The Hindu Business Line : Grasim Industries locates viscose modal studio in Tirupur

It will serve as a one-stop service centre for the textile industry in the region using the new-age fibre of viscose modal, a superior grade cellulosic fibre used in garment making.

The consumption of viscose modal-based yarn/fabric across the value chain of Tirupur knitwear industry is on the rise due to demand for high-value knitwear products exports.

"Compared to usage of just a few tonnes of viscose modal fibre earlier, the volume of modal-based yarn and fabric application among knitwear producers here has risen in the last one year to 100 tonnes," said Mr N.R. Balachandra, Manager (Business Development) of Grasim's staple fibre division at Tirupur.

Thanks to the quota-free garment trade, which has brought freedom in the choice of garment outsourcing for importers of fashion garments in Europe, the demand for viscose modal-based fabrics is growing annually at 30 per cent compared to the average annual knitwear export growth of 11-13 per cent in Tirupur, Mr Balachandra said.

Viscose modal fibre presents greater compatibility with the cotton as a suitable fibre mix to enhance the utility value of textile products, especially in making personal garments such as innerwear and bath towels.

Use of 100 per cent viscose modal or modal fibre blends, as a variant to pure cotton-based garments, enhances the value of the product for exporters.

The Birla Cellulose Design Studio has a wide range of yarn/fabric/garment sample collections and also provides technical support.

Besides assisting the exporters and buying houses procuring supplies from the Tirupur cluster, the design studio offers knowhow on processing the viscose modal fabric at actual dye house condition.

Vendors supplying to the Tirupur exporters are also kept abreast of the development involving the modal fibre usage through periodic contacts by Grasim.

Till two years ago, Tirupur knitters were reluctant to accept orders for making modal-based knitwear due to limitations in the processing of the viscose modal fabrics by local dye houses.

But today, at least five major dye houses have developed adequate skill in this area.

Grasim expects modal consumption to double this year due to increased demand for viscose modal garments. The company is likely to formally inaugurate the Tirupur design studio next month.

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