg for natural fibres like jute and coir.

3. What are the recent trends in innovative products in this product segment? 

Recently, composite products using geotextiles (nonwoven, woven, and filament) have been developed to enhance filtration and reinforcement efficiency. Heavy nonwovens (>2000 gsm) and wovens (~3500 gsm) are used for cushioning, protection, and improving soil CBR. Other composites combine geotextiles with waterproofing materials to provide added strength and system durability.

4. Are all required IS standards available in this product segment? If not, please mention the Standards that you want BIS to develop.

Currently, IS standards for geotextiles are mostly application-based. While many are in place, some need revision, and a few application areas remain uncovered, such as paving fabrics for asphalt crack resistance and composites for waterproofing.

5. Are all critical testing facilities available in Indian Labs? 

Most geotextile testing facilities are available in India, but a few, such as abrasion resistance, permeability, pore size (as per ISO), and high tensile strength tests, are limited. Moreover, few lab reports are widely accepted, restricting reliance to only select laboratories.