GTEX Fabrics’ Biodegradable Leatherette Aligns With The Growing Global Demand For Eco-Friendly Materials
Our aim is to not just meet but exceed global expectations, ensuring that quality and sustainability remain our cornerstones, says Shailesh H. Joshi
GTEX Fabrics is making waves in the global market with its commitment to innovation, sustainability and quality. In a recent conversation, Shailesh H. Joshi, Head of Sales & Marketing, shared the company’s journey from its roots in Gujarat Flotex Group to becoming a key player in leatherette and furnishing fabric manufacturing, catering to diverse industries worldwide.
GTEX Fabrics stems from a rich legacy under the Gujarat Flotex Group/ founders, Vikas Mehta & Jay Prakash Tosniwal, was established in 1999. “Our parent group, Gujarat Flotex, focuses on furnishing fabrics, including Upholstery / Drapery (curtains) & Outdoors,” Joshi explains. With a robust foundation, they launched the V&J Furnishing domestic brand, which today boasts a network of 2,500 retailers across India.
In 2020, GTEX Fabrics began its operations with two Italian manufacturing lines and a collaboration with the renowned Italian company Matex. “We have manufacturing capacity of 10-12 lakh meters of leather fabrics Monthly*, catering to sectors such as Hospitality, Healthcare, Automobiles, footwear, bags and furnishings,” stated Joshi.
Post-Covid, there has been a noticeable shift in consumer preferences. “People now seek easy-to-clean, low-maintenance materials, making PVC-based leather a popular choice in upholstery,” observes Joshi. GTEX’s leatherette offers multiple value-added features such as UV resistance, Flame retardant, Easy to clean, Disinfectant resistant, Odor resistance and Salt water-N-chlorine water resistance, Tear resistant, Abrasion resistant, Oil resistance, weather resistant, .
Their innovative approach has earned them a strong export foothold in 18-20 countries, with a notable presence in the South East Asia, Middle East, Africa, South America, and marine upholstery for U.S.-based companies.
Highlighting the significance of the international trade show, Joshi emphasizes, “Heimtextil is a 100-year-old platform where every player aspires to showcase their products.” GTEX aims to expand its export markets and establish new collaborations.
Reflecting on the response, Joshi remarks, “Visitor numbers are fewer this year compared to last year, but the quality of buyers has been exceptional. Many have shown interest, requested samples and appreciated our ready-stock products under the V&J brand.”
A standout achievement for GTEX this year is its sustainable product line. “We’ve introduced a biodegradable leather alternative using sugarcane molecules instead of traditional PVC,” shares Joshi. This innovation aligns with the growing global demand for eco-friendly materials.
Despite challenges in major markets like the U.S. and Europe, Joshi remains optimistic. “Smaller countries like the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Costa-Rica, Greece & Croatia have shown great potential. It’s encouraging to see emerging markets driving demand.”
GTEX Fabrics is determined to lead the charge with its sustainable and innovative solutions. As Joshi aptly sums up, “Our aim is to not just meet but exceed global expectations, ensuring that quality and sustainability remain our cornerstones.”
This ethos positions GTEX as a promising player in the competitive global fabric and leatherette market.
