Bharat Tex 2024 is a new mega fashion and textiles industry event organised by a consortium of 11 textile Export Promotion Councils in India with the backing of the Indian government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. To be held over four days from 26 to 29 February 2024 at brand new state-of-the-art venues Bharat Mandapam and Yashobhoomi in New Delhi, the event is designed to feature the best of Indian textile manufacturing, design and technology and position the country as a competitive, sustainable textile manufacturing hub across the value chain from raw materials to end products.
In a curtain raiser to promote the event last October, Union Minister for Textiles, Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal said that Bharat Tex will provide the spur to show off India to the world as a “truly global textiles powerhouse” and get large scale recognition for the country’s broad and deep capabilities in cost-effective white-label manufacturing but also for South Asian couture and local brands.
The organisers of the event say 3,500 exhibitors from over 40 countries are expected to participate and they’re anticipating 40,000 trade visitors to walk through the halls. So, what can they expect from this seminal event that has high hopes of becoming a staple on the global fashion calendar? Just Style spoke with the Bharat Tex 2024 team to find out more.
Q: Bharat Tex 2024 is a new fashion event. Who are you expecting to come?
Bharat Tex 2024 aims to host a diverse audience of industry professionals, designers, manufacturers retailers, and policymakers covering the entire textile value chain.
Q: Why should industry professionals attend?
Like any seminal industry show, Bharat Tex 2024 will feature, world-class exhibitions, knowledge sessions, thematic discussions on future trends and themes likely to define the year ahead. There will be Government-to-Government (G2G) meetings, Business-to-Business (B2B) network gatherings, the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and product launches.
There will be dedicated pavilions on sustainability and recycling as we look to support the global firms on their difficult journey to net zero emissions. Under the Panchamrit action plan, India is set to achieve its short-term and long-term target of reaching a non-fossil fuel energy capacity of 500 GW by 2030; fulfilling at least half of its energy requirements via renewable energy by 2030; reducing CO2 emissions by 1 billion tonnes by 2030; reducing carbon intensity below 45% by 2030; and finally pave the way for achieving a net-zero emission target by 2070.
Resilience and digital transformation will also be big themes. There will be interactive fabric testing zones, product demonstrations and masterclasses by artisan manufacturers whose techniques have been learned and passed down through multiple generations and a marquee featuring global brands and the most exciting names in international design today. It will feature an exhibition spread across almost 200,000 square metres area showcasing apparel, home furnishings, handicrafts, fabric, yarn, fibres, threads, carpets, silk, floor coverings, technical textiles and much more. We expect it to become a regular feature in the industry calendar.
Q: This is a first-of-its-kind event for India. What’s the objective?
The primary objectives of Bharat Tex 2024 revolve around showcasing India’s rich textile legacy, technological advancements, sustainability credentials and the country’s emergence as a global hub for textile manufacturing and design. We want to present India’s textile prowess to the world, showcasing our innovation as well as the policy support and incentive schemes available to catapult our rich and diverse textiles sector into a new era. We want Bharat Tex 2024 to be the first major global industry event of the year that facilitates key networking opportunities, knowledge exchange and business collaborations among international and domestic stakeholders. It will embody Prime Minister Modi’s 5F vision: from farm to fibre; from fibre to factory; from factory to fashion and from fashion to foreign. India’s cost and skills advantage will get global recognition this year and Bharat Tex 2024 will help us achieve that mission.
Q: What are some of the big themes in fashion in 2024 and how will Bharat Tex 2024 showcase innovation and thought leadership in these areas?
We believe these will be the top priorities in 2024 for apparel and textiles companies through the value chain:
- Sustainability revolution:
The milestone agreement for the world to once and for all move away from fossil fuels that closed the COP28 conference will put pressure on the textiles industry, one of the world’s worst polluters, to finally start to take action to rid its operations of the coal-fired boilers used to dye and treat fabrics. Non-biodegradable plastic waste is also a major challenge for the industry. The focus in 2024 will be on decarbonisation, circularity, eco-friendly materials and ethical practices. Bharat Tex 2024 will spotlight ground-breaking sustainable practices and materials, showcase eco-friendly textiles, upcycling techniques and circular economy solutions which the Indian government is committed to.
- Tech-infused fashion:
This year will see greater integration of technology into apparel and the emergence of smart textiles, wearable tech, and 3D printing. Bharat Tex 2024 will feature cutting-edge technological advancements within the textile industry, demonstrating the integration of technology into fashion through interactive exhibits and presentations. This includes showcasing smart textiles, AR/VR experiences, and advancements in manufacturing processes.
- Diversity and cultural representation:
The event will celebrate India’s diverse textile heritage, emphasising inclusivity through culturally rich designs, traditional craftsmanship, and collaborations that honour different communities and their contributions to the fashion landscape.
By weaving these themes into its fabric, Bharat Tex 2024 aims to not only showcase the latest trends but also stimulate dialogue, innovation, and actionable steps toward a more sustainable, inclusive, and tech-driven fashion future.
Q: You mentioned sustainability a number of times. What’s India’s unique advantage here?
Our textiles’ industry is committed to the circular economy and as a result there is a significant upsurge in cotton recycling, as well as traditional polyester recycling. Many composite mills are actively exploring ways to recycle waste to produce circular textiles. India is actively promoting sustainability in the textile industry by fostering the creation and adoption of eco-friendly products and processes, as well as encouraging sustainable consumption practices. Addressing energy consumption, many textile manufacturers are embracing solar panels to produce clean energy, resulting in reduced carbon emissions and long-term energy cost savings. Government incentives and policies supporting the shift to renewable energy have contributed to expediting this positive change.
Q: Can you say who some of your exhibitors will be – will it be a mix of global and local companies?
Our exhibitor line-up is an eclectic mix, featuring both esteemed global brands and innovative Indian companies. This diverse amalgamation ensures a multifaceted showcase of traditional craftsmanship alongside cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices.
Q: Will it be different to some of the other trade fashion events already entrenched in the global calendar? And if so, why?
Bharat Tex 2024 stands out amidst established trade fashion events due to its unique focus on India’s distinctive textile culture, its rapidly evolving industry, and its pivotal role in the global fashion supply chain. Its emphasis on traditional craftsmanship, sustainable practices, and technological innovations sets it apart as a trailblazer in the global textile event calendar.
Bharat Tex 2024 will begin on 26 February in New Delhi, India. Click here for more information.
