To explore the potential of milkweed (Asclepias) as a sustainable natural fiber, Ghaziabad-based Northern India Textile Research Association (NITRA) has signed an MoU with the CSIR– National Botanical Research Institute in Lucknow. The collaboration aligns with India’s focus on innovation-driven sustainability in the textile industry.
The partnership between NITRA and NBRI partnership seeks to not only enhance fiber yield and create sustainable sourcing methods but also identify commercially viable applications for the fiber. The institutions believe, the 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.
Re-affirming the government’s support for initiatives promoting indigenuous and eco-friendly resources, Giriraj Singh, Union Minister of Textiles, said, 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 fibers.
Known for being lightweight, insulating and biodegradable, Milkweed fibers are suitable for applications in home furnishings, technical textiles, and clothing insulation. However, they have been rarely used in large-scale manufacturing so far, says the study.
