NITRA announces MoU with NBRI for eco-friendly fibre manufacturing

The Northern India Textile Research Association of Ghaziabad, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the CSIR– National Botanical Research Institute in Lucknow, to explore the potential of milkweed (Asclepias) as a sustainable natural fibre source. The collaboration aligns with India’s focus on innovation-driven sustainability in the textile industry.

The announcement of the MoU was made in the presence of Giriraj Singh, union minister of textiles, who reaffirmed the government’s support for initiatives promoting indigenous, eco-friendly resources, Apparel Resources India reported. The study aims to conduct a genomic analysis of the plant to better understand its structure and enable its use as a viable alternative to synthetic fibres.

Milkweed fibres are known for being lightweight, insulating, and biodegradable. Their properties make them suitable for applications in home furnishings, technical textiles, and clothing insulation. However, their use in large-scale manufacturing has been limited so far, according to the study.

The NITRA-NBRI partnership seeks to enhance fibre yield, create sustainable sourcing methods, and identify commercially viable applications for the fibre. According to both institutions, this initiative could lead to the development of an alternative raw material base for the Indian textile industry.

The collaboration is also positioned as a step towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat by supporting domestic innovation and reducing dependency on imported synthetic fibres. The project is expected to contribute to long-term environmental and economic resilience in textile manufacturing.