The Convergence of Textiles & Electronics Industry.

The coming together of technical textiles and electronics is not what immediately catches anyone’s attention but it is precisely where a lot of innovation is taking place. From consumer electronics to industrial automation. Electronic textiles (E-textiles) and conductive textiles are changing applications across wearable technology, flexible sensors, electromagnetic shielding, and smart fabrics. According to studies, the global market for E-textiles is projected to reach $6.5 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 17.5%. 

India, with its strong base and legacy in textiles and a rising electronics manufacturing ecosystem, should look at this evolving space with interest.

Key Segments in Technical Textiles for Electronics

Conductive Textiles & EMI Shielding

Applications: EMI shielding fabrics, conductive yarns, static dissipative clothing, RF shielding materials. 

  • Prevents electromagnetic interference (EMI) in sensitive electronic equipment.
  • Enhances safety by providing electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection in high-tech manufacturing.

Major Players: Parker Chomerics, Laird Performance Materials, Toray Industries, Arvind Ltd.

Wearable E-Textiles

Applications: Smart clothing, biometric monitoring fabrics, fitness wearables, self-heating garments.

  • Improves real-time health monitoring through integrated sensors.
  • Enhances sports performance tracking for athletes. 

Major Players: DuPont, Google (Project Jacquard), Loomia, Myant, Reliance Industries. Pain

Flexible Sensors & Printed Electronics

Applications: Flexible circuits, textile-based touch sensors, fabric-integrated NFC & RFID tags. 

  • Enables lightweight, bendable circuits for advanced wearables.
  • Reduces cost and complexity in inventory tracking (RFID in textiles). 

Major Players: E Ink Holdings, Tacterion, Sensoria, DuPont Intexar.Pain Points Addressed:

Thermal & Energy-Harvesting Textiles

Applications: Thermoelectric generators, solar fabric, energy-storing textiles. 

  • Enables self-powered wearables and electronic devices.
  • Supports sustainability in renewable energy integration. 

Major Players: Pavegen, PowerWeave, Soliyarn, IIT-D (India’s first energy-storing fabric project).

Anti-Static & Electro-Protective Textiles

Applications: Antistatic gloves, industrial ESD protection suits, conductive floor mats. 

  • Prevents electrostatic damage to sensitive semiconductors and microchips.
  • Enhances workplace safety in electronics and aerospace industries.

Major Players: Gore-Tex, Textronics, Shieldex, Dupont.

Build a competitive advantage

  1. Develop Sustainable E-Textiles: Focus on eco-friendly, biodegradable conductive fabrics.
  2. Collaborate with Global Players: Strategic partnerships with companies looking to setup manufacturing base in India for the unique advantages it offers. 
  3. Enhance Export Competitiveness: Leverage global partnerships, Indigenous technical textile know-how and strengths to forge strategic partnerships.

 

Think technical textiles and the growing opportunities in electronics and you see a massive unlocking of possibilities in smart manufacturing, healthcare, and automation. 

Strong textile heritage and growing electronics ecosystem makes it a unique opportunity for India. Companies that invest in technology, sustainability and build with a global outlook will ride this wave of innovation.

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