PHDCCI Launches Key Technical Textiles & Recycling Initiatives In Panipat
PHDCCI, in collaboration with the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM), Ministry of Textiles, hosted a high-level Chintan Shivir in Panipat to drive discussions on technical textiles, sustainability, recycling, and industry transformation.
The event brought together senior government officials, industry leaders, and innovators to outline a forward-looking roadmap for the Panipat textile ecosystem. In his inaugural address, R. K. Vij highlighted Panipat’s status as India’s textile recycling hub and announced key national initiatives, including the Atal Centre of Textile Recycling and Sustainability led by Prof. Bipin Kumar of IIT Delhi, the National Flag Recycling Initiative curated by Maj. Gen. Ashim Kohli (Retd.), a Textile-Tech-Innovator Programme with AIC IIT Delhi, and multiple technology transfer agreements to accelerate commercial adoption of innovation. He also reiterated the government’s support through PLI schemes to enhance competitiveness and sustainability.
Industry insights featured a detailed presentation by Mr. Sunil Kumar Puri, “The Knitting Guru,” who showcased the potential of flat-bed knitting technology in creating 2D/3D structures, seamless protective gear, engineered designs, and smart textiles, while urging Panipat to explore high-value technical segments such as medical textiles, composites, aerospace, mobility, and industrial applications. Sector representatives, including Vinod Dhamija (HCCI), Lalit Kumar Goel (HEPC) and Pavinder Kadyan (GATS), emphasized the need for technology upgrades, sustainability, export competitiveness and faster policy action.
Government support was further highlighted by Guest of Honour Rajinder Kumar, Economic Advisor, Ministry of Textiles, who encouraged Panipat to evolve into a technology-driven innovation hub. In a video message, MoS Textiles Pabitra Margherita commended Panipat’s leadership in recycling and urged the cluster to accelerate its shift to sustainable and advanced textiles.
NTTM Mission Director Ashok Malhotra detailed the mission’s achievements, including 168 R&D projects, 61 new product developments, 48 sustainability-focused projects, 31 patents, 24 supported start-ups and 24 skill courses with over 1,000 trainees certified. He called on industry stakeholders to leverage these advancements for growth in high-margin technical textiles.
The event also featured two technical sessions covering recycling, circularity, startups, quality, compliance, skills, and cluster collaboration, with participation from leading institutions and industry experts. With over 200 delegates in attendance, the Chintan Shivir concluded with a collective commitment to technology adoption, sustainability, quality excellence, and global competitiveness for Panipat’s textile industry. PHDCCI extended gratitude to all dignitaries, partners, and participants for contributing to a transformative industry dialogue.
