Global experts converge at Jorhat varsity, explore sustainable fibre innovations

Dibrugarh: The global push for eco-conscious manufacturing took centre stage in Assam at an international symposium cum workshop on “Pioneering Sustainable Innovations and Business Opportunities in Natural Fibres”.The event was hosted by the department of apparel and textile science (ATS) at the Assam Agricultural University (AAU) in Jorhat on Dec 5. It brought together leading minds from across the globe, with participation from France and the Technical University of Denmark.The symposium, held in collaboration with the Central Muga Eri Research and Training Institute (CMERTI), Lahdoigarh, the Central Silk Board, and ICAR – National Institute of Natural Fibre and Engineering Technology (ICAR–NINFET), Kolkata, focused on leveraging natural fibres for greener business models.

The symposium also featured an exhibition showcasing vibrant institutional innovations, startups, and entrepreneurs operating within the natural fibre sector.Peter Clarke, managing director & CEO, COMTE PIERRE MOSAIC, France, delivered the keynote address, providing an European perspective on how natural fibres can be integrated into high-end, sustainable fashion and business practices. He highlighted the growing global market for ethical and traceable fibre sources, often found in the northeast.

Firoz Babu Kadumudi, senior researcher at the Technical University of Denmark, also addressed the gathering. Kadumudi connected cutting-edge Scandinavian research on material science with practical, sustainable industrial application in textiles, bridging the gap between academic innovation and commercial viability.Inaugural remarks were provided by Kartik Neog, director, CSB–CMERTI, Lahdoigarh, and Sanjay Kumar Chetia, director of research, AAU, who stressed the need for research-driven sustainable practices. The expert panel also saw contributions from representatives of ICAR–CSWRI, CSIR–NEIST, USTM, and the DC’s office, Cachar, enriching the deliberation with diverse regional and institutional insights.Bidyut Chandan Deka, vice-chancellor, AAU, commended the department for creating a dynamic platform that champions sustainability. He highlighted the region’s immense potential in natural fibres like Muga and Eri silk.