The Hindu : Modal gains ground in India

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Jun 06, 2002

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Business

Modal gains ground in India

By Our Special Correspondent

BANGALORE JUNE 5. Modal is a speciality fibre, produced solely by the Austrian company, Lenzing AG. It is made exclusively from beechwood pulp and consists of 100 per cent cellulose. Modal is by nature pleasant, soft, plant and preserves these properties even after many washing cycles.

Because of its superior properties, Modal has gained a lot of popularity in the developed world during the last three decades, with the consumption expected to touch 40,000 tonnes this year, says Johann Leitner, Head of Product Development and Technical Marketing for Lenzing Fibres. A significant part of this growth has come from the replacement of polynosic fibres whose production by Japanese companies has been stopped due to economic problems.

Lenzing started promoting Modal in India only in the late 1990s, when economic liberalisation became effective and import duties were brought down. The Indian textile industry has taken to Modal enthusiastically, says Pradeep Roongta , Director of Stuti Exports, the sole selling agents for the Lenzing Group in India, Nepal and Bangladesh. From a small beginning in 1999, the consumption of Modal in India has climbed to 400 tonnes in 2001 and is expected to grow tenfold by 2005.

The fibre is now being spun into yarn by a number of Indian companies. Fabrics made of 100 per cent Modal and blends of Modal with cotton, wool, rayon, silk and synthetics are now being used in India for a variety of products.

Among the areas of application which have found favour are knitwear and woven inner and outer garments.

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