“Businesses that work close in line with new market trends and focus on adopting sustainability and recyclability in their business models will bounce back more strongly in the new normal.” – writes Raj Manek

Indian apparel and textile market is currently experiencing a deficit in demand, but manufacturers must remain future-focused and prepared to meet the preferences of their clients as demands resurface.                                                                              

“New trends will shape the future of Indian textile and apparel segment. Businesses that work close in line with these trends and focus on adopting sustainability and recyclability in their business models will bounce back more strongly,” writes Raj Manek, executive director and board member, Messe Frankfurt Asia Holdings Pvt Ltd.

“Targeting smaller chunks of demand in shorter turnover time will help apparel producers to hedge against market inconsistencies,” he further elaborates.

To match international standards and gain preference from importers worldwide, Indian textile and apparel exporters must strongly focus on implementing competitive pricing and running better delivery schedule. In case of domestic retailers, e-commerce models will remain a prominent source of business for local apparel sellers even in the future.

Indian garment manufacturers must also focus on adopting a circular economy model and repurpose pre- and post-consumer waste to save resources as well as minimise expenditure on raw materials and logistics. With increasing awareness towards personal health and hygiene, producing anti-viral apparels and face masks will also help Indian manufacturers exploit a massive volume of demand, especially from healthcare and hospitality sectors.

Messe Frankfurt through its textile exhibitions (including Gartex Texprocess India) advocates sustainability and innovation in fashion and textile industry as a part of its commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in global collaboration with the Conscious Fashion Campaign and the United Nations Office.

“Identifying the urgent needs of the market, focusing on future trends and working with a sustainable approach will enable Indian textile and apparel sector to emerge more strongly organised and well-equipped to face the new normal,” Manek concludes.