Conversation with Dr. A. Sakthivel, Chairman, Tiruppur Exporters’ Association (TEA)

Dr. A. Sakthivel, a pioneer in the field of Knitwear Manufacturing and Exports, he holds the honour of being the first recipient of the PADMASHRI award from the Textile Industry.

Conversation with Dr. A. Sakthivel, Chairman, Tiruppur Exporters’ Association (TEA).

TextilesResources.com: An intro of Tiruppur Exporters’ Association (TEA)

Dr. A. Sakthivel: I am delighted to talk about the Tiruppur Exporters’ Association, or TEA, which established in 1990. Our association is exclusively for exporters of cotton knitwear production facilities in Tiruppur, and today we have over 1,342 life members. From modest beginnings, TEA has grown into a strong and influential body that strives to promote the sustainable and inclusive growth of the knitwear industry.

At TEA, we focus on business growth, industrial harmony, social welfare, an environmental sustainability. Tiruppur’s textile industry directly employs over 1 million people with women comprising 70% of the workforce, fostering economic empowerment and inclusivity. Tirupur is exporting to other countries contributing about 68% India’s knitted garment exports, Tiruppur Region stands as a key driver of employment, empowerment and global competitiveness.

Tiruppur, known as India’s knitwear capital, records an annual Knitwear garment export turnover of around Rs.45, 000 crores, driven by the vibrant network of apparel industries in and around Tiruppur. This impressive achievement underscores the region’s pivotal role India’s textile and garment export sector.

Infrastructure and Education Initiatives

We have developed several landmark infrastructure projects to support the industry and its workforce:

• Tirupur Export Knitwear Industrial Complex (TEKIC): Spread over 100 acres with 189 industrial sheds.
• New Tirupur Area Development Corporation Limited (NTADCL) Water Project: A ₹1,150 crore PPP project supplying water to industries and villages and this project includes a sewerage system for sewage treatment and waste disposal.
• NIFT-TEA Knitwear Fashion Institute: Offers UG and PG courses in apparel fashion, merchandising, and production which was established in 1997.
• India Knit Fair (IKF): The India Knit Fair is a trade fair complex of international standards. So far, 52 knitwear fairs have been successfully conducted in Tiruppur.
• NETAJI APPAREL PARK, the first of its kind in India, spans 166 acres at a strategic location along NH47. It houses 52 modern knitwear units covering 2.0 million sq ft., employing over 16,000 people, and contributing significantly to the country’ apparel exports and contributes significantly to the country’s apparel exports through its sustainable practices.
• TEA Public School: Provides high-standard education up to 12th grade with CBSE curriculum.

Global Collaborations:

We actively collaborate with international organizations to promote sustainable textile practices:

• Bluesign: Enhances sustainability knowledge and eco-friendly practices in factories.
• Green Story: Implements Digital Product Passports and Life Cycle Assessments for transparency
• Fair Trade: Supports sustainability, energy reduction, and inclusive practices among MSMES.
• Reverse Resources: Manages textile waste and promotes recycling within the Tiruppur Cluster.

Through all these initiatives, TEA has transformed Tiruppur into a sustainable, inclusive, and globally recognized knitwear hub, demonstrating that industrial growth can go hand-in-hand with social responsibility and environmental stewardship.

TextilesResources.com: Give us an overview of Tiruppur Exporters’ Association (TEA), its main objectives and your vision.

Dr. A. Sakthivel: The Tiruppur Exporters’ Association (TEA), established in 1990, is the leading body representing the knitwear export industry of Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, often called the “Knitwear Capital of India.” TEA supports exporters by promoting global trade, advocating favorable policies, ensuring quality standards, and encouraging sustainable and innovative practices.
Tirupur Exporters Association is committed to fostering a sustainable and growth driven environment for the textile and garment industry in Tirupur by collaborating with industry stakeholders, government bodies and civil society to position the city as a leading Sustainable Manufacturing Hub in India

TextilesResources.com: What is your view about Tamil Nadu’s apparel industry? Current capacity, expansion possibility, challenges, potential etc.

Dr. A. Sakthivel: Tamil Nadu is India’s leading textile and apparel hub, contributing around 30% of the nation’s textile exports and generating significant employment across clusters in Tiruppur, Coimbatore, Karur, and Erode. The state’s apparel industry, supported by a vibrant network of manufacturers, recorded garment exports of ₹45,000 crore in 2024-25 from Tiruppur, with an additional ₹5,000-6,000 crore from the surrounding areas, highlighting its global significance. Expansion potential exists through technical textiles, man-made fibers, value-added garments, and product diversification, along with infrastructure development via industrial parks and SIPCOT initiatives. Opportunities in sustainability, technological upgradation, and market diversification can help Tamil Nadu retain its competitive edge and further strengthen its position as a world-class apparel export hub.

TextilesResources.com: Transparency, eco-friendly, sustainability and traceability – how you define these terms with TEA members?

Dr. A. Sakthivel: Sustainability Initiatives in Tiruppur’s Apparel Industry:

• Wind Power: Installed capacity of 1,600 MW consistently generates renewable wind energy, supporting sustainable manufacturing practices.
• Solar Power: Installed 350 megawatts, efficiently generating sustainable solar energy to significantly reduce the carbon footprint.
• Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD): Approximately 13 crore litres of effluent are treated daily, ensuring 96% of water is recycled and reused. Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETP) serve 18-310 units, while (IETP) cover 60 units.
• Circularity: Waste from production is recycled into yarn and fabric, ensuring garments are made from repurposed materials and reducing overall waste.
• Mass Tree Plantation: Over 2 million saplings have been planted in Tiruppur, generating 4,000 metric tons of biomass and sequestering 7,000 metric tons of CO₂, contributing to climate mitigation efforts.
• Energy Conservation: Initiatives focus on replacing old machinery and lighting with advanced, energy-efficient equipment, reducing electricity consumption.
• Rainwater Harvesting: Systems in place can collect up to 2 lakh litres of rainwater, supporting long-term water sustainability.
• Eco-friendly Accessories and Dyes Transition from synthetic to eco-friendly dyes and accessories significantly reduces environmental impact and supports sustainable garment production.
• Water Conservation: Water is systematically conserved, treated, and efficiently reused in operations, ensuring minimal wastage and supporting long-term sustainability in garment production.

TextilesResources.com: Your opinion about improvising apparel industry in India in reference to the design, quality, quantity and delivery time.

Dr. A. Sakthivel: India’s apparel industry is strengthening its global position through the adoption of modern technologies and efficient practices. Computer-Aided Design (CAD) has accelerated garment design and prototyping, helping Indian apparel align with international fashion trends and reducing time-to-market. Rigorous multi-stage quality control, including pre-production inspections, in-line monitoring, and pre-shipment verification, ensures consistent, defect-free products. The government’s Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme has expanded manufacturing capacity, improved infrastructure, and supported export growth. Additionally, lean manufacturing, advanced warehouse management, and data-driven demand forecasting have streamlined supply chains, enabling faster deliveries and reducing waste. Collectively, these measures enhance India’s competitiveness, export potential, and reputation as a source of high-quality apparel.

TextilesResources.com: Your say about the various schemes, steps and vision of Ministry of Textile, GOI. Your Opinion about Bharat Tex Trade Show?

Dr. A. Sakthivel: India’s apparel exports currently stand at USD 16 billion, with cotton-based products contributing about 80% and MMF-based garments accounting for merely 20%. To strengthen our export portfolio and diversify beyond cotton, there is a clear need to focus on the Man-Made Fibre (MMF) segment. Through the PM MITRA Scheme, the government aims to create an integrated ecosystem where MMF processors, fabric manufacturers, and garment investors come together to build globally competitive MMF textile hubs. Investors who invest in MMF processing and garment manufacturing can be provided with the additional benefits such as priority allocation in PM MITRA Parks, additional support under the PLI Scheme as these investments directly contribute to India’s vision of achieving global competitiveness in the textile sector. Developing a robust MMF base will enable India to match global standards in quality, scale, cost-efficiency, and innovation, allowing us to compete effectively with countries like China, Vietnam, and Bangladesh and Cambodia.

The Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, has launched several initiatives to strengthen the textile sector, including the PLI scheme to boost MMF garment manufacturing and exports, the PM Park MITRA textile parks for creating more infrastructure, the Samarth skill development program, and promoting the Swadeshi consumption. These initiatives collectively aim to build a sustainable, innovation-driven textile ecosystem that supports India’s goal of textile exports by 2030. Events such as Bharat Tex, India’s largest global textile trade show, further reinforce this vision by bringing together thousands of exhibitors and buyers from across the world to showcase the entire textile value chain, promote eco-friendly practices, enable knowledge exchange, and foster international collaborations—thereby positioning India as a global textile leader with a strong and diversified MMF sector.

TextilesResources.com: What is your view about US’ Tariff on India? Impact on textile & Apparel Industry.

Dr. A. Sakthivel: The US’s tariff imposition is temporary, and we are very positive. Both governments are negotiating, and very soon a bilateral trade agreement (BTA) with the USA, will be signed, creating a win-win situation for the betterment of both countries.

TextilesResources.com: Any message for the industry professionals and viewers of Textilesresources.com

Dr. A. Sakthivel: With India signing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the UK and a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) with the USA expected soon, the country is rapidly emerging as a global hub for apparel exports. By the end of this year, India is likely to have trade agreements with around 27 countries, positioning it at the centre of global apparel trade.
In this context, I would strongly urge Indian exporters to invest in Man-Made Fibre (MMF) processing and apparel manufacturing equipped with the latest technology. Strengthening this segment will not only enhance productivity and competitiveness but also create significant employment opportunities.
By upgrading technology, increasing skilled manpower, and building capacity in MMF-based apparel, India will be well-prepared to meet the growing global demand and establish itself as a preferred sourcing destination in the international textile and apparel market.