Worldwide, the textile sector contributes significantly to the economy. The textile business produces important goods for people all around the world, from the production of fibers to the manufacture of clothing. The market is expected to increase in size to $266.38 billion by 2025.
As we approach a new decade and continue to feel the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, the textile industry has evolved new trends. The textile business, like the rest of the world, is adjusting to the modern era by implementing new methods of production and distribution. The future of the textile industry and its impact on the global economy are revealed by these tendencies.
Let’s have a look ahead to 2022 and the most significant trends in the worldwide textile business. But, before you proceed, check out this amazing book The Uncommon Series at books like.
Increased Demand for Natural Fibers
An increase in the interest in textiles made from natural materials is one of the most noticeable recent developments in the textile industry. Naturally occurring examples of these fibers include animal fur, plant matter, and mineral compounds. Due to their durability and widespread availability, natural fibers have become a fashionable choice.
Fibers that come from nature are:
- Cotton
- Flax
- Milkweed
- Hemp
These fibers are used by manufacturers to weave organic textiles. Fabrics that are 100% natural include:
- Cotton
Cotton is one of the most widely used textiles in the world, and it is produced from the seeds of the cotton plant. Cotton is a popular fabric because it is inexpensive and comfortable to wear. Cotton is used in many different textile products including garments, linens, paper, packaging, and more.
- Silk
The fibers of the silkworm, which produce silk, are renowned for their luxurious softness and exquisite sheen. Silk is most commonly associated with the apparel business, but it has also found application in home furnishings such as pillows and drapes.
- Linen
Flax stalks are used to create linen, a fabric prized for its absorbency and adaptability. Linen is a versatile fabric that is used for many different types of clothes and household items.
- Wool
Wool is a natural fiber that is harvested from the coats of animals. Sweaters made from this fabric are known for their extreme coziness and comfort throughout the colder months.
- Cashmere
With its famously plush feel, cashmere is made from animal fibers. It is more costly than other fabrics due to its great demand. Knitters and fashion designers alike have put it to good use in a wide variety of yarn and fabric applications.
In 2022, one of the main textile industry trends is the rising desire for natural fibers and fabrics. Fibers like cotton grow fast and abundantly internationally in locations like China, India and the United States. Rapid expansion of natural fibers is a driving factor in the expansion of the textile industry. The demand for natural fibers is on the rise, and this is anticipated to result in a corresponding rise in production rates in the years to come.
The widespread use of natural fibers can be attributed to:
- Stronger than synthetic or processed materials, natural fibers last longer. Because of the high need for long-lasting products, numerous manufacturing sectors have increased their usage of natural fibers.
- Natural fibers have many applications and are therefore versatile. Many people want to put their money into these fibers because of how useful they are in a wide range of applications, from clothes to car upholstery.
- Natural fibers, including cotton, have a low ecological footprint since they break down in the environment over time. In response to growing environmental concerns, a wide range of companies are actively looking for climate-friendly materials with which to manufacture their goods. Because of the positive impact they have on the planet, natural fibers will continue to rise in popularity in the next decades.
- Much of the textile industry’s growth is attributable to the rising popularity of organic materials. With annual gains like these, it seems likely that this pattern will persist.
Replacing Woven Materials with Synthetic Ones
In 2022, the textile sector will also see a significant shift toward non-woven textiles. Sheets and materials created using thermal or chemical techniques are known as non-woven textiles. Non-woven materials are linked together chemically, as opposed to woven fabrics which involve converting fibers to yarn. In the Asia-Pacific and Europe, non-woven fabrics are extremely common.
In recent years, non-woven materials have become increasingly popular. Many different types of businesses can benefit from using these textiles as they have:
- Resilience
- Cushioning
- Wash ability
- Cost-efficiency
- Softness
- Stretch
Because of their adaptability, these textiles have recently surged in popularity. Non-woven materials can be used for a wide variety of purposes, from car parts to farm covers. The automotive and personal hygiene industries in particular have contributed to this shift.
Synthetic Fibers in Personal Hygiene Items
Non-woven materials are found in many hygienic products. The absorbency and gentleness of non-woven fabric make it a good choice for most sanitary products. Fast liquid absorption is very useful for products like diapers and sanitary napkins. In addition, steady birth rates around the world have led to a growth in demand for diapers and other baby supplies.
The market for non-woven fabric is fueled in part by the increasing demand for hygienic goods among the elderly population. The requirement for non-woven fabric is expected to rise as the number of people in the 65 and up age group continues to swell. As the population of this age group grows, we may expect to see this new trend in the textile sector carry on well into the 2020s.
Transportation of Non-woven Fabric
The transportation business is yet another that depends greatly on non-woven materials. Transportation employs non-woven materials extensively, from vehicles and buses to planes and trains. With no signs of slowing down, the need for non-woven materials in the transportation sector is only going to increase. Increasing consumer demand is a major driving factor in this emerging style in the textile business.
Some potential applications of non-woven fabrics in the automobile industry are as follows:
- Carpets are common in the interiors of airplanes, buses, and cars. These carpets typically feature a primary layer and backing made of non-woven materials.
- Most automakers employ non-woven materials in tires for reinforcing. They can reinforce the tire and make it last longer.
- Many vehicles’ insulation is made of non-woven textiles, which also serve as a fire barrier. They are used to line cars and thereby help maintain a constant interior temperature.
- Geotextiles, a form of non-woven material, are commonly used by road builders to line roads. The road’s resilience is enhanced by the use of non-woven fibers.
- Inkjet printers are becoming increasingly popular for printing textiles.
Use of Digital Textile Printing Rises
One of the latest developments in the textile market is digital textile printing. This method is distinct from the standard textile printing procedure since it transfers a digital file’s picture onto the fabric. In contrast, conventional textile printing utilizes rotary screens through which colors are infused. To a large extent due to its low resource use and minimal ecological footprint, digital printing continues to rise in popularity.
Digital printing processes have been increasingly popular in the textile sector in recent years, and this trend is only expected to increase. Digital printing’s efficiency and profitability are both improving as a result of designers’ persistent innovation. It grew rapidly in the 2010s and is expected to continue doing so in the 2020s.
This widespread adoption of digital textile printing can be attributed to its many benefits.
- Digital printers are economical since they use far less supplies than conventional textile machines. In general, expenses are reduced because neither rotational plates nor engraving supplies are required. For smaller orders, this method is preferable because it saves money by avoiding the need to design new engravings from scratch. Textile manufacturers that are smaller in scale appreciate the cost-effectiveness of producing smaller orders.
- Digital designs have the advantage of being easily modified and revised on the fly. In addition, digital prints can be made and returned quickly. If you make a mistake in your design, you won’t have to waste time waiting for fresh rotary screens; instead, you can quickly print a revised version.
- Digital printing allows you unlimited design freedom. The number of screens that can display a digital technology’s graphics is unlimited. Textile makers are free to develop distinctive patterns for any number of end users.
- Digital textile printing has a low ecological footprint and is therefore a sustainable option. When compared to conventional textile printing methods, digital printing significantly reduces the amount of water and ink required. Rotary screens save water because they may be reused between colors. Furthermore, ink waste and extra chemicals that could be harmful to the environment are greatly reduced because of the precise process used to deposit ink onto fabric in digital prints.
The expansion of digital printing technology has contributed significantly to the textile industry’s growth in recent years. An analysis of the textile market would suggest they will have a major impact in the sector going forward.
Supply And Demand for Sustainability Increases
A move toward more eco-friendly materials is another important development in the textile market. People are looking for greener products because of rising climate change worries. Because of this, the textile business has been adopting eco-friendlier practices in order to retain customers.
The textile business employs the following methods to promote more environmentally friendly procedures:
- One of the most noteworthy ways that the textile industry has updated for sustainability is through the use of renewable materials, such as the creation of clothing that is easily recyclable. Many businesses, for instance, now consider textile manufacturing a circular, rather than linear, process. Part of this shift in perspective is an increased focus on making products from natural, renewable resources. That way, buyers can get multiple uses out of textiles, rather than just one.
- The extra carbon dioxide you release into the air stays there for a long time, warming the earth very gradually. Most textile mills ship their goods via airplane, contributing significantly to atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. Some businesses opt for greener modes of transportation, such as shipping goods over long distances.
- Clothing is waterproofed, pressed, and colored in the latter phases of the textile manufacturing process, where chemical procedures are also being reevaluated. During production, manufacturers frequently waste water and employ potentially dangerous substances. Choosing non-hazardous chemicals and conserving as much water as possible are two easy ways for many businesses to cut back.
The textile industry may expect continued customer pressure for more eco-friendly procedures as time goes on. Businesses that take these requests seriously will gain customer goodwill and, maybe, additional sales.
Additional International Trends
As the COVID-19 epidemic has spread in recent years, key countries in the textile industry have experienced production challenges. Nonetheless, the textile industry remains a major contributor to global GDP. A few current textile fads from around the world are listed here.
North America
The United States is a major exporter of yarns, textiles, and garments. Moreover, it’s a huge source of employment, with an expected 529,600 jobs in the sector by the year 2020. New materials for the textile industry are also developed in the United States.
The United States saw its first drop in textile sales since 2009 in 2020, resulting in a small total revenue loss. COVID-19’s effects on production and shipping are substantially to blame for the decreased rate. Nevertheless, in 2020 the United States textile business will be worth $64.4 billion, among the highest revenue rates of any industry.
For example, the production of yarns and textiles is expected to bring in $25.7 billion in 2020, making it the largest source of revenue for the United States textile industry.
Europe
The textile sector in Europe is huge, generating almost $150 billion each year and employing 1.7 million people. The European Union is a major producer of textiles and apparel for both the domestic market and export markets. The largest European textile producers are Germany, Spain, Portugal, France, and Italy.
Since 2020, disposable incomes in most European countries have risen, which has coincided with a rise in the popularity of internet shopping. Many people resorted to buying garments online because of this surge and the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, textile production and retail activity increased.
Europe’s textile market is at the forefront of studying the textile industry’s impact on the environment. Europe’s textile sector has been working hard to develop more environmentally friendly practices in response to the growing demand for sustainable alternatives.
Asia
With China classified as the world’s largest textile exporter in 2020, Asia is home to the most lucrative textile industry. Fabric, clothes, and other materials are manufactured and exported by the industry.
Due to factors such as rising consumer interest in fashion accessories, the Asian textile industry saw increased profits in 2021 compared to the previous year. This boost was largely due to a rise in fashion sales, from clothing and outerwear to jewelry and footwear. Buyers from all over the world, including on the continent, contributed to the rise in interest.
In Asia, home textiles contributed to the rise in earnings. More people wanted to buy home textiles in 2021. This included things like blankets, sheets, rugs, and dish towels. The increased export of these household items helped the sector to increase sales.
AUTHOR: Kimberly Shaw
