Sweden looking for joint project on smart textiles with Birla

Sweden has been investing heavily in developing textiles made from sustainable raw materials as it seeks to support a globally successful textile industry, they are now in discussion with Aditya Biral Group for a joint project in the area of smart textiles.

Swedish minister for enterprises & innovation and rural affairs Sven-Erik Bucht said that if the talks fructify a joint venture between Swedish company Domsjo and the Birlas along with the two governments will be inked.

He visited Birla Group’s textile research application development centre at Kharach in Gujarat. The prime aim of this visit is to boost development of smart textiles using VSF, cellulosic fibre and pulp as an alternative to cotton and hence the Birla group is a natural fit with its easily blendable cellulosic fibre.

It can be noted that the Birlas is a pioneer and the world’s largest manufacturer of viscose staple fibre (VSF) which is a man-made bio-degradable fibre with characteristics akin to cotton.

Calling for a collective approach to address the climate change challenges, the minister said that Sweden would like to share their experience and ideas about developing an ecosystem based on a circular bio-economy that will build a better environment.

His visit is a follow-up on the recent joint statement by Prime Minister Modi and his Swedish counterpart Stefan Löfvén in the areas of innovation and research and also to increase the volume of bilateral trade. It is also a follow-up on the make-in-India event in Stockholm organised by the commerce and industry ministry.

Additionally, Sweden are also exploring areas for collaboration in the dairy and food safety areas in India.