Domestic technical textiles Industry Segment-wise consumption of ...

eathable due to ePTFE membrane which transmits body moisture received from inner most
layers to the outer shell. Very high level of thermal insulation is achieved by this middle
garment. Innermost layer is made up of Terrypile Knitted Polypropylene Fabric which
facilitates fast evaporation of sweat by wicking action. Being anti-fungal and anti bacterial
Polypropylene is best suited next to skin.
2. The National Institute of Design (NID) is also developing technology for the manufacture of
new special clothing for high altitude Army troops using materials that will be lighter,
warmer, more flexible, durable and cheaper than the default merino wool. The fabric made
from this technology would be superior to imports of similar material.
NID would modify angora fibre (used in making suit fabric) at the micro and nano level
which would give the yarn greater friction and resistance, instantly making it pack in more
heat than merino wool. Fine angora fabric will replace merino in all special clothing between
the inner layer of fine polyester and the outer layer of nylon. It will reduce the overall weight
of troop clothing by about a quarter. The weight of the gear would be nearly two and half
kilograms.
Key manufacturers
The key manufacturers of high altitude clothing are given below:
1. Ordnance Factory Board – Around 7000 complete high altitude clothing sets
2. Entermonde Polycoaters – Plans to produce breathable high altitude fabric and clothing in the
next three years.
Market size of and future forecast
The Indian defence forces have around 1.5 million soldiers, out of these around 10% are involved in
high altitude and extreme cold weather combat which would be around 0.15 million soldiers. On an
average every high altitude combat soldier has two uniforms – one for use and the other as standby.
The annual demand in 2007-08 is estimated to be 0.18 million pieces considering an average life of
2.5 years.
The current and future forecast of the domestic usage of high altitude clothing is given below: