Rahul BOSE

Building on the foundation laid by Milton D. Whipple, the narrative of mechanical entanglement in textile technology evolves fascinatingly. In the insightful book "Introduction to Nonwovens Technology" by Subhash Kumar Batra and Behnam Pourdeyhimi, there's a critical exploration of the origins of this technology. The authors, like many before them, reference the U.S. Patent Office records to trace back the innovative leaps in textile machinery, pinpointing Whipple as a significant figure in the early development of mechanical entanglement techniques. Whipple's contributions between 1872 and 1876, alongside his family's efforts, were crucial in bridging the gap between traditional sewing machines and the nascent technology of needle felting machines. This period of intense innovation set the stage for further advancements that would soon follow. The narrative takes an intriguing turn in 1878 with Mr. Dailey's innovations. While he was working on a machine designed to produce ornamental felt, he introduced a groundbreaking component—the "barbed needle." This design might very well represent the first instance of such a needle in the history of textile machinery. The barbed needle was pivotal, as it significantly enhanced the efficiency and effectiveness of the felting process by engaging the fibers more thoroughly, leading to better entanglement and the creation of a more cohesive fabric. This period marked a rapid progression in the technology of nonwoven fabrics. Following Whipple and Dailey, the field saw an explosion of creativity and technical evolution, with each new patent and machine design building upon the previous innovations. The introduction of the barbed needle was particularly transformative, setting a new standard for the industry and paving the way for the sophisticated machinery used in today's nonwovens production. As we reflect on these historical milestones at Ramatex Italia SRL, we draw inspiration from these early pioneers. Their ingenuity not only shaped the course of textile manufacturing but also informs our current practices and pushes us to innovate continually. In homage to their legacy, we commit to advancing the state of the art in textile machinery, perpetually aiming to exceed the benchmarks set by those who came before us. This commitment is evident in our latest designs and the cutting-edge technology that drives our production today, as we strive to meet the ever-growing demands of the global textile market. #ramatexitalia #needlepunching #nonwoven

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The pan-India survey on Indian feet sizes conducted by the CSIR - Central Leather Research Institute holds significant importance for the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in several ways. Firstly, it addresses the longstanding issue of ill-fitted footwear prevalent among Indians due to the mismatch between the existing UK/European and US sizing systems and the actual foot dimensions of the Indian population. By proposing the adoption of the 'Bha' sizing system tailored specifically to Indian feet, the survey aims to rectify this discrepancy, ensuring that footwear manufactured and sold in India better aligns with the needs of its consumers. Secondly, the survey's findings shed light on unique characteristics of Indian feet, such as their wider dimensions compared to European or American feet. This insight is crucial for the BIS in formulating standards and guidelines for footwear manufacturing, ensuring that the proposed Bha sizing system effectively accommodates the diverse foot shapes and sizes present within the Indian population. Bha proposes eight footwear sizes: I – infants (0 to 1 year), II – babies (1 to 3 years), III – small children (4 to 6 years), IV – children (7 to 11 years), V – girls (12 to 13 years), VI – boys (12 to 14 years), VII – Women (14 years and above) and VIII – Men (15 years and above). The biggest advantage of adopting Bha would be that footwear manufacturers would need to develop only eight sizes as against the present 10 sizes (English system) and seven sizes (European system). In addition, half-sizes would not be needed. Moreover, the survey's recommendations, including the proposal for eight footwear sizes under the Bha system, offer a streamlined approach for footwear manufacturers, reducing complexity and potentially cutting down production costs. This aligns with BIS's objectives of promoting standardization and efficiency within Indian industries. In terms of implementation, the survey findings, along with the recommendations submitted to the DPIIT and subsequently forwarded to the BIS for approval, signify a collaborative effort between scientific research institutions, governmental bodies, and regulatory authorities. The BIS plays a crucial role in ensuring that the proposed sizing system meets the necessary quality and safety standards before it is officially adopted and implemented nationwide. Overall, the survey holds significance for the BIS as it addresses the need for a tailored sizing system for Indian feet, offers insights into consumer preferences and requirements, and presents an opportunity to streamline footwear manufacturing processes while upholding standards of quality and safety. #IndianFootwear #BhaSizingSystem #BISStandards #FootwearIndustry #DPIIT #BureauOfIndianStandards #FootwearManufacturing #ConsumerSafety Bureau of Indian Standards | Quality Council of India(QCI) | Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) | CSIR - Central Leather Research Institute

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Is It Time to Rename the Council for Leather Exports (CLE) to Council for Footwear Exports (CFE) ? (Here’s Why I Think So) The Indian footwear industry, especially the non-leather footwear segment, has been on a steep growth trajectory lately fueled by increasing FDI's due to the China +1 Strategy For context In FY 22 & 23 the Indian leather industry’s exports stood at ▪ ~$4.42 billion in FY 2021–22 ▪ Footwear Sector Contribution: $2.15 billion ▪ % Share: 48.57% of total exports ▪ ~$5.26 Billion in FY 2022-23 ▪ Footwear Sector Contribution: ~$3 Billion ▪ % Share: more than 55% of total exports Non-leather footwear has shown tremendous growth, with exports increasing 48.8% in just one year ➡ FY 2021–22: $505 million ➡ FY 2022–23: $752 million ➡ FY 2023-24: ? In FY 2023–24, It’s probably already crossed the $1 billion mark (waiting on the final numbers, Will confirm it in Feb 2025). If you see at this rate, footwear is carrying the entire Indian leather industry on its back. Literally. So here’s the big question If footwear is clearly the driving force in the Indian leather industry exports,  Shouldn’t we seriously consider a name change for the Council for Leather Exports? Haha Maybe the "LEATHER" in CLE is starting to sound a bit... outdated? Maybe it’s time for a new & a more fitting title Something like Council for Footwear Exports (CFE)? Because let's be honest, it's the footwear sector that's carrying the load here. But hey, at the end of the day, it all contributes to India’s leather export numbers right? Haha If footwear, especially the non-leather footwear is what will help us hit CLE’s $50 Billion Ambitious target by 2030 Then why not ride that wave & give the due credit? So, why not officially crown footwear, especially the non-leather footwear (the secret weapon of CLE’s ambitious vision) and call CLE as CFE? But hey, this is just me being cheeky. Or is it? Criticism welcomed, It's just my perspective ❓ So, what do you think? Should CLE really change to CFE? Haha, Let me know your thoughts in the comments #Footwear #FootwearIndustry #Shoes #IndianLeatherIndustry #Leather #LeatherIndustry #CLE #EconomicGrowth #Export #Manufacturing

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Plastic pollution is a critical environmental challenge with significant impacts on aquatic life, ecosystems, and human health. A recent comprehensive assessment highlights the global apparel industry’s substantial contribution to this issue. In 2019 alone, the apparel industry generated 8.3 million tons of plastic pollution, representing 14% of the total 60 million tons of plastic waste from all sectors. The primary source of this pollution is synthetic clothing, which often ends up as mismanaged waste either in the country of its origin or in countries importing used apparel. The study found that synthetic apparel accounts for 89% of the apparel industry’s macroplastic waste, with end-of-life garments contributing 81% of this waste. The global distribution of plastic waste shows that the U.S., China, and the EU are significant contributors, with the Rest of the World generating 5.5 million tons of synthetic apparel plastic waste annually. Principle Dangers: 1. Microplastic Emissions: Synthetic textiles contribute to microplastic pollution, with fiber shedding during laundering accounting for up to 35% of primary microplastic emissions into water bodies. 2. Macroplastic Leakage: An estimated 8.3 million tons of plastic waste from the apparel industry leaked into the environment in 2019, 88% of which originated from synthetic apparel. 3. Waste Mismanagement: High mismanaged waste indices in countries like India and parts of the Rest of the World exacerbate plastic leakage, highlighting the global disparity in waste management infrastructure. Opportunities: 1. Circular Economy: Transitioning to a circular economy is essential. This involves designing apparel for durability, reuse, remanufacturing, and recycling to keep products and materials in the economy. 2. Green Energy and Innovation: Embracing renewable energy sources and innovative technologies can reduce the carbon footprint of textile production and processing. 3. Improved Waste Management: Enhancing waste management infrastructure, particularly in developing countries, can significantly reduce plastic leakage. This includes developing and scaling up recycling technologies and ensuring proper waste collection and treatment. 4. Natural Fibers: Increasing the use of natural fibers like cotton, wool, and silk can reduce reliance on synthetic materials, thereby decreasing plastic pollution. 5. Sustainable Practices: Brands and governments must integrate secondary markets into their sustainability strategies to minimize the environmental impact of used apparel exports. The apparel industry’s current trajectory poses significant environmental risks, but it also presents a unique opportunity to innovate and lead in sustainability. It is imperative that we work together to transform the apparel economy, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come. For those interested in the detailed findings, please read thefull study: https://lnkd.in/dc9JkNm4

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"How Smart Fabrics and Wearables are Rewriting the Future of Fashion ✨👗 From clothing that tracks your health to fabrics that adapt to temperature changes, the fusion of technology and textiles is transforming what we wear into something truly futuristic. 🌐 With innovations like smart sensors, LED-embedded garments, and energy-harvesting materials, fashion is no longer just about style—it’s about functionality, sustainability, and interactivity. 💡 The future is wearable, intelligent, and trend-setting. 🌟 #SmartFashion #WearableTech #InnovationInStyle #FutureOfFashion"

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A big thank you to Richa Bansal for approaching me to write this piece. I'm excited to share that my recent analysis on the "India's Leather Gloves Industry, A Hidden Gem with Room to Grow or a Sleeping Giant?" has been published in texfash.com an industry-leading publication. In this article, I delve into the potential and challenges of the leather gloves sector in India, supported by insights from various industry experts who have generously shared their perspectives on my LinkedIn post. #IndustryAnalysis #Leather #LeatherIndustry #Exports #Insights

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Taking one step at a time, towards a sustainable way of life. Our spec-ad for Solethreads. #specads #day80of365daysofadvertising #solethreads #sustainablefootwear #sustainableliving #biodegradable #environmentfriendly #EcoFriendly #MadeFromRecycledItems

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European Leather Industry Gears Up for a Sustainable Future, Here are the Key Takeaways from the Final Green Deal Leather Conference. The European leather industry is taking significant steps towards a greener future, as we can see by the recent Green Deal Leather (GDL) Final Conference in Brussels. Here are some key takeaways from the event: 1️⃣ Enhancing Worker Safety: ▪ A 16% drop in tannery-related accidents across EU countries from 2019 to 2021 demonstrates a positive trend. ▪ Despite the improvement, further efforts are needed to minimize workplace accidents, with a focus on training, PPE, and worker involvement. 2️⃣ Environmental Impact and Carbon Footprint: ▪ The ECO2L method estimates an average carbon footprint of 8kg CO2 per square meter of bovine leather. ▪ The study highlights that livestock breeding and chemical use have a more significant impact than tanning itself. 3️⃣ Industry Experts on Social Sustainability: ▪ The importance of prevention strategies like safety certification, training, and worker engagement was emphasized. ▪ Attracting young talent by showcasing the industry's safety, sustainability efforts, and circular economy potential was a key point. 4️⃣ Industry Expertise Panel Discussion: ▪ Leather's inherent sustainability due to its durability and life cycle was addressed. ▪ Ivan Kral, Industrial Development Officer of UNIDO, highlighted leather's suitability for the circular economy, ▪ While Guido Zilli, ESG Manager of Gruppo Mastrotto, pointed out challenges in current industry evaluation methods. 5️⃣ Looking Forward: Transparency and Collaboration ▪ The introduction of the ECO2L tool promotes transparency and a standardized approach to carbon footprint calculation. ▪ Future efforts will focus on durability, natural content, and reparability to accurately assess environmental impact. The Green Deal Leather project showcases the European leather industry's commitment to social dialogue, innovation, and sustainability. This collaborative effort sets a benchmark for responsible leather production, ensuring the industry’s growth while also protecting workers and the environment. Let me know your thoughts on this in the comments section below. ----- We at findmyleather.com are also committed to providing transparency & efficiency when it comes to procuring leather, footwear & leather goods from any part of the world. If you want to know more about how our platform works, click on the link in the comment section to book a free demo session with me. #Leather #LeatherIndustry #Sustainability #EuropeanLeather #GreenLeather

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India and UNEP Collaborate to Redefine Textile Sustainability The project has approved 20 strategic research initiatives, including three focused on textile waste recycling. Furthermore, the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) has partnered with Fashion for Goods from the Netherlands to enhance sustainability and circularity, thereby boosting the global competitiveness of India's garment exports. Currently, textile manufacturing wastes about 50 percent of fabric, with fast fashion trends causing 81 percent of garments to end up in landfills due to short lifecycles or excess stock. Despite these challenges, 59 percent of textile waste is recycled or reused. The global apparel market, valued at $551.36 billion in 2021, is expected to grow to $843.13 billion by 2026, reflecting an 8.6 percent growth rate, according to AEPC. India’s textile sector benefits from a diverse raw material base and minimal import reliance, positioning it as a key manufacturing hub for international brands. The country’s strategy includes supporting MSMEs with sustainability awards, branding efforts, and practical solutions. The government’s initiative also addresses critical areas such as agricultural waste in textiles, chemical recycling, alternative leather, regenerative agriculture, wastewater management, plastic recycling, and supply chain traceability. India’s well-organised textile waste value chain facilitates efficient waste transfer across the country. #TextileHub #WorldTextileHub #Sustainability #CircularEconomy #TextileRecycling #FastFashion #GarmentExports #GlobalCompetitiveness #MSMEs #SustainableFashion #TextileWaste #ChemicalRecycling #AlternativeLeather #RegenerativeAgriculture #WastewaterManagement #PlasticRecycling #SupplyChainTraceability #IndiaTextiles

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#policyfocus In a move to boost innovation in textiles, the Centre on Thursday approved grants of ₹50 lakh each for seven startups in the technical textiles sector under the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM). More details here: https://lnkd.in/gcy7982y The National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) has been launched by the Ministry Of Textiles to position India as a global leader in Technical Textiles. More details here: https://lnkd.in/gQh4Sr_9 In its most recent newsletter, the NTTM has highlighted Oekotech Textiles, which refers to textiles that are made from ecologically friendly materials and processes. More details here: https://lnkd.in/ge36FxAv We here at ACRE will continue the monitor these key insights and trends that have implications for the apparel and textiles sector in India, as identified by NTTM and other industry and government bodies. The Alliance of Cotton & Textile Stakeholders on Regenerative Agriculture or ACRE focuses on mainstreaming the adoption of regenerative agricultural practices in the cotton value chain. The Centre for Responsible Business, Solidaridad Asia and regenagri have joined hands to create a platform to promote #regenagripractices in #Cotton and to educate and engage with diverse stakeholders. Learn 🔎 more about the platform here: https://lnkd.in/g89awQ7R Stay up-to-date on the ACRE platform by filling up this on-line form 💻: https://lnkd.in/gXTd4V33 #regenerativeagriculture #cotton #textiles #innovation #policy Representative photo by Ksenia Chernaya on Pexels

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🔗 The Art of Creating the Perfect Elastic: From Yarn to Final Product 🎯 In the textile industry, elastic plays a crucial role in everything from clothing to industrial applications. But producing the perfect elastic is no simple task. It’s a fine blend of material science, precision manufacturing, and rigorous quality control. Here’s a look at the process: 1️⃣ Choosing the Right Yarn & Rubber Blend 🧵 The foundation of any high-quality elastic lies in selecting the right yarn and rubber blend. The type of yarn—whether polyester, nylon, or cotton—impacts elasticity, durability, and comfort. Similarly, natural rubber offers excellent flexibility, while synthetic options like spandex provide enhanced strength and heat resistance. For instance, elastic used in sportswear requires high-stretch yarn paired with a resilient rubber blend for comfort and durability. 2️⃣ Precise Manufacturing & Testing 🔬 Once the blend is perfected, it’s time for precision weaving or knitting to ensure consistent tension and stretch. After production, the elastic undergoes shrink testing to simulate real-world usage. By applying heat and stretching the material repeatedly, manufacturers can ensure that the elastic won’t lose its shape or strength over time. We ensures that every batch of elastic we produce undergoes detailed testing. This helps guarantee that whether it’s being used in garments, luggage straps, or industrial belts, the product retains its intended elasticity and performance. 3️⃣ Quality Control & Delivery 📦 The final step is ensuring every roll of elastic meets strict quality standards before shipping. At Sanghvi Enterprises, we emphasize continuous quality checks during and after production, guaranteeing that our customers receive elastic that not only meets specifications but exceeds expectations. Take our elastic tapes for garment manufacturers, for example. Each batch is tested for shrinkage, durability, and stretch consistency, ensuring the product withstands long-term use without compromising on fit or function. 🛠 The Result? High-performance elastics designed for durability, flexibility, and long-lasting use. Whether for apparel, medical equipment, or industrial applications, producing the perfect elastic requires attention to every detail. At Sanghvi Enterprises, we’re committed to delivering quality that lasts. 💪🏼 #TextileManufacturing #ElasticProduction #QualityControl #SanghviEnterprises #MaterialScience #ApparelIndustry

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#pollution #rivers #ganga #textile #dyeing #Europe The Times Of India Republic TV Textile Excellence It is not Yamuna but thousands of tributes all over India that are polluted, and it is nice to see media active to bring this. Few important things to note and question . Where do these denims go ? Most likely you get things done that you can not do by your self . Secondly to differentiate between illegal and legal is very stupid . Both pollute heavily . I can not understand how government can control and regulate huge amount of polluting activity by having a ministry and huge investment in people unless there are serious laws that allows accountability by traceability Europe is doing it and surprisingly we in India will benefit . Due diligence, extended producer responsibility , sustainability achievement through out supply chain . Do you think all in supply chain and exporters do all the jobs by themselves ? No to my best knowledge . This will also economically put a huge pressure on our fragmented industry where many of them can not just be able to be sustainable When we talk about toxic chemicals , our world is totally embroiled in toxic chemicals coming from fossil / petroleum industry . Today we find acceptable at understanding of minimum hazard in these chemicals , we find after years that this cost has been million times more with lives if people , all lives and a huge impact on our environment , nature and climate . By an estimate oil companies revenues and profitability depends on petroleum based speciality chemicals to more than 70%, If we wish to reach our climate change targets , we must focus on changing our lives by replacing fossil chemicals . I do not need to show math. Is it possible ? Yes only one or two or hundred trees can do it . Ask me why ?

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Did PMTS fail India? General Sewing data (GSD) was the de-facto labour costing solution for apparel manufacturers in the early 90s. GSD/timeSSD/ProSMV/SewEasy etc. are customized Predetermined Motion Time System (PMTS) for calculating standard time of any sewing operation. MTM-2 is  the industry agnostic building block for PMTS. I got myself certified as India’s first GSD practitioner way back in November 1995. GSD entered India through Info-Edge solutions (a subsidiary of KSA Technopak at that time) in 1997. NIFT faculty members underwent an appreciation course on GSD to ensure that students were sensitized about PMTS, and still continues. Despite our best effort to convince GSD to provide a certification system to create independent/freelance PMTS engineers failed and GSD decided to emphasize it as a software solution and partnered with IIGM to market in India. Due to wrong positioning of GSD (as a software / database / dataset), the demand for GSD practitioners (with illegally copied code sheets) started increasing and training took the backseat. Many organizations hired those GSD practitioners (who brought datasets with them illegally) and started using them. Almost two and half decades later…..where are we? Today alongside GSD we have Pro-SMV/SewEasy/timeSSD as well as many clones available officially. We have organizations with licensed versions of software without practitioners (so they are unable to use) and on the other hand there are licensed practitioners with illegal databases or created their own version. Copy and counterfeit is a sign of growth of any brand, Levi’s boss once mentioned very proudly that “counterfeit Levi’s is our biggest competitor”. But that may not be the case with PMTS. The essence of any PMTS engineer is the ability to see or visualize the sewing operators motions and select the motion codes correctly. This requires shop floor level practice for at least 2-3 years before you become desk-bound. Unfortunately most of the GSD practitioners became desktop industrial engineers (obsession with the database). Some estimates show there may be 1000+ certified PMTS practitioners in India. Even today I see factories (where so called practitioners exist!) are clueless about estimating the standard time for any sewing operation. Nobody cares (dares!) to analyze an operation afresh! (that means they are incapable to do so), but merely adding some factors to an existing time (God knows the source!). I know this post may evoke strong reactions from industry, but at the end India failed very badly. Coats Digital Methods Workshop timeSSD® Keerthi Abe

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Slower Growth of Technical Textile Manufacturing in India The technical textiles industry in India has faced a significant slowdown in its growth trajectory due to a multitude of factors. One of the most prominent reasons is the limited awareness among both consumers and industries about the numerous benefits and diverse applications of technical textiles. Lack of usage in India: The technical textile industry in India, despite its potential, faces a demand shortfall due to various factors. Key issues include the absence of regulatory measures for the usage of products like geotextiles and Agro textiles and the lack of indigenous high-performance specialty fibers which are crucial for sectors such as aerospace and Defense. Additionally, the market is hindered by limited technology and R&D support, which impacts the development of innovative products. The challenge of cheap imports further suppresses domestic demand for locally produced technical textiles Infrastructure and Technology Gaps: Many manufacturing units lack the modern machinery and technology required to produce high-quality technical textiles, which are essential for competing on a global scale. Regulatory Challenges: Regulatory hurdles play a significant role in the industry's slower growth as well. The industry faces a complex regulatory environment that can delay approvals, increase costs, and create uncertainty for businesses. One significant hurdle is the complex certification schemes and mandatory notifications to the World Trade Organisation's Technical Barriers to Trade Committee, which can slow down the pace of innovation and production. Additionally, industry-specific acts such as the Central Silk Board Act, Handlooms Act, Textile Committee Act, and Jute Packaging Materials Act require manufacturers to navigate a myriad of compliance requirements, often leading to manual tracking across multiple locations and a poor understanding of applicability. Skilled Workforce Shortage: Moreover, there is a shortage of skilled labour in the technical textiles sector. The specialized knowledge and skills required to operate advanced machinery and innovate are in short supply, leading to a gap in the industry's development. To address these challenges, Enhancing awareness through targeted educational campaigns, investing in infrastructure and technology upgrades, simplifying the regulatory framework, and focusing on skill development programs can significantly improve the situation. By taking these steps, India can accelerate the growth of its technical textiles industry and position itself as a key player in the global market. #TechnicalTextilesIndia #IndustryAwareness #TechnologyUpgrade #RegulatoryReform #SkillDevelopment #TextileEducation #InfrastructureInvestment #MarketExpansion #MakeInIndia #SustainableTextiles #TextileTechnology #FutureOfTextiles #IndustryChallenges #TextileSolutions #InvestInIndia Kulin Lalbhai Keyur Parekh Rakesh Bali Gurudas Aras Balkrishan Sharma

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