NITRA and CSIR-NBRI Sign MoU To Explore Milkweed As Sustainable Textile Fibre
The Northern India Textile Research Association (NITRA), Ghaziabad, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the CSIR–National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), Lucknow, to explore the potential of milkweed (Asclepias) as a sustainable natural fibre for the textile industry.
Announced in the presence of Union Minister of Textiles Giriraj Singh, the collaboration marks a significant step in advancing India’s push toward eco-friendly and indigenous innovations in textiles. Minister Singh reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting environmentally responsible alternatives aligned with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
The joint research will include genomic analysis of milkweed to better understand its fibre structure and assess its suitability as a substitute for synthetic materials. Milkweed fibres are naturally lightweight, biodegradable and thermally insulating, making them an attractive option for applications in home furnishings, technical textiles and insulation materials.
Despite its promising attributes, milkweed has not yet been widely adopted in large-scale manufacturing. The NITRA–NBRI collaboration aims to overcome this barrier by improving fibre yield, developing sustainable harvesting methods and identifying commercially viable applications.
Both institutions believe the project can contribute significantly to building an alternative raw material base for the Indian textile sector. It also supports India’s goal of reducing dependence on imported synthetic fibres while promoting sustainability and economic resilience in domestic textile production.
