Market Reports | Technical Textiles & Non-Wovens

Current Global Technical Textiles Scenario: Iti Dubey

Published: January 27, 2023

Author: Iti Dubey

The size of the worldwide technical textile market was evaluated at USD 176.6 billion in 2019 and is projected to increase at a CAGR of 4.5% from 2020 to 2027. The market for technical textiles is expected to increase across a variety of end-use industries, including agriculture, construction, aerospace, medicine, and packaging as more people become aware of their advantages. Modern biotechnology has accelerated the progress of conventional farming practises toward a more scientific method. It is anticipated that the adoption and use of highly effective technologies in the agricultural sector would boost crop output, which will have an impact on overall productivity and the need for technological textiles.

The technical textiles market is primarily driven by elements including strengthening national economies, technological developments, and expanding end-use applications. Technical textiles’ popularity and market penetration worldwide have been aided by their cost-effectiveness, durability, high strength, lightweight, versatility, customization, user-friendliness, and eco-friendliness. Over the past ten years, the sector has seen several design, fiber, and technology improvements and R&D developments.

Increased applications in a variety of industries are due to improvements in the functionality of technical fibers and yarns, such as low elongation at break-high tenacity, low thermal shrinkage, high modulus, high resistance to corrosion, higher thermal stability, etc., which were the result of significant investments in R&D by industry participants.

A total of 51 high-growth potential goods that made up more than 25% of the sector in 2017 are included in the technical textiles. Mulch mats, shade nets, crop covers, anti-hail, sanitary napkins, artificial heart valves, bulletproof jackets, disposable bed sheets, industrial gear, incontinence diapers, baby diapers, sanitary napkins, disposable surgical supplies, etc. are a few examples of these. These goods represent a variety of application sectors and cross-disciplinary segments.

From 2020 to 2027, the market for technical textiles in the United States is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.8%, reaching USD 39.3 billion. Industry expansion in the automotive, medical, building, agricultural, packaging, and aerospace sectors is predicted to drive market expansion in the nation.

Manufacturing Insights

The market share of 3D weaving manufacturing technology was 23.9% in 2019 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% from 2020 to 2027. The use of 3D weaving manufacturing technology across a wide range of application sectors, including agricultural, medicine, industrial, packaging, aerospace, and automotive, is projected to lead to segmental expansion.

The use of 3D knitting production technology aids in the control of knit structures’ dimensionality and weft knitting’s 3D shape. The technology also enables changes and enhancements in the user interface, resulting in knit product designs that are more effective and high performing. Over the forecast period, this is anticipated to fuel the technical textile market’s expansion.

Finishing processes are increasingly utilized in product manufacturing to enhance the product’s performance and to improve the product’s size, touch, look, and features. Additionally, it gets rid of additives and contaminants, making the product more popular across all application areas.

In the creation of technical textiles, the use of nanomaterials like nanoparticles and nanofibers aids in producing goods with greater mechanical strength, antimicrobial characteristics, chemical resistance, and water repellency. Nanotechnology is also used in product manufacture to enhance characteristics like color, texture, and durability.

End-use Insights

The market share of home tech textiles, which was 19.8% in terms of revenue in 2019, was the largest. From 2020 to 2027, this market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2%. This market category consists of goods used in domestic settings, such as furniture, cushioning, fireproofing, floor and wall coverings, and textile-reinforced constructions that offer aesthetic appeal, comfort, and security.

Because of their practical advantages, such as greater weather resistance, microbial protection, protection from solar and ultraviolet radiation, and water conservation, agro textiles are widely employed in the agricultural industry. These goods provide exceptional crop protection, boosting total productivity and enhancing crop quality.

Buildtech textiles are used to aid in the development of infrastructure and temporary or permanent buildings. The product is employed in infrastructure development as well as the construction of homes and businesses. Additionally, it has a wide range of uses, such as material proofing, concrete reinforcement, interior construction, thermal and acoustic insulation, and building foundation.

Baby diapers, feminine products, adult incontinence products, and other applications in hygiene, personal care, surgery, and healthcare are all made with MedTech fabrics. Over the course of the projection period, it is anticipated that increasing menstrual hygiene awareness, an older population, and a rising birth rate in developing nations will boost product demand for hygiene applications.

Regional Insights

In 2017, the largest regional market was in North America. Consumption of technical textiles is rising along with the penetration of these items, and numerous countries meet their need by primarily importing these smart textiles from the United States.

India, Vietnam, Brazil, and Taiwan are among the United States’ top export destinations. Korea and Taiwan have grown to be potential threats to the US. In comparison to other areas, the Asia Pacific market is anticipated to expand more quickly.

With 45.9% of the market’s revenue in 2019, Asia Pacific dominated the field. Over the forecast period, the dominating trend for the region is anticipated to persist. Over the projection period, the industry’s growth is anticipated to be fueled by the rising demand for clothes, particularly practical clothing.

Due to the expansion of the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors brought on by the region’s sustained economic growth, product demand is anticipated to increase over the projected period. Additionally, booming tourism has increased the need for restaurants, resorts, and fast-food chains, which has fueled the expansion of the technical textiles sector.

The market in Europe is expected to experience exponential growth over the course of the projected period because to the increased product demand in home and apparel and fashion applications. The market for technical textiles in the region is also anticipated to be driven by increased healthcare activities, medical tourism, and an aging European population.

The demand for build-tech textiles is expected to be driven by the expanding residential sector because of rising immigration rates. In addition, growing infrastructure investments are probably going to increase the need for tarpaulins, awnings, and canopies in both new construction and repair projects.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

To increase their market share, major players are upgrading their product lines and launching cutting-edge new items. For instance, Ahlstrom-Munksjo introduced Pure Armor in 2017, a breathable impermeable fabric for cleanroom gear protection against bloodborne diseases. This aids the business in securing a leading position in the technical textiles sector. The benchmarking of the major competitors has taken into account factors such as their geographic reach, product portfolio, distribution networks, innovation, operational capabilities, strategic advancements, and the presence of their brands on the market.

DuPont De Nemours & Co., Royal Ten Cate, Johns Manville, Ahlstrom Corporation, GSE Environmental Inc., Proctor and Gamble, Freudenberg & Co., Hindustan Technical Fabrics Limited, Huesker Synthetic GmbH, and 3M are a few of the top companies actively active in the market.

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