Milkweed Fiber | 24 Dec 2024

Why in News? 

Recently, the Ministry of Textiles has strengthened collaboration in developing India’s textile industry by extending its research and development efforts into new natural fibers, including milkweed fiber. 

 Key Points 

• Strategic Engagement: 
  • The Minister of Textiles, in a meeting facilitated by Invest India, engaged with Uniqlo’s senior officials to reaffirm the commitment to strengthening India’s textile sector. 
  • This also focuses on improving cotton production capabilities, productivity, and quality in India. 
• Uniqlo’s Contribution to India’s Textile Ecosystem: 
  • Uniqlo operates 15 stores across India, achieving a retail revenue of Rs 814 crore as of 31^st March 2024, with a growth rate of 30%. 
• Alignment with India’s Textile Growth Goals: 
  • India targets a textile market size of USD 350 billion and USD 100 billion in exports by 2030. 
  • The Ministry has invited Uniqlo to invest in the Prime Minister’s Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel (PM MITRA) Parks, offering a ready-to-perform ecosystem with sustainable operations. 
• Upcoming Collaboration Opportunities: 
  • Uniqlo will participate in the “Bharat Tex” Global Textile Expo in February 2025 highlighting innovation, sustainability, and traceability. 
• Milkweed Fiber: 
  • About: 
    • It is the seed fiber obtained from milkweed plants. 
    • Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca L) plant belongs to the genus Asclepias of the family Asclepiadaceae and is also known as stubborn weed. 
    • In India, it is found as a wild plant in the states of Rajasthan, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. 
    • Milkweed contains an abundance of milk sap in its leaves, stems and pods. 
  • Properties:  
    • It contains oily material and lignin, a woody plant substance, which makes them too brittle for spinning.  
    • It has a hydrophobic–oleophobic surface due to the natural waxes found on the surface of the fiber. 
  • Applications: 
    • It is used in paper industries. 
    • In addition, it is also used as an insulative filling material. 
    • It is used in such water-safety equipment as life jackets and belts. 
    • Researchers discovered that it readily absorbs oil while simultaneously repelling water, thus making it an effective fiber to help clean up oil spills.