Interview with Mr. Venkatesh. A, Lab Head, Viridian Testing Laboratories LLP
Rising demand for sustainability, safety, and traceability drives us to deliver trusted testing solutions that meet global compliance and brand standards.
TexMart : What inspired the founding of Viridian Testing Laboratories and how did you identify the market need for specialized textile and PPE testing in Tiruppur?
Venkatesh. A : Viridian Testing Laboratories LLP was founded in 2020 with the vision of strengthening quality, compliance, and trust within the Tiruppur textile ecosystem. Tiruppur is one of India’s largest apparel export hubs, yet there was a growing gap for locally accessible, technically competent, NABL-accredited testing services, especially in advanced areas such as biological safety, organic cotton verification, and PPE testing.
The COVID-19 period further highlighted the urgent need for reliable PPE and protective textile testing, which reinforced our decision to establish a laboratory capable of meeting both domestic and international compliance requirements under one roof.
TM : In a competitive industry, how did you decide to focus on both apparel testing and advanced biological/organic cotton verification services?
VA : While routine apparel testing is essential, we identified increasing demand from global brands for traceability, sustainability, and authenticity verification. This led us to expand beyond conventional physical testing into biological and molecular testing, particularly organic cotton and GMO screening. This dual focus allows Viridian to support customers across the entire value chain—from fabric performance and safety to fiber authenticity and sustainability claimsmaking us a technically differentiated laboratory rather than a volume-driven service provider.
TM : From an R&D perspective, what early challenges in textile and apparel quality testing motivated investment in specialized equipment and processes?
VA : Early challenges included complex test interpretations, inconsistent sample quality, and evolving international standards. These challenges motivated us to invest in validated equipment, robust SOPs, trained analysts, and strong internal quality controls. From the beginning, we emphasized method validation, uncertainty evaluation, and intermediate checks, ensuring test reliability aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 Requirments.
TM : Viridian offers tests for garments, fabrics, and PPE how do you ensure consistent accuracy across diverse testing standards like ISO, ASTM and AATCC?
VA : Consistency is ensured through: NABL accreditation as per ISO/IEC 17025 Standardized SOPs aligned to ISO, ASTM, AATCC Regular calibration, intermediate checks, and internal audits Continuous analyst training and proficiency monitoring Each test is reviewed technically before report issuance to ensure accuracy and compliance.
TM : What technological advancements in testing equipment (e.g., tensile strength, colour fastness, particle filtration) have most improved your lab’s capabilities?
VA : Key advancements include: Precision tensile and tear testing systems Advanced colour fastness equipment with controlled conditions. Particle filtration and PPE performance test setups Molecular biology instruments (RT-PCR) for GMO and organic cotton testing. These technologies significantly improved repeatability, detection sensitivity, and turnaround time.
TM : From an R&D perspective, how do you develop and validate new test methods for emerging materials like organic cotton and bio-protective fabrics?
VA : We follow a structured R&D approach involving : Reference to international standards and guidance documents. Method optimization and validation (accuracy, precision, LOD/LOQ). Participation in inter-laboratory comparisons. Continuous review based on customer and regulatory feedback This ensures new methods are scientifically robust and audit-ready.
TM : As brands and manufacturers increasingly focus on sustainability and compliance, how does market demand influence the evolution of your testing services?
VA : Market demand increasingly emphasizes sustainability, chemical safety, traceability, and regulatory compliance. This has driven us to expand services in organic cotton testing, GMO screening, PPE testing, and restricted substance support, aligning our offerings with global brand expectations.
TM : How has customer feedback from apparel exporters and textile mills guided innovation in your service offerings and laboratory processes?
VA : Customer feedback has helped us : Optimize turnaround times Improve report clarity Introduce bundled testing solutions Strengthen pre- and post-test technical support This customer-centric approach ensures services remain practical and industry relevant.
TM : What innovative testing capabilities are you currently developing to address future industry needs, such as advanced fiber performance or restricted substances?
VA : We are actively developing capabilities in : Enhanced fiber identification and screening, Expanded contaminant and sustainability-related testing, Improved biological testing sensitivity. These initiatives are aimed at addressing future compliance and sustainability requirements.
TM : Viridian operates in the textile testing space with a strong emphasis on quality certifications how has your business strategy adapted to global regulatory requirements?
VA : Our strategy focuses on compliance-first growth by aligning with international standards, maintaining accreditation discipline, and continuously upgrading technical competence to meet global regulatory expectations.
TM : What experiences in working with different segments (apparel brands, PPE manufacturers, organic cotton growers) have helped refine your approach to client engagement?
VA : Working with apparel exporters, PPE manufacturers, and organic cotton stakeholders has taught us the importance of technical transparency, responsiveness, and education-based engagement, rather than transactional testing alone.
TM : As compliance standards evolve globally, how does your leadership balance investment in new technologies with strategic business growth?
VA : We prioritize strategic investments that directly enhance compliance capability, customer value, and long-term sustainability, ensuring growth is both technically and financially sound.
TM : How has the Indian textile industry’s approach to quality and compliance testing evolved, and what role do labs like Viridian play in that transformation?
VA : Labs like Viridian act as quality enablers, helping manufacturers meet international benchmarks, reduce risk, and improve product credibility in global markets.
TM : What emerging technologies (e.g., automation, digital reporting, rapid fiber analysis) will most impact textile and apparel testing in the coming years?
VA : Key trends include : Automation and digital data capture, Rapid fiber and contaminant analysis, Digital reporting and traceability systems, these will significantly improve efficiency and transparency.
TM : From an R&D standpoint, what gaps still exist in India’s textile testing infrastructure, especially around organic cotton verification and sustainability metrics?
VA : There is a need for more advanced biological testing, traceability validation, and sustainability metrics, especially in organic cotton and recycled materials.
TM : With global brands emphasizing sustainability and traceability, how do you see the demand for specialized testing (organic, fiber content, contaminants) evolving in India?
VA : Demand for organic, fiber authenticity, and contaminant testing will grow rapidly as brands prioritize traceability and sustainability.
TM : What role will advanced analytics, digital traceability and lab automation play in supporting India’s textile and apparel industry growth?
VA : We will support faster decision-making, improved audit readiness, and scalable compliance solutions for the industry.
TM : How is Viridian preparing technically and strategically to support future opportunities such as recycled fiber testing, multi-parametric sustainability assessments, or eco-certification services?
VA : We are investing in: Advanced biological and fiber testing. Automation and data integrity systems. Expanded sustainability and eco-compliance services & RSL testing capability.
TM : As a testing lab, how does Viridian integrate environmental and social responsibility into its operations especially in energy use, waste handling and laboratory safety?
VA : We focus on : Energy-efficient operations Proper chemical and biological waste handling Strong laboratory safety and biosafety practices.
TM : How do you ensure ethical practices and skill development for your lab workforce, particularly in areas requiring high technical competence?
VA : Through continuous training, ethical testing practices, transparent reporting, and skill upgradation aligned with evolving technologies.
TM : With increased emphasis on sustainable textiles, how does your testing support brands that prioritize organic cotton compliance and GMO-free certification improving transparency for consumers?
VA : Our organic cotton and GMO-free testing helps brands substantiate sustainability claims, improving trust and transparency for end consumers.
TM : Has Viridian received recognitions, accreditations or certifications that have strengthened its industry credibility and global market confidence?
VA : Viridian Testing Laboratories LLP is NABL accredited as per ISO/IEC 17025 and approved by regulatory authorities including BIS, CDSCO, APEDA and US CPSC. Our laboratory is also recognized by GOTS, Textile Exchange and OCA, which significantly strengthens our credibility and builds confidence among both domestic and international clients.
TM : What recent milestones such as new testing capabilities, international partnerships or facility expansions have marked a new phase of growth?
VA : Key milestones include expansion of biological testing capabilities, increased industry collaborations, and enhanced infrastructure.
TM : How do industry events, textile shows and quality forums help Viridian promote its services and stay current with global standards and innovations?
VA : Participation in textile exhibitions and quality forums helps us stay updated with global standards and engage directly with industry stakeholders.