Abstract
The cover story on High Performance Fibres & Yarns presents a comprehensive and insightful overview of the evolving landscape, key challenges, and groundbreaking innovations shaping this critical industry sector. In India, the technical textile industry relies extensively on advanced fibres and yarns, including Polyester, Nylon, Polypropylene (PP), Carbon, Aramid, Glass, Polyvinyl Acetate (PVA), Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE), Bi-component fibres, PBO (P-phenylene-2,6-benzobisoxazole) and several other high-performance fibres and yarns.
This feature brings exclusive insights from industry leaders such as Reliance Industries, Garware Fibres, Kaneka India, Dupont India, Grasim Inds., HTP Textiles and Strata Geosystems India. It delves into the market’s expanding potential, surging demand, evolving regulatory landscape, and advancements in testing and product innovation. Furthermore, it explores how manufacturers are transforming industry challenges into opportunities to meet the requirements of High-Performance fibres & Yarns in future.
- HIGH PERFORMANCE FIBRES & YARNS – MANUFACTURED IN INDIA
- SUPER HIGH TENACITY POLYESTER FIBRE:
Properties = Very high tensile strength, high durability, UV resistance, good impact resistance, and cost-effective. The lowest shrinkage leads to low seam puckering.
Market Size & Growth:
- Global: 2,293 KT (2024) to 2,948 KT (2031), CAGR: 3.7% (FY 2023-2030)
- Domestic: 2.1 KT (2024) to 3.5 KT (2031), CAGR: 7.6% (FY 2023-2030)
Applications:
- Industrial Textiles: Filter fabrics
,ropes & cables. - Sewing Threads for Apparel.
- Automotive Textiles: Seat belts, airbags, tire cord fabrics.
- Protective Textiles & Composites: Ballistic & military fabrics, industrial gloves & protective clothing.
- Reinforcement Textiles: Coated fabrics, architectural membranes.
- FLAME-RETARDANT POLYESTER (FR PET):
Properties = Self-extinguishing, high thermal resistance, and reduced flammability.
Market Size & Growth:
- Global: 60,000 tons, projected growth of 3-4% P.A.
- India: 15,000 tons, projected growth of 6% P.A.
Applications:
- Home & Commercial Furnishings: Flame-retardant upholstery, curtains, drapes, mattresses & bedding.
- Transportation & Aerospace Textiles: Aircraft & automotive interiors, marine textiles.
- Composite & Industrial Applications: Heat & flame protection for electrical insulation, flame-resistant tents & canopies.
- POLYESTER INDUSTRIAL DRAWN YARN (IDY):
Properties = Very high tenacity, low elongation, exceptional durability, high strength-to-weight ratios, and abrasion resistance.
Market Size & Growth:
- Indian Polyester Fibre Market: USD 7.5 billion (2022) → USD 14.08 billion (2030), CAGR: 8.2% (FY 2023-2030) (Source: Global Polyester Fiber Market Report – Greyviews).
Applications:
- Automotive industry: Seat belts, airbags, car interior upholstery, roof lining, and reinforced components.
- Industrial fabrics: Conveyor belts, tarpaulins, coated fabrics, filter fabrics, and heavy-duty workwear.
- Marine applications: Ropes, fishing nets, boat covers, and mooring lines.
- Construction applications: Geotextiles (soil stabilisation), reinforcement fabrics for concrete structures.
- Sporting goods: High-performance athletic wear, protective gear.
- Medical applications: Surgical sutures, medical implants (depending on material and processing).
- FLAME-RETARDANT VISCOSE
Properties = Self-extinguishing, high thermal resistance, and reduced flammability.
Applications: Mainly blended with other FR fibres (like polyester, aramid, mod-Acrylic, etc) for producing Flame-retardant furnishings, upholstery, curtains, drapes, mattresses & bedding, etc.
- CARBON FIBRE:
Properties = High strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, stiffness, electrical conductivity, fire resistance, excellent EMI shielding, and biological inertness.
Market Size & Growth: Estimated to reach US$908.5 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 8.3% during the forecast period of 2024-2030. (Source: https://www.industryarc.com/Report/19145/india-carbon-fiber-market?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Applications: Aerospace, automotive, and sports equipment components.
- GLASS FIBRE:
Properties = High strength, lightweight, and electrical non-conductivity.
Market Size & Growth: TheMarket was valued at USD 1.5 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 2.38 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 8% (2024-2029). (Source: https://www.techsciresearch.com/report/india-fiberglass-market/2989.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Applications: Automotive, insulation, filtration media, construction, battery separators, specialised Geotextiles, and composite reinforcement.
- NYLON (MAINLY NYLON-6) FIBRE:
Properties = Strong, abrasion-resistant, and flexible.
Market Size & Growth: Market demand was 0.78 million tonnes in FY 2021 and is projected to reach 1.18 million tonnes by FY 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.73%. (Source: https://www.chemanalyst.com/industry-report/india-nylon-filament-yarn-nfy-market-14?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Applications: Automotive textiles, conveyor belts, and industrial filters.
- POLYPROPYLENE FIBRE:
Properties = Low density, resistant to chemicals, and non-absorbent.
Market Size & Growth: 3.28 million tons (2025) → 3.77 million tons (2030), CAGR: 2.82% (FY 2025-2030).
Applications: Filtration textiles, webbings, slings, carpets, packaging, and medical textiles.
- POLYETHYLENE FIBRE (HIGH MODULUS):
Properties = Ultra-high strength-to-weight ratio and resistance to impact.
Market Size & Growth: 3,450 KT (FY 2023), CAGR: 6.79% (FY 2023-2030).
Applications: Ballistic protection, ropes, and fishing nets.
- POLYURETHANE (PU) YARN:
Properties = Excellent flexibility, stretchability, and comfort.
Applications: Elastic textiles, including medical compression garments and sportswear.
- SPANDEX (LYCRA):
Properties = High elasticity and shape retention.
Applications: Sportswear, medical textiles, and protective garments.
- HIGH PERFORMANCE FIBRES & YARNS – NOT MANUFACTURED IN INDIA OR MANUFACTURED IN LIMITED QUANTITIES
- MODACRYLIC FIBRE:
Properties = Soft, resilient, abrasion and fire-resistant, shape-retentive, quick-drying, and easy to dye.
Market Size & Growth: USD 1.08 billion (2022) → USD 1.52 billion (2032), CAGR: 3.43% (2024-2032).
Applications: Firefighter gear, industrial workwear, children’s sleepwear, wigs, and hair extensions.
- LOW-MELT POLYESTER (COPET) FIBRE:
Properties = Softens at lower temperatures, excellent adhesion properties.
Market Size & Growth: USD 2.75 billion (2023), projected CAGR: 7.8% (2024-2034). (Source: https://www.precedenceresearch.com/low-melting-fiber-market?utm).
Applications: Nonwoven bonding, thermal bonding in filters, mattresses, automotive interiors, insulation, and fire-retardant fabrics.
- BI-COMPONENT FIBRE (SHEATH-CORE STRUCTURES, PE/PET, ETC.):
Properties = Combines two polymers for enhanced adhesion and performance.
Market Size & Growth: 0.86 million tons (2025) → 1.13 million tons (2030), CAGR: 5.64% (2025-2030). (Source: https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/bicomponent-fiber-market).
Applications: Nonwoven fabrics for diapers, wipes, medical dressings, filtration, automotive textiles, carpet backing, and hygiene applications.
- ARAMID FIBRE:
Properties = High tensile strength, heat resistance, and durability.
Market Size & Growth: TheMarket generated a revenue of USD 91.9 million in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 187.3 million by 2030. The Indian market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.7% from 2024 to 2030. (Source: https://www.grandviewresearch.com/horizon/outlook/aramid-fiber-market/india?utm_source=chatgpt.com).
Applications: Ballistic protection, flame-resistant clothing, high-strength automotive and aerospace reinforcements.
- NYLON 66 FIBRE:
Properties = Higher tensile strength, excellent abrasion resistance, high melting point, UV light-fastness.
Applications: Tire cords, airbags, conveyor belts, carpets, seat belts, ropes, fishing lines, parachutes, electrical components, and battery modules.
- ULTRA-HIGH MOLECULAR WEIGHT POLYETHYLENE (UHMWPE) FIBRE:
Properties = High strength-to-weight ratio, toughness, chemical resistance.
Applications: Cut-resistant gloves, ropes and cables, ballistic applications, high-speed conveyors, medical devices, sailing and hiking equipment.
- CERAMIC FIBRE:
Properties = Low thermal conductivity, lightweight refractory insulation, high chemical and corrosion resistance.
Applications: Sealing and insulation for high-temperature industrial uses, protective clothing (gloves, helmets, boots).
- POLYTETRAFLUOROETHYLENE (PTFE):
Properties = Chemically resistant, fire-resistant, excellent abrasion resistance.
Applications: High-performance clothing, industrial filtration membranes, non-stick fabric surfaces.
- POLYVINYL ACETATE (PVA) YARNS:
Properties = High tenacity, low elongation, heat resistance, UV resistant, water-soluble.
Applications: Reinforcing rubber hoses, ropes, geotextiles, agricultural nets, concrete reinforcement, 3D printing.
- POLYBENZIMIDAZOLE (PBI) FIBRE
Properties = High thermal and chemical stability, retains strength after flame exposure.
Applications: Firefighter gear, welder apparel, astronaut suits, aircraft wall fabrics, filtration, civil engineering.
- PBO (POLY(P-PHENYLENE-2,6-BENZOBISOXAZOLE)) FIBRE:
Properties = Superior tensile strength, chemical, temperature, and abrasion resistance.
Applications: Racquets, snowboards, body armor, medical devices, ropes, racing car bodies.
- PHENOLIC FIBRE:
Properties = Strong, lightweight, flame-retardant, good thermal stability, chemical resistance.
Applications: Fire and thermal insulation, aerospace insulation, composites, precursor to carbon fibres.
- CONDUCTIVE FIBRE:
Properties = Textile fibres mixed with metal or carbon strands for electrical conductivity.
Applications: Carpets (static discharge), medical electrodes, aerospace textiles, military apparel, electronics manufacturing, protective clothing.
- ALGINATE FIBRE:
Properties = Derived from brown seaweed; high strength, flexibility, water content regulation.
Applications: Medical applications, wound dressings, bandages.
- ACCREDITED TESTING LABORATORIES IN INDIA
India has several accredited testing laboratories that conduct comprehensive evaluations of fibres, yarns, and finished textile products. These laboratories are equipped with advanced testing instruments and follow national and international standards to ensure quality, performance, and regulatory compliance.
Prominent textile testing laboratories in India include: BTRA (Bombay Textile Research Association), SITRA (South India Textile Research Association), NITRA (Northern India Textile Research Association), ATIRA (Ahmedabad Textile Industry Research Association), SASMIRA (The Synthetic & Art Silk Mills’ Research Association), MANTRA (Man-Made Textile Research Association), WRA (Wool Research Association), BIS Laboratories (Bureau of Indian Standards), The Textile Committee (Ministry of Textiles, Government of India), National Test House (NTH), SGS India Pvt. Ltd., TÜV SÜD South Asia, Bureau Veritas India Pvt. Ltd. and Kraft Test Pvt. Ltd.
These institutions provide a wide range of testing services, including fibre composition analysis, tensile strength, colorfastness, flammability, eco-compliance, and chemical testing. However, despite these capabilities, India still lacks certain high-end testing facilities for advanced high-performance fibres and specialised yarns, requiring some manufacturers to seek international laboratories for specific evaluations.
- CURRENT IMPORT TARIFFS AND DUTIES
India’s import tariffs and duties on fibres and yarns are structured to protect domestic industries and promote local manufacturing. Below is an overview of the current import duties and their impact on the final cost of technical textile products. Current Import Tariffs and Duties.
- Basic Customs Duty (BCD): The BCD varies based on the type of fibre or yarn: Cotton Fabrics: 10%, Silk Fabrics: 20%, Wool Fabrics: 20%, Polyester Fabrics: 20%, Man-Made Fibre Fabrics: 20%.
- Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST): Imported fabrics are subject to IGST, which ranges from 5% to 12%, depending on the fabric type.
- Social Welfare Surcharge (SWS): A 10% surcharge is applied to the Basic Customs Duty.
Impact on the Cost of Technical Textile Products: The cumulative effect of these duties significantly increases the cost of imported fibres and yarns. For example, a $10,000 shipment of polyester fabric would incur the following charges:
- Basic Customs Duty (20%) → $2,000
- IGST (6%) → $600
- Social Welfare Surcharge → $200
- Total Additional Cost: $2,800 (28% of the import value)
These additional costs are typically passed on to manufacturers and consumers, leading to higher prices for technical textile products in the Indian market.
- BIS STANDARD AND QUALITY CONTROL ORDERS (QCOS)
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has established Quality Control Orders (QCOs) to regulate fibres and yarns used in technical textiles. These standards ensure that products meet specific quality benchmarks. Key standards under QCOs include: IS 17261:2022 – Polyester Continuous Filament Fully Drawn Yarn (FDY), IS 17264:2022 – Polyester Industrial Yarn (IDY), IS 17262:2022 – Polyester Partially Oriented Yarn (POY), IS 17265:2012 – 100% Polyester Spun Grey and White Yarn, IS 17263:2022 – Polyester Staple Fibres (PSF), IS 16481:2022 – Synthetic Micro-Fibres used in Cement-Based Matrix.
Currently, there are no specific BIS standards or QCOs for certain high-performance fibres and yarns such as aramid, carbon, nylon 66, modacrylic, and UHMWPE. Establishing BIS standards for these materials would require Industry Collaboration – Engaging with manufacturers, research institutions, and industry experts; Extensive Research – Conducting studies to define appropriate benchmarks for quality, safety, and performance; and Global Standard Alignment – Referring to internationally accepted norms to ensure compatibility with global markets.
Foreign manufacturers can obtain BIS certification for their products under the Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS) in accordance with the Quality Control Orders (QCOs). The certification process involves product testing, compliance verification, and factory inspections. On average, obtaining a BIS license takes 6 to 12 months, though the timeline may vary depending on factors such as sample transportation, inspection schedules, responses to regulatory queries, and fee remittances.