Geo textiles in Pakistan – The way Forward
|
Prof. S Anbahan
Ariadurai, Textile Research & Innovation Centre, Textile
Institute of Pakistan delivered a comprehensive lecture on
“Geo-Textiles in Pakistan – The way forward |
Geo-Textiles have proven to be versatile and cost-effective
ground modification materials. Their use expanded rapidly into
nearly all areas of civil engineering, geo technical,
environmental, coastal and hydraulic engineering. According to
David Rigby Associates, Geo-Textiles is forecasted to achieve
the highest growth rates among the twelve technical textile
application areas.
The rate of 4.6% per annum between 2000 and 2005 is set to
increase to 5.3% per annum during 2005 to 2010. The world demand
for Geo-Textiles is projected at about 4715 million square
metres by 2014 mostly from China and India.
|
World
consumption of Geo textiles (1970 - 2010)
Source: Geosynthetics – David Cook
(2003),
Freedonia Group (2009)
World Market of Geotextiles (1985
- 2005)
Sources: David Rigby Associates. |
The main growth sectors for Geo-Tex are construction of roads
and buildings in which drainage layer is protected by
Geo-Textiles as use of geosynthetics make roads more durable,
improve drainage and prevent erosion.
|
Demand growth
for Geotextiles |
|
Technical Textile Type
|
2000 – 2005 (%) |
2005 – 2010 (%) |
|
Geotextiles |
4.6 |
5.3 |
|
Building Textiles |
4.3 |
5.0 |
|
Medical Textiles |
4.6 |
4.3 |
|
Industrial Textiles |
3.5 |
4.4 |
|
Protective Textiles |
3.3 |
4.0 |
|
Agriculture Textiles |
3.2 |
3.9 |
|
Packing Textiles |
3.2 |
3.8 |
|
Sports Textiles |
3.1 |
3.7 |
|
Automobile Textiles |
2.7 |
3.4 |
|
Clothing Textiles |
2.7 |
3.2 |
|
Hometextiles |
2.7 |
2.7 |
|
Total |
3.3 |
3.8 |
|
Source: David Rigby
Associates. |
Another important area is the Landfill market, even though
there is a high cost of geo-membranes in landfills, this market
will advance at a below-average pace due to increased interest
in recycling and reducing wastes, and the durable nature of
geosynthetics used in landfills.
Other markets of niche opportunities include agriculture and
mining, due to increase awareness and interest in increasing
crop yields to make bio-fuels and in sustained expansion in the
US mining industry.
Textile Trade Indicators
Textile Trade Indicators between India, China and Pakistan
pertaining to 2008 is reported as follows:
- Export Growth: India 10%, China 18%, Pakistan 4%.
- Share in National Exports: India 6% China 5%, Pakistan 60%
- Competitiveness Rank: India 30, China 22, Pakistan 49
(Source: International Trade Centre).
The requirements of way forward for Pakistan are as follows.
- Continue to create awareness among all stakeholders.
- Include in the curriculum of the universities.
- Establish research and advisory centers with testing and
standardization.
|
