The global market for technical textiles was valued at a significant USD 187 billion in 2022, with projections indicating a CAGR of 4.6% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2028. The sector’s growth is largely driven by the burgeoning automobile industry, particularly in burgeoning markets such as the Middle East, Asia Pacific, and Latin America. Technical textiles, lauded for their superior features and specific functionalities, find extensive use in automobiles for safety and insulating purposes, floor coverings, protective gear, and composites. These textiles’ superior technical performance, robust strength, and versatility make them a preferred choice for commercial, domestic, and industrial applications.
The global technical textiles market is characterized by substantial investments in research and development, leading to product innovation. Major market players are actively seeking to develop new applications to meet customer demand. These strategies are set to bolster the growth of the global technical textiles market over the forecast period. The versatility of technical textiles, adapted for various uses and applications, is expected to boost the sector, given its wide-scale adoption across multiple industries. Notwithstanding, high raw material costs pose a significant challenge for market players.
The adoption of Geotextiles presents significant opportunities for market players over the forecast period. Fast-developing regions like Latin America and the Asia Pacific are anticipated to witness rapid adoption of technical textiles across various industries. Key countries, including Brazil, China, and India, are set to drive their respective regional market sectors. This growing trend in these emerging regions provides ample opportunities for the development, expansion, and growth of the global technical textiles market.
The automotive sector’s surging demand for technical textiles is primarily due to a demand for fuel-efficient, lightweight vehicles. Technical textiles find extensive use in vehicle interiors and exteriors, including airbags, seatbelts, carpets, and upholstery. Advanced technical features such as increased durability, high strength-to-weight ratio, heat resistance, UV protection make technical textiles an attractive choice for automotive manufacturers. Furthermore, the growing focus on sustainable and environmentally friendly materials has also led to an increase in the use of technical textiles in the automotive sector.
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Driver: Increasing Adaptability and Awareness of the Products
The technical textiles market is experiencing significant growth, primarily driven by the increasing adaptability and recognition of such products. There is a growing awareness of the advanced functionalities and diverse applications of technical textiles, which is fueling their higher usage. This shift is towards products that offer versatility, durability, and enhanced features such as personal safety, superior strength, and lightweight construction. Consequently, traditional manufacturing practices are being challenged to innovate and improve conventional fibers, thereby contributing to the evolution of technical textiles. The demand for technical textiles is further amplified by their unique value proposition in various industries, including healthcare, automotive, and apparel.
The technical textiles market is characterized by its wide range of applications, and its growth is significantly influenced by the expansion of individual end-use industries in each country. For instance, in emerging economies like China and India, the growth of the industrial sector surpasses that of developed economies in the American and European regions. Rapid industrialization in these economies is expected to create a highly favorable environment for market growth.
With continuous technological advancements and product innovations in the manufacturing sectors, the range of technical textiles is expanding. For example, within the medical industry, the demand for biocompatible, implantable, durable, and lightweight materials has led to a wide range of MedTech applications, ranging from simple bandages to permanent body implants. In recent years, nanotechnology has emerged as a crucial factor, playing a significant role in the development of new textile materials and enhancing the properties of existing textiles. For instance, in the construction industry, nano-fibers and nano-tubes are utilized to produce stronger and lighter concrete materials designed to withstand prolonged periods.
Restraint: High Cost of Finished Products
The manufacturing of technical textiles entails a complex process that poses a significant challenge. The requirement for sophisticated infrastructure, which is cost-sensitive, along with the costly procurement of raw materials, contributes to the overall price of the final product. This situation limits manufacturers’ ability to achieve substantial profit margins. Moreover, the high cost of technical textiles indirectly impacts the pricing structure of intermediate industries, potentially making the end products less affordable for consumers. Achieving a balance between cost and accessibility is crucial for ensuring continuous market growth. Therefore, there is an urgent need for industry innovation to reduce costs and improve availability.
Opportunity: Proliferation of New Technologies
The rise of cutting-edge technologies brings significant opportunities for the technical textiles industry, driving substantial growth across its product divisions, particularly in the field of technical textiles. These advancements are expected to lower manufacturing costs, thus enhancing the commercial viability of technical textile production. Improved technologies in spinning, weaving, and knitting have simplified the manufacturing of technical textile fibers with essential functional properties. The focus on high-performance fiber development is particularly evident in technologically advanced nations like the United States, Japan, Canada, and various European countries. Moreover, emerging economies such as India, China, and Korea are also progressing, indicating a globally diverse range of prospects for technical textiles.
Key Market Challenges
Challenge: Varying Environmental Mandates Across Regions
Regulatory requirements pertaining to chemical utilization in the industry pose a significant challenge. Manufacturers are faced with the complex task of adapting their use of textile production materials to comply with region-specific laws. These regulations have far-reaching implications for consumers, governments, and intermediary industries alike. Consumer preferences for biodegradable and environmentally friendly materials are evident, while intermediary industries strive to strike a balance between product cost and market share. Stringent guidelines, particularly in Europe, North America, and Asia, place a strong emphasis on recycling rates, container deposits, and waste management, highlighting the pressing need for sustainable practices within the sector.
Competitive Analysis
The commerce arena is highly segmented, with numerous key market participants actively forming alliances, collaborations, and partnerships with other businesses. Many companies are also engaging in mergers and acquisitions to expand their production capabilities and diversify their product offerings. For example, Avintiv has not only increased their product prices but also acquired Duonor S.A.S. Such strategic maneuvers are implemented to meet product demand and secure a significant share in the global technical textiles market by integrating new techniques and capabilities. This market report profiles the key industry players, including Low & Bonar PLC, Freudenberg Group, Berry Global Group, Inc., Ahlstrom-Munksjo, Asahi Kasei Advance Corp., Kimberly-Clark Corp., Mitsui Chemicals, Inc., Huntsman International LLC, Berry Global Group, Inc., and Toray Industries, Inc.
Segment Analysis
Technical Textiles Market By Technology:
The manufacture of technical textiles involves key components such as yarns, fibers, and filaments. Various techniques are employed in the production process, including 3D knitting, 3D weaving, handmade methods, heat-setting procedures, finishing treatments, thermoforming, and nanotechnology. Among these, 3D weaving, thermoforming, and 3D knitting are commonly used methods, while emerging approaches like nanotechnology are anticipated to gain traction in the technical textiles sector, driving global market growth. Thermoforming, a heat treatment process used to shape fabric-layered composites into different forms, finds applications in sectors such as packtech, indutech, hometech, and mobiltech. The 3D weaving technique is utilized for creating spacer fabrics, surgical implants, geotextiles, conveyor belts, and webbings. Conversely, 3D knitting is employed to produce entire garments with minimal or no cutting, reducing manufacturing costs and production time by eliminating post-manual work. This innovative method also enhances the fit and comfort of knitwear for consumers by eliminating seams. The heat set procedure, conducted in either dry or moist climates, along with finishing treatments, are applied in the final stages of manufacturing.
Technical Textiles Market By End Use:
The technical textile industry is divided into 11 key sectors: Indutech, Sportech, Buildtech, Agrotech, Meditech, Mobiltech, Hometech, Clothtech, Packtech, and Protech. The Mobiltech sector has emerged as the global leader in the technical textiles market, closely followed by Indutech. This trend is projected to remain consistent throughout the forecasted period. The sectors expected to experience the highest growth are Buildtech and Meditech. Increasing infrastructure investments, particularly in developing regions like Central America, Asia Pacific, and South America, are expected to play a significant role in driving industry growth. This is due to supportive government policies, proactive government engagement, financial backing, assistance, and a favorable environment that encourages the expansion of the technical textiles industry. Additionally, the growing population and improved access to medical treatment are poised to boost the pharmaceutical and medical industry, consequently supporting the growth of the Meditech sector.
Technical Textiles Market By Region:
The Asia-Pacific region currently holds a dominant position in the global technical textiles market and is expected to maintain this lead. By 2028, it is estimated that this region will contribute to over forty-five percent of the total market consumption. However, there is a projected slight decrease in the market share of North America during the forecast period, mainly due to saturation in the end-use market. Emerging economies such as Brazil, China, and India are poised to witness significant growth in the technical textiles market, positioning themselves as future leaders in this sector. Key factors driving this growth include favorable government policies and initiatives that promote investment in infrastructure, production, and the healthcare sector, thereby shaping the future trajectory of the technical textiles industry in these developing regions.
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Asahi Kasei Fibers & Textiles expanded its production capacity for Lamous, a top-tier microfiber suede, in September 2017. The product finds extensive use in applications such as automotive interiors, IT accessories, apparel, furniture upholstery, and industrial materials.
In May 2017, Kimberly-Clark unveiled two additions to the Kleenex product line, tailored to meet contemporary needs. These include the Kleenex Ultra Soft Go-Anywhere tissue and Kleenex Multicare tissue, both of which offer enhanced size and strength within the facial tissue category.
Freudenberg & Co. Kg launched its Evolon® New Generation in June 2017. This product, comprised of microfilaments, enhances the product’s resilience to mechanical stress, repeated washing, and abrasion, thereby bolstering the company’s presence in the textile industry.
In July 2021, Glen Raven committed to investing USD 82 million to broaden its custom fabric operation in North Carolina, USA. The company’s portfolio of technical fabrics caters to varied applications including marine, automotive, protective, and others, under the GlenGuard and Strata brand names.
June 2021 saw the Lenzing Group introducing a new hydrophobic lyocell fiber with dry technology under the ‘VEOCEL’ brand. This product is designed for the personal care & hygiene sector, offering superior comfort, dryness, and softness.
In May 2021, Trinity Technology Group developed an array of microporous expanded PTFE laminated textiles for the medical device industry. This product caters to the stringent performance requirements of the medical industry, offering flexibility, tunable permeability, hydrophobicity, tenacity, and high dielectric strength.
The KARL MAYER GROUP is set to showcase solutions for customer-driven topics at ITMA in June 2023. A newly upgraded WEFTTRONIC® II G will be presented, and the company’s Care Solutions will offer additional support to customers, including service packages for machines for weft insertion and composites.
In June 2023, the Cinte Techtextil China trade show for technical textiles and nonwovens has already booked over double the floor space compared to the previous year. The European Zone will be hosted at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre from September 19-21, 2023. New and returning exhibitors are expected to display their products in the high-traffic zone of the show, targeting a domestic market eager for business opportunities.
Segmentation
ByManufacturing (2018 – 2028)
Hand-made Elements
Thermo-forming
3D Weaving
3D Knitting
Heat-set Synthetics
Finishing Treatments
Nanotechnology
Others
By End-use Outlook (2018 – 2028)
Transtech Textile
Agro Textiles
Buildtech Textiles
Indutech Textile
Hometech Textile
Medtech Textile
Packtech Textile
Sportech Textile
Protech Textile
Clothtech Textile
Others
By Regional Outlook (2018 – 2028)
North America
U.S.
Canada
Mexico
Europe
Germany
U.K.
France
Italy
Spain
Greece
Asia Pacific
China
India
Japan
Central & South America
Brazil
Middle East & Africa
Chapter 1: Methodology and Scope
1.1. Market Segmentation & Scope
1.2. Definition of the Market
1.3. Procuring Information
1.3.1. Database Purchases
1.3.3. Secondary Sources & External Perspectives
1.3.4. Primary Research
1.4. Analysing Information
1.4.1. Models for Data Analysis
1.5. Market Formulation & Data Visualization
1.6. Data Verification & Publication
Chapter 2: Executive Summary
2.1. Outlook of the Market
2.2. Outlook of Segments
2.3. Insights into the Competition
Chapter 3: Market Variables, Trends, and Scope
3.1. Outlook of Market Lineage
3.2. Analysis of Industry Value Chain
3.2.1. Trends of Major Raw Materials
3.3. Regulatory Framework
3.4. Technology Framework
3.4.1. Manufacturing Trends
3.5. Textiles Market – Market Dynamics
3.5.1. Analysis of Market Drivers
3.5.2. Analysis of Market Restraints
3.5.3. Challenges in the Industry
3.6. Porter’s Analysis of Five Forces
3.6.1. Suppliers’ Bargaining Power
3.6.2. Buyers’ Bargaining Power
3.6.3. Threat of Substitutes
3.6.4. Threat of New Entries
3.6.5. Competitive Rivalry
3.7. Industry Analysis – PESTLE by SWOT
3.7.1. Political Landscape
3.7.2. Economic Landscape
3.7.3. Social Landscape
3.7.4. Technology Landscape
3.7.5. Environmental Landscape
3.7.6. Legal Landscape
3.8. Analysis of Market Disruption
Chapter 4: Technical textiles Market: Manufacturing Estimates & Trend Analysis
4.1. Key Observations
4.2. Share Analysis of Material Market, 2022 & 2028
4.3. Thermo-forming
4.3.1. Market Estimates and Forecasts, 2018 – 2028 (Kilotons) (USD Million)
4.4. 3D Weaving
4.4.1. Market Estimates and Forecasts, 2018 – 2028 (Kilotons) (USD Million)
4.5. 3D Knitting
4.5.1. Market Estimates and Forecasts, 2018 – 2028 (Kilotons) (USD Million)
4.6. Nanotechnology
4.6.1. Market Estimates and Forecasts, 2018 – 2028 (Kilotons) (USD Million)
4.7. Synthesis via Heat-set
4.7.1. Market Estimates and Forecasts, 2018 – 2028 (Kilotons) (USD Million)
4.8. Finishing Treatment
4.8.1. Market Estimates and Forecasts, 2018 – 2028 (Kilotons) (USD Million)
4.9. Hand-made Elements
4.9.1. Market Estimates and Forecasts, 2018 – 2028 (Kilotons) (USD Million)
4.10. Other Methods
4.10.1. Market Estimates and Forecasts, 2018 – 2028 (Kilotons) (USD Million)
What are some factors driving the growth of the technical textiles industry?
The growth of the technical textiles industry is being driven by various factors including supportive government initiatives, enhanced access to healthcare, technological advancements, and rising infrastructure investments, particularly in emerging economies. There’s also a rise in demand for advanced materials, adoption of sustainable practices and circular economy, rapid urbanization and industrial growth, continuous research and development, and favorable trade policies.
How are technological advancements impacting the technical textiles industry?
Technological evolution is playing a significant role in the technical textiles industry, leading to the development of new materials, techniques, and technologies that improve product quality, functionality, and sustainability. This continuous innovation is helping the industry meet the changing demands of consumers.
How is the trend towards sustainability affecting the technical textiles industry?
The global push towards sustainable practices and adoption of a circular economy is prompting companies in the technical textiles industry to develop eco-friendly and recyclable products. This trend is fostering innovation and encouraging further investment in research and development.
What role do government initiatives play in the technical textiles industry?
Government initiatives including favorable policies and financial backing are crucial in promoting expansion in the technical textiles industry. These initiatives are particularly impactful in developing regions where they are encouraging industry growth.
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