Birla Cellulose is pleased to share the success story of the establishment of new textile units in the western region of India during FY23-24, focusing on the knits category. Birla Cellulose has played a pivotal role in encouraging the growth of viscose and modal production by supporting and guiding the new entrants in the industry.

In 2023, market insights indicated new upcoming units in regions like Ahmedabad, Bothad, Nagpur, and Surat. Birla Cellulose took this opportunity to establish the contact, monitor developments, and provide necessary support for these new ventures. By engaging closely with these units and offering technical expertise and product support, Birla Cellulose encouraged them to venture into viscose and modal fabric production.

Initially, these new units were primarily focused on producing cotton & cotton blended fabrics. However, through continuous visits, personal interactions, and showcasing innovative LIVA collections, Birla Cellulose was able to install confidence in these units to experiment with viscose and modal fibres. The transition faced some challenges, particularly in terms of quality and runnability issues, but Birla Cellulose’s proactive approach ensured the successful resolution of these problems. All the fabric developed using VSF (Viscose Staple Fiber) and modal fibres have been tested and certified as LIVA quality, enhancing the credibility of these new units in the market.

The year 2023-24 witnessed significant progress with several units starting commercial production. Sky Textiles, based in Bothad, commenced operations with a capacity of 20 TPD (Tons Per Day). After Birla Cellulose's intervention, Sky Textiles executed many orders using VSF and Modal fibres. Maruti Texprocess, also based in Bothad, executed many commercial orders in MMCF & MMCF blends and is now developing Birla Modal quality fabrics, targeting leading innerwear brands like Van Heusen, XYXX, and others. Siddhi Knit Fab in Ahmedabad, which has a capacity of 20 TPD, successfully delivered its orders in viscose spandex.

In FY24-25, the momentum continued with more units coming into operation. Bhagirath Textiles in Nagpur initiated production with 31 machines and has plans for further expansion. The unit is now supplying viscose and modal greige fabric for both domestic and export markets. Similarly, RSWM in Bhilwara, with a capacity of 10 TPD, has started producing viscose and modal fabrics and showcased their collection at Yarnex Tirupur. Gujarat FloTex in Ahmedabad partially started with 12 machines and has additional capacity in the pipeline. The company is actively working on new product developments.

Several other units like Giriraj Knitting in Rajkot, Vaibhav Laxmi Knits in Ahmedabad, GuruLakshmi Knits in Amaravati, and Ambica Knits in Himmat Nagar are also in the process of setting up capacities or expanding their existing operations. These units, encouraged by Birla Cellulose, are exploring the potential of cellulosic products in the knitwear segment. Siyaram Denims in Amaravati has developed five products using Excel fiber, which are undergoing testing before being showcased to potential buyers.

The success of these new units represents a major opportunity for Birla Cellulose. In last 2 years approx. 175 TPD has been added as new capacities in west India (all fibers) & some more are in pipeline. Currently, MMCF share in these new volumes is ever increasing & encouraging. FY25 is set for a good growth in MMCF fiber through these units, signifying the potential for further growth and consolidation of viscose and modal production in the western region.

We approached machine manufactures to align with these new upcoming units followed by interaction & showcasing our innovative range of Birla Cellulose based product offering. We supported them end to end starting knitting, processing etc. We also supported setting the right yarn parameters along with yarn support alignment with spinners and buyers to meet LIVA standards, informed by Mr Bhimrao Nalawade, AVP – Birla Cellulose – Knits Category & Hub Development.

Birla Cellulose’s involvement has been instrumental in shaping the growth trajectory of these new units, creating a solid foundation for sustainable and innovative textile production. By blending traditional craftsmanship with modern textile innovations, Birla Cellulose continues to promote and support the development of a robust supply chain for specialty fibres in India, ensuring a brighter future for the textile industry in the region.