YOUR PARTNER IN TECHNICAL TEXTILES INNOVATION
Introduction
India’s textile sector is undergoing a transformative shift driven by rapid advancements and growing global demand, particularly in the field of technical textiles. Technical textiles are used in sectors such as healthcare, defense, agriculture, infrastructure, and industrial safety. Recognizing their potential, the Government of India has launched initiatives such as the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM), fostering innovation, investment, and indigenous capabilities in this high-value segment. Despite various initiatives and investments in the technical textile sector, development in this sector remains challenging in India. The selection and processing of raw materials, low awareness among end users, gaps in technical knowledge, and a shortage of skilled professionals and infrastructure are some of the major challenges. The shift from traditional manufacturing to high-performance textiles necessitates thorough research, sophisticated equipment, and interdisciplinary cooperation. Moreover, this industry adheres to rigorous national and international regulations to guarantee safety, functionality, and longevity. A dependable testing framework not only facilitates product certification but also fosters innovation by allowing for material optimization and performance evaluation.
In this regard, the Institute of Technical Textiles (ITT) has established testing facilities for textile materials in the areas of mechanical, thermal, and electrostatic protection. Located in Sonipat, Haryana, ITT is NABL-accredited (ISO 17025) and offers a sample development facility for small-scale yarn and fabric production using high-performance fiber-based materials.
Testing facilities
ITT is equipped with a range of testing facilities, starting from basic textile assessments to those focused on protective, home furnishing and automotive textiles that address mechanical, thermal, and electrostatic risks. ITT possesses the capability to evaluate the performance of protective gloves in accordance with BS EN 388 and BS EN 407 standards. Furthermore, it is equipped to assess the performance of protective clothing as per ISO 11612, ISO 11611, and BS EN 1149 standards. ITT has received ISO 17025 accreditation from NABL for the following parameters* and is aiming to achieve accreditation for thermal and electrostatic testing in the future.
| Test parameter | Standards |
| Puncture resistance | ASTM F 1342/F 1342 M 05: 2020, IS 17465:2020, ISO 13996:1999, BS EN 388: 2016, ISO 23388:2018 |
| TDM Cut test | ISO 13997:2024, BS EN 388: 2016, ISO 23388:2018 |
| Abrasion resistance | BS EN 388: 2016, ISO 23388:2018, ASTM D 4966:2022, IS 12673-2:2022, ISO 12947-2:2016 |
| Impact protection | BS EN 13594:2015, BS EN 388: 2016, ISO 23388:2018 |
| Tear resistance | BS EN 388: 2016, ISO 23388:2018, IS 17466:2020, ASTM F 2992/2992 M15: 2015, IS 6489-2:201, ISO 13937-2:2000 |
| Taber abrasion resistance | ASTM D 3884:2017, IS 7016-15:2019, ISO 5470-1:2016 |
| Tensile strength of fabric (maximum force) | ISO 13934-1: 2013, IS 1969-1 |
| Elongation at break (fabric) | ISO 13934-1: 2013, IS 1969-1 |
| Elongation at break (yarn) | ASTM D 2256/D2256 M-21: 2022, IS 1670: 1991, ISO 2062:2009 |
| Single yarn strength | ASTM D 2256/D2256 M-21: 2022, IS 1670: 1991, ISO 2062:2009 |
| Yarn count | ASTM D1907/D1907M− 12 (Reapproved 2018), IS 7703-1:1990, ISO 2060:1994 |
| GSM (Mass per unit area) | IS 1964 |
| Linear density of yarn | IS 3442 |
| No of Threads per dm warp | IS 1963 |
| No of Threads per dm weft | IS 1963 |
| Thickness | IS 7702 |
| Width | IS 1954 |
*For the complete scope of our NABL accreditation, please visit the NABL website and refer to Testing Certificate No. TC 13899.
In addition, ITT is equipped with a comprehensive range of testing facilities covering flame spread, contact, convective, and radiant heat transmission, molten metal drip resistance, thermal protective performance, impact cut and abrasion resistance, surface resistance, and half charge decay. It also includes a wet flex testing machine. Committed to advancing reliability in technical textile evaluation, ITT has established dedicated setups for stab resistance and chainsaw protection testing for research purposes.
Furthermore, ITT is capable of testing home furnishing products such as bed sheets, pillows, blankets, curtains, and sofa covers. Demonstrating its focus on innovation, ITT has developed a flash fire testing kit and introduced hand and torso manikins named ‘Prahlad’. A high-temperature furnace capable of reaching 1750°C has also been installed, enabling the characterization of e-glass and polycrystalline fibers used in automotive textiles for sound & heat insulation.
| Test parameter** | Standard |
| Wet flex test | NFPA 1971 |
| Flammability test | ISO 15025, IS 15758-4, BS EN 407, ISO 23407 |
| 45° flammability test | 16 CFR 1610 |
| Contact heat transmission test | ISO 12127-1, IS 17462-1, BS EN 407, ISO 23407 |
| Heat transmission on exposure to flame | ISO 9151, IS 15758-1, BS EN 407, ISO 23407 |
| Radiant heat transmission test | ISO 6942, IS 15758-2, BS EN 407, ISO 23407 |
| Impact of small splashes of molten metal | ISO 9150 |
| Resistance of materials to molten metal splash (large drops) | ISO 9185, IS 15758-V, BS EN 407, ISO 23407 |
| Thermal protective performance (TPP) | ISO 17492 |
| Motorcyclists’ limb joint impact protectors | EN 1621-1 |
| Impact abrasion test | EN 17092 |
** These parameters are in the process of NABL accreditation.
Home furnishing items testing#
| Upholstered composites for non-domestic furniture | IS 15768, IS 12467-1, IS 12467-2, EN 1021-1, EN 1021-2 |
| Curtain and drapes | IS 15741, IS 15612-1, IS 15612-2, IS 15612-3, IS 15612-4 |
| Assessment of the ignitability of bedding items | ISO 12952-1, IS 15727-1, ISO 12952-2, |
# These parameters are in the process of NABL accreditation.
Training & Internship
ITT has launched a series of training programs focused on the development, testing, and validation of technical textiles. These programs emphasize high-performance textiles and address manufacturing challenges in sectors such as protective and automotive textiles. We also host online webinars featuring national and international experts on diverse topics related to technical textiles.
Recently, ITT signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Skill India and ITTA to roll out a variety of training initiatives aimed at enhancing individual skillsets. Additionally, ITT provides opportunities for students and researchers to undertake short-term projects to gain practical experience.
To recognize the contributions of PhD candidates and promote the industrial application of their research, ITT has introduced the ‘Learn from Researchers’ program. We also welcome collaborations with partners interested in developing testing and manufacturing equipment for technical textiles.
Conclusion
India’s technical textile sector is experiencing rapid growth, driven by strong government support and increasing market demand. Despite this momentum, the industry still faces significant challenges, including limited awareness, technical gaps, and a lack of advanced testing infrastructure—particularly for high-performance fibres, which are predominantly imported.
The Institute of Technical Textiles (ITT) is addressing these issues by offering NABL-accredited testing services, sample development support, and a platform for innovation. ITT is fully equipped to conduct a wide range of mechanical, thermal, and electrostatic performance tests tailored to the requirements of protective and automotive textiles. We are also developing advanced flame-testing setups and next-generation manikins—key tools for quality assurance, research, and product development.
By bridging industry needs with technical capabilities, ITT is helping build a robust and self-reliant ecosystem for technical textiles in India. Our integrated approach—combining training, testing, and rapid product development—aims to empower manufacturers and innovators alike.
We welcome companies in the sector to partner with ITT, train their workforce, and collaborate on future advancements, staying true to our motto: “Your partner in technical textiles innovations.”