India eyes global MMF leadership, CITI lays roadmap

Highlighting India’s potential to capture white spaces in the global MMF economy, the paper emphasises affordable synthetic fashion tailored to the Global South. As middle-income populations grow across Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, there is rising demand for performance-driven, climate-adapted, and cost-sensitive apparel. Yet, most global MMF suppliers are geared toward premium western brands. India, with its experience in price-sensitive domestic markets and broad fibre access, is uniquely positioned to develop and export to these emerging demand hubs. This could include everything from lightweight synthetic sarees and hijabs, wrinkle-free uniforms, weather-resistant workwear etc.

The study also identifies the development of a digitally traceable, textile-to-textile recycled polyester ecosystem as a key opportunity. While mechanical recycling of PET bottles is widespread, the next frontier in circularity is the ability to reclaim and regenerate pre- and post-consumer textile waste. Globally, very few countries possess both the textile volume and industrial ecosystem required to close this loop at scale. India, with its vast garmenting base, growing textile waste streams, and processing depth, is well-positioned to lead this transformation, the Knowledge Paper pointed out.

CITI's study also called for urgent expansion and modernisation of India’s downstream MMF capabilities, noting that conversion of fibres into high-value fabrics and garments lags behind production. While India has established a strong base in polyester staple fibre and filament yarn manufacturing, its conversion capacity into value-added fabrics and garments is limited. Strategic investment is required to expand its capabilities across MMF fabric processing and apparel manufacturing. Additionally, there is a need to develop vertically integrated MMF apparel clusters equipped with common infrastructure, including dormitories, R&D centres, compliant processing facilities, etc.

Closely linked to this is the need to build MMF apparel manufacturing on a scale, the report stated. Compared to global leaders like China and Vietnam, India lacks the synthetic-focused garmenting units that can serve volume orders with global quality standards. Infrastructure-led schemes such as PM MITRA Parks must prioritise plug-and-play facilities for MMF apparel, coupled with incentive structures to attract large domestic and international investments in synthetic garment production. Focused machinery upgrades, automation support, and labour upskilling will be crucial to build manufacturing efficiency in these hubs, the study suggests.

Equally vital is the need to foster a strong culture of innovation and product development in MMFs. Global leaders have differentiated themselves through performance materials, design innovations, and functional textiles tailored to niche applications. India must replicate this approach by enabling product development cells within manufacturing units and facilitating partnerships between industry, academia, and global innovation institutes. Focused R&D investment is needed in areas like new material blends, antimicrobial finishes, recycled polyester applications, moisture-wicking textiles, and biodegradable synthetics.

To ensure consistency, compliance, and buyer confidence, SOP-driven manufacturing must become the norm across India’s MMF clusters. Establishing and adhering to uniform Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) will help manufacturers meet stringent global standards on quality, delivery timelines, and traceability. These SOPs should be institutionalised through industry associations and linked with export certifications. Furthermore, structured skill exchange programmes with leading textile nations, such as Taiwan, South Korea, and Vietnam can enhance technical capabilities, foster innovation transfer, and improve ecosystem efficiency, the report added.

Additionally, policies must support raw material security, ensuring that quality inputs are available at competitive prices. India must position itself globally as a reliable MMF sourcing hub. This involves pursuing FTAs that support synthetic exports, launching ‘MMF from India’ branding campaigns, and actively courting leading international buyers, the Knowledge Paper concluded.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (KD)