GOVPH
MENU
Details
Hits: 5331

Technology development programs on raw materials naturally found in the Philippines remain the focus of the Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) in its efforts to ease the effects of globalization on local textile and garments industry. 

Dr. Carlos C. Tomboc, director of PTRI of the Department of Science and Technology, reported this at the recently concluded International Conference on Business Opportunities for Natural Fibers, which was part of the 2nd International Arts and Crafts Expo of the ASEAN Handicraft Promotion and Development Associations held at the Philippine Trade Training Center in Pasay City.

PTRI has initiated indigenous fibers processing for textiles to minimize imports of raw materials by local fabric manufacturers, shares Dr. Tomboc. It should be noted that importation for yarns and make-up articles alone involved a whopping US$784M in 2005, apparel accessories at US$80M, synthetic fibers at US$83M, and cotton fibers at US$36M.

Through PTRI, the country has established fiber pretreatment technologies for abaca, banana, pineapple, and kenaf that convert the hard, coarse and stiff fibers into soft and pliant spun yarns. These pretreatment technologies employ a combo of chemical and mechanical processing using alkalis and fluted rollers, which made the fibers “spinnable” into textile yarns with counts of medium to coarse gauges. Blended with polyester, cotton or silk, yarns from said fibers are applicable for apparels, home textiles and industrial uses, the director explained. 

 

More eco-chic fabrics in the offing

Early last year, PTRI added water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), saluyot (Corchorus olitorius), and maguey (Agave cantala Roxb.) in its search for new natural and eco-friendly textile materials. Research results indicated that these fibers show high potential for textile applications. The Institute contributes to managing water hyacinth infestation by converting big volumes of this freshwater weed into yarns in a single processing. 

The director hopes that the technologies developed by PTRI will be commercially available in two or three years. He emphasized that garments made from indigenous materials and environment-friendly processes have found their place in select markets penetrated by local designers of haute couture. 

With a growing demand for more comfortable, healthier, and more environment-friendly products, PTRI is looking at the possibility of producing fabrics infused with antimicrobial properties.


Garments sector at a glance

Despite the downtrend in the local textile industry, garment export maintains its No. 2 position in job generation, employing 11 percent of the total manufacturing industry, next to electronics, and reported an uptick in foreign investments from US$4.36M in 2000 to US$15.28M in 2005. According to Dr. Tomboc, the intricate designs and embroideries of garments from the Philippines have gained recognition from the foreign market. The country has maintained its leading export markets such as the United States and the European Union for infant/children’s wear, blouses, dresses, lingerie, coats, jackets, sweaters, anoraks, and pillows; gloves, hosiery, and handkerchiefs; swimwear and sportswear; home textiles and industrial products. (Arlene R. Obmerga, S&T Media Service)