Technology improves productivity and margins in textiles sector
Open trade requires products and services which are needed at competitive prices and hence constant innovation helps, informs Dr Seshadri Ramkumar.
Investments in technology and modernisation are the ways forward for the textiles sector.
Textile industry in developed economies like the United State are reinventing themselves by focusing of advanced products, textiles that can be used in personnel and environmental protection.
Textiles industry in India and other major manufacturing countries has been upgrading to remain competitive with China with government initiatives such as Technology Upgradation Fund, National Technical Textiles Mission, etc.
Modernisation and technology adaptation are seen as positive routes for survivability and growth.
There is some uneasiness among manufacturing sectors that AI may bring dent in employment, which is important for countries like India. Technology development over the years enables productivity and increases per capita income, stated Senator Phil Gramm who was the Chairman of Banking Committee in the United States Senate. Senator Gramm was the author of President Reagan’s budget enabling tax cuts providing cash for discretionary spending.
On May 04, 2026, speaking in Lubbock at his book signing event, “The Triumph of Economic Freedom,” Senator Gramm briefed that technology revolutions such as industrial revolution increased productivity and per capita income. Citing AI revolution, he said while it may wipe out some present-day jobs, it will lead to more and better jobs as was the case during 1840s in England and early 1900s in the United States.
Textile industry in export-oriented countries should now focus on support for research and development, new product development, interaction with academia and training workforce. The recent trade war issues have revealed that situations can be volatile anytime which will affect the industry. Research pays-offs may not be immediate, but it is time for the industry to orient themselves towards boosting research, importantly applied and translational. In countries like India, such efforts will help the sector to improve its product basket and strengthen its presence in advanced textiles. Industry should also focus on domestic consumption and export and interactions with academia, and research organisations. Those countries that have competitiveness in cost and have broad product basket not only in commodity segments will have edge both in domestic and international markets. Additionally, research and interaction with industry associations by participating in research and trade events will help the researcher, entrepreneur, and industry.
I am witness to positive effects of investments in research and boosting innovation. United States’ Department of Defense supported my research in the 2000s, which led to the patented invention, “FiberTect.” Industry associations play a part in connecting the stakeholders as was the case for me. I presented my wipe technology at a needlepunch conference organised by the INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry in early 2000s in Savannah, USA, where Larry Hobbs, son of Carey Hobbs, founder of Waco, USA-based Hobbs Bonded Fibers, a leading needlepunching industry heard my technology presentation which led to transfer of technology.
Carey Hobbs and Larry Hobbs believed in our work and licensed FiberTect from Texas Tech University. The product through technology expositions like those organised by Booz Allen Hamilton brought Fredericksburg-based First line Technology, which does business in defense and emergency sectors to connect with manufacturer, Hobbs Bonded Fibers. This collaboration took FiberTect wipe from manufacturing stage to commercialisation.
Carey Hobbs believed in my invention back in early 2000s when he licensed my FiberTect invention and started manufacturing the wipe. Today, First Line Technology has taken FiberTect to many sectors including decontaminating opioids.
Carey Hobbs is 90 years young now and will be receiving INDA’s Lifetime Technical Achievement Award. I had an opportunity to visit Carey Hobbs on May 04, 2026, at the book signing event. Maintaining connections not only helps professionally but also personally as is the case with many like me.
Free trade has been an enabler and raised standards of living. Open trade requires products and services which are needed at competitive prices and hence constant innovation helps.
Research, outreach and collaboration enable products from laboratory to market space. Technology is an enabler and should be handled properly for the benefit of industry and public.
About the author:
Dr Seshadri Ramkumar is a Professor, Nonwovens & Advanced Materials Laboratory in Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA. You can contact him on Email: s.ramkumar@ttu.edu
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