Market Overview
The adoption of flame-resistant fabrics has witnessed a consistent upward trend in the market, driven by technological advancements. Strict government regulations imposed globally further contribute to the increased demand for these fabrics. The necessity for flame-resistant fabrics has been underscored by a rise in industrial accidents, particularly in sectors such as chemical, oil and gas, and electrical and electronics. Governmental bodies have prioritized worker safety, implementing stringent guidelines for occupational and environmental safety, thereby driving the market growth of flame-resistant fabrics. The market is segmented based on applications, including industrial protective clothing, law enforcement and firefighting services, and transportation, among others.
Industrial protective clothing holds a significant share in the global market for flame-resistant fabrics due to the implementation of rigorous safety regulations across industries, leading to robust demand. The expansion of the chemical and oil and gas industries in both developing and developed nations has further accelerated market growth. Other applications are projected to stimulate the demand for flame-resistant fabrics in the near future. The Asia-Pacific region is the fastest-growing market for flame-resistant fabrics and is expected to sustain this growth. Europe holds the largest market share, followed by North America. The sustained demand from various end-user industries globally is driving the growth of the flame-resistant fabric market, with further expansion anticipated. The global market for flame-resistant and retardant fabric, valued at USD 5 billion in 2022, is projected to reach USD 8.5 billion by 2028, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.2% from 2018 to 2028.
Key market trends and drivers:
Fire-retardant materials play a vital role in the automotive industry, aiding in the prevention of fire spread caused by risky components like batteries or inflammable substances. The rise of high-velocity, quick-acceleration electric vehicles, coupled with stricter safety standards mandated by regulatory bodies, has contributed to the growth of the fire-resistant fabric market. There has been a noticeable shift in consumer preference towards technologically advanced, cost-efficient, and low-maintenance vehicles with comprehensive interior applications and safety features. This shift has led to an increased utilization of fabrics in vehicles. According to the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d’Automobiles (OICA), global vehicle sales experienced a significant surge, reaching 90,423,687 units in 2019. This surge, driven by advanced features, is expected to drive market expansion. The growing global demand and sales of electric vehicles further enhance this growth. The International Energy Agency reported 3.29 million EVs globally in 2018, with projections reaching up to 125 million by 2030.
Heat-resistant textiles play a crucial role in modern protective clothing, primarily used in key industries such as chemicals, construction, and oil and gas. The oil and gas sector has shown significant interest due to hazardous working conditions that necessitate the use of heat-resilient attire. The increasing focus on employee safety, regulatory compliance, and the high costs associated with workplace accidents have boosted the demand for heat-resistant fabrics. This demand is expected to persist as developing economies begin to regulate safety gear in their domestic industrial sectors. Currently, the market demands cost-effective, fire-resistant fabrics that meet or exceed regional standards. As applications evolve, customers seek multifunctional fire-resistant protective clothing that serves multiple roles. While fire-resistant garments offer protection against fire, they may not provide comprehensive protection against other industrial hazards. Industries like oil, gas, and chemicals often face multiple threats simultaneously, requiring multifunctional protective clothing. Changes in the defense sector also necessitate additional comfort in protective suits by improving flexibility, reducing weight, and incorporating cooling technologies such as phase change materials (PCMs).
Key market challenges
The production of textiles entails complex physical and chemical procedures that present potential environmental risks. For instance, the manufacturing of one kilogram of flame-retardant cotton curtains results in eight kilograms of CO2 emissions. In fiscal year 2018, the Teijin Group observed a 5% increase in CO2 emissions compared to fiscal year 2017. Additionally, natural disasters such as cyclones, earthquakes, and floods can negatively impact business operations, causing disruptions in the entire supply chain. An illustrative example is the significant impact heavy rainfall had on the cotton harvest in Texas in 2019, posing challenges to the harvesting process. Such calamities not only lead to volatile raw material prices but also affect material availability.
Moreover, fluctuations in raw material prices can be influenced by various internal and external economic factors. For instance, in 2019, geopolitical tensions among the USA, Iran, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia caused fluctuations in the prices of energy sources like crude oil, natural gas, and coal. These unexpected shifts in raw material prices can raise or lower energy costs, thereby acting as a limiting factor for the growth of the fire-resistant fabric market.
The Teijin Group remains dedicated to minimizing the environmental impact of its operations and products. To fulfill this commitment, the company has implemented several initiatives to reduce CO2 emissions and promote sustainability across its supply chain. These initiatives include investments in energy-efficient equipment, the utilization of renewable energy sources, and the adoption of eco-friendly production processes.
Furthermore, the Teijin Group has implemented rigorous quality control measures to ensure that its fire-resistant fabrics comply with international standards and regulations. This not only ensures the safety of end-users but also enhances customer trust and satisfaction.
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Competitive Analysis
Key companies in the fire-resistant fabric market include
- DuPont de Nemours and Company (U.S.)
- Kaneka Corporation (Japan)
- PBI Performance Products Inc. (U.S.)
- Royal TenCate N.V. (Netherlands)
- Teijin Ltd. (Japan)
- Westex by Milliken (U.S.)
- Gun EI Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. (Japan)
- Huntsman Corporation (U.S.)
- Lenzing AG (Austria)
- Solvay S.A. (Belgium)
- Gore Associates Inc. (U.S.)
The fire resistant fabric market is characterized by the presence of prominent players such as DuPont De Nemours and Company (U.S.), Kaneka Corporation (Japan), PBI Performance Products Inc. (U.S.), and Royal TenCate N.V. (Netherlands). Each company brings distinct strengths to the market, enhancing the competitive landscape.
DuPont De Nemours and Company, a significant player in the U.S. market, offers a wide range of fire-resistant fabrics that adhere to stringent safety standards. Kaneka Corporation from Japan focuses on innovation in flame-resistant materials, optimizing their resilience and longevity.
PBI Performance Products Inc. (U.S.) is renowned for its premium-quality fire-resistant fabrics, primarily used in high-risk industries such as firefighting and aerospace. Royal TenCate N.V. (Netherlands) provides a diverse product portfolio that addresses various fire safety needs across sectors.
Teijin Ltd. (Japan), our company, is dedicated to reducing environmental impact and ensuring high standards of product safety through rigorous quality control measures. Westex By Milliken (U.S.) emphasizes the combination of comfort and safety in their fire-resistant fabrics, promoting user-friendliness.
Gun EI Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. (Japan) is known for their technical expertise in fire-resistant material production, while Huntsman Corporation (U.S.) brings substantial experience in chemical manufacturing, facilitating the creation of robust fire-resistant fabrics.
Lenzing AG (Austria) is recognized for its sustainable practices, employing eco-friendly production processes to manufacture fire-resistant fabrics. Solvay S.A. (Belgium) focuses on the development of high-performance polymers for flame-resistant materials.
Finally, W. L. Gore Associates Inc. (U.S.) is renowned for its technologically advanced fire-resistant fabrics, targeting industries where superior quality and high performance are paramount. This competitive landscape fosters continuous improvement as each player strives to outperform others while meeting evolving market demands.
Recent Developments and News:
- In January 2019, Lenzing AG expanded its presence through the establishment of a Center of Excellence in Indonesia. This facility provides laboratory and analytical capabilities for conducting trials and analyses of fibers and yarns, with the goal of enhancing product quality. The Indonesian LCOE represents a significant milestone in strengthening Lenzing’s customer partnerships.
- In April 2020, DuPont launched the TyvekTogether program, introducing a new Tyvek texture specifically designed for healthcare professionals. This program aims to support the global fight against ongoing challenges by offering protective clothing.
- As part of their commitment to meeting the highest protective standards, Carrington Textiles has obtained RU status for six of its fire-resistant fabrics in the “fire-safe clothing for the protection of industrial personnel against short-term thermal exposure from fire” category. With UL approval for these exceptional flame-resistant fabrics, Carrington Textiles can now focus on the North American market, providing products that ensure outstanding wearer safety.
- In June 2022, DuPont introduced a novel flame-resistant fabric, DuPont Nomex Comfort with EcoForce technology. This fabric, featuring a bio-based chemical-repellent coating, not only enhances the sustainability of protective apparel but also improves worker safety by delivering best-in-class flame and chemical resistance. This addresses the rising environmental concerns surrounding personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Also in June 2022, Ultrafabrics collaborated with Tapis Corporation and Franklin Products to develop Atago, an innovative fire-retardant fabric solution incorporating state-of-the-art fire-blocking backcloth.
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Segmentations Analysis
The flame-resistant fabric market can be segmented based on its application into the following categories:
- Industrial Protective Clothing
- Law Enforcement and Firefighting Service
In 2020, the largest application segment of the global flame-resistant fabric market was industrial protective clothing. This category encompasses various types of protective clothing, including protection from extreme cold, ballistic and mechanical hazards, radiation, bacteria or viruses, harmful particulate matter, chemicals, fire, and heat. The demand for industrial protective clothing is driven by stringent safety regulations in industries such as oil and gas and chemicals.
Law enforcement and firefighting services accounted for the second-largest application segment of the global flame-resistant fabric market. The safety of workers is a major concern in these fields, which fuels the demand for flame-resistant fabrics as these individuals risk their lives to save others in dangerous situations. The demand for flame-resistant fabrics is also expected to increase in the transport and other application sectors due to strict safety regulations for industrial workers. These factors contribute to the overall growth of the global flame-resistant fabrics market across various end-user industries from 2018 to 2028.
Based on geography, the global flame-resistant fabric market is segmented into the following categories:
- North America
- Europe
- Germany
- France
- UK.
- Italy
- Spain
- Rest of Europe
- Asia Pacific
- China
- Japan
- India
- South Korea
- South-east Asia
- Rest of Asia Pacific
- Latin America
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Rest of Latin America
- Middle East and Africa
- GCC Countries
- South Africa
- Rest of the Middle East and Africa
The flame-resistant fabric market witnessed a significant presence in Europe in 2020. Strict government regulations and industry-specific mandates are propelling the global demand for flame-resistant wear across various sectors. Following Europe, North America also witnessed substantial demand for flame-resistant fabrics, driven by the expanding oil and chemical industries worldwide. The safety of workers in these industries remains a top priority, leading to high demand for flame-resistant fabrics in both developed and developing economies. The Asia-Pacific region is emerging as the fastest-growing market for flame-resistant fabrics, fueled by the increasing demand from the chemical and oil and gas industries. Moreover, the Middle East, Africa, and other regions are expected to contribute to the growth of flame-resistant fabrics due to the expansion of industries in these areas.
