Agro-Textiles : Environmental and Ecological Perspectives

This book provides a comprehensive exploration of agro-textiles through the lens of sustainability, offering insights into their environmental, ecological, and economic impacts. Designed to bridge the gap between innovative textile technologies and sustainable agricultural practices, it equips researchers, practitioners, and policymakers with the knowledge to drive environmentally responsible solutions in agro-textiles.    The book is organized into six parts, beginning with the fundamentals of agro-textiles and their applications in modern agriculture. It explores the challenges posed by traditional agro-textile production methods and introduces sustainable alternatives. The second part focuses on environmental assessments, including life cycle analysis, carbon and water footprints, and ecological impact evaluations. Case studies and real-world applications offer readers a grounded understanding of these methodologies in action.    In the third section, the book shifts to design and innovation, showcasing cutting-edge approaches to sustainable agro-textile manufacturing. It explores eco-design principles, biodegradable materials, and novel technologies that reduce resource consumption and promote circularity. The fourth part tackles waste management and the circular economy, addressing the pressing issue of agro-textile waste. Topics include recycling technologies, end-of-life management strategies, and policies to minimize solid waste generation.    Standards, policies, and market dynamics are the focus of the fifth section. Global certifications, regulatory frameworks, and market trends are analyzed to identify drivers of sustainable practices in agro-textiles. This segment underscores the role of governance and market forces in shaping a greener industry. Finally, the book looks to the future, outlining innovations, challenges, and policy implications to advance sustainable agro-textiles. This concluding section serves as a roadmap for researchers and industry stakeholders aiming to balance technological progress with ecological responsibility.

Dr. Sadhna is a distinguished academic and researcher specializing in Clothing and Textiles. She currently serves as Associate Professor and Margaret Bishop Professor of Strategic Design and Management at Woxsen University, Hyderabad, India. With a Ph.D. from Banasthali Vidyapith, her expertise lies in sustainable textiles, eco-friendly innovations, and traditional craft preservation. Before her tenure at Woxsen University, she served as Head of the Department and Assistant Professor in the Fashion and Textile Department at Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Meerut, India.  A prolific scholar, she has published extensively in high-impact SCI-SCOPUS journals, covering topics such as sustainable textiles, fabric comfort properties, and heritage crafts like Pochampally Ikat and Sungudi sarees. She has also edited several books with prestigious publishers like Springer and Routledge and actively curates special issues on crafts and sustainability for reputed journals. Dr. Sadhna’s leadership extends to organizing international conferences, training programs, and workshops that foster cross-disciplinary collaboration in design and textiles. Her contributions to the field have earned her numerous accolades, including the Best Researcher awards from Woxsen University and the ITSR Foundation. Her work reflects an unwavering commitment to advancing the domains of textiles, fashion, and sustainable innovation.   Dr. Pavan M is an academician and researcher in Apparel and Textile Science, currently serving as an Assistant Professor at Department of Fashion Design, NITTE (Deemed to be) University, Bengaluru. He holds an MSc in Home Science (Clothing and Textiles) from G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar (2020), where he was awarded the prestigious ICAR-PG (JRF) scholarship, and a PhD in Apparel and Textile Science from Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana (2024), supported by the ICAR-PhD (JRF/SRF) fellowship. Dr. Pavan's research expertise includes textile finishing, natural fibers, bio- and green composites, and technical textiles. His PhD work focused on developing sustainable bio-composites using lignocellulosic fibers from green manuring crops such as Dhaincha and Sunnhemp, blended with PLA. He has a strong publication record in high-impact journals and book chapters. Notable contributions include research on herbal mosquito-repellent cotton fabrics, the optimization of silk dyeing using fungal pigments, and the development of sustainable bio-composites.
     
Dr. Lata Samant is an Assistant Professor in the Indus Design School at  Indus University, India. Her teaching portfolio includes courses on fashion, surface embellishment, and sustainable textile. She holds a Ph.D. from G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Uttarakhand, where her research focused on developing bio-composites using natural fibers like ramie and flax with rubber and polyester resin. She also earned her master’s degree from CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, where her research was centered on enhancing dye uptake in cotton fabrics through enzyme treatment. Dr. Lata Samant has been recognized with prestigious fellowships, including the ICAR-SRF (2019) for Ph.D. and ICAR-JRF (2016) for Masters. She has several publications in the fields of textiles, natural fibers, natural dyes, functional finishers, and the utilization of agro-biomass in textiles, reflecting her significant contributions in the area of textiles.
     
Rajesh Kumar is a graduate specializing in Knitwear from NIFT, Mumbai, and holds a degree in Masters of Fashion Management from Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka. He is a distinguished academician with expertise in apparel production, garment construction, and sustainable fashion practices. With extensive experience in product development and pattern-making for knitwear and woven fabrics, he has contributed significantly to both academia and industry. Rajesh's research interests include natural fiber composites, functional clothing, and sustainable design, with published works in SCI-Scopus journals and edited volumes by Springer Nature. Currently serving as Associate Professor and IQAC & NAAC Head at the School of Arts and Design, Rajesh has held key academic and managerial roles, including Program Director at Woxsen University. Recognized for his innovative pedagogy and curriculum development, he has led numerous workshops and conferences on sustainable textiles and design. His impactful contributions to research, teaching, and management have earned him multiple accolades, including Best Researcher and Best Performer awards.