Mark Jarvis, Founder of Textile IQ and currently serving as Chief Strategy Officer at Fibre2Fashion, engages in a conversation with Salil Chawla, director of DFU Publications, at Bharat Tex 2025.
The debate: MMF versus cotton—where do you stand?
Cotton has long held its significance, with its distinct functionality and place in the textile ecosystem. However, the case for MMF is growing stronger.
Globally, cotton production is struggling, with fewer countries able to sustain or improve productivity. India, too, faces similar challenges. So, where does MMF stand in terms of sustainability, availability, and commercial viability?
Mark Jarvis shares his perspective:
"Over the next five years, India will witness significant growth in MMF, with substantial investment complementing its cotton base. While cotton faces recycling challenges, a solution may emerge over time. However, as of now, MMF holds a key advantage—it is easier to recycle.
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Currently, MMF constitutes two-thirds of the market, while cotton holds a third. This ratio has evolved significantly over the last 50 years, and it could shift again—either in favor of cotton or MMF. At this stage, no one can predict the definitive outcome.
From an Indian market perspective, the country is making strategic investments in MMF, balancing its position in the evolving textile landscape. With increasing acceptance and policy advocacy, MMF is gaining momentum. After prolonged lobbying, it has carved out a stronger foothold.
Conversely, cotton faces constraints—limited acreage expansion, stagnant productivity, and competition from essential food crops. Given India’s population of 1.4 billion and the rising demand for food security, cotton's dominance is under pressure.
Historically, cotton was considered a high-value cash crop, even though it required significant water resources. The textile industry, India’s largest job creator, relied on it. However, with changing dynamics, the question remains: Where is India headed?
India appears poised for a decade of growth, leveraging investment to develop an integrated, vertically structured textile ecosystem. The opportunities are immense, and the next expansion phase will determine how MMF and cotton coexist in the evolving landscape."