Textile Fabrics Market Trends

Growth Drivers

• Increased demand for natural fibers: Since natural fiber composites are stronger and relatively lighter than conventional fibers, they are widely used in the automotive industry for exterior and interior purposes. Natural fibers from plants and animals include cashmere, hemp, jute, cashmere, silk, linen, cotton, and wool. These fibers are widely utilized to make apparel, accessories, building materials, medical treatments, and car interiors.
  
  Due to the abundance of natural fibers, especially cotton, in China and India, the global textile industry is growing significantly. The National Bureau of Statistics of China reported that 5,977 thousand tons of cotton were produced overall, representing a 4.3% increase or a 246-thousand-ton gain over 2021. Moreover, IBEF stated that India is the world's top producer with 23% of the world's total cotton production. Also, more than 13.06 million hectares of cotton are grown, compared to 33.1 million hectares worldwide.
• Advances in recycling technologies: The textile industry's rapid fashion practices have increased fiber consumption and waste production. According to a 2023, published article by Earth.Org Ltd. Reported that the annual production of textile waste is 92 million tons. The environmental damage caused by the production and disposal of textiles has accelerated the demand for effective recycling methods. According to the European Parliament, about 20% of the world's clean water pollution is caused by the dyeing and finishing of textiles. 
  
  To effectively address the end-of-life of textiles, research efforts have been driven toward more sustainable recycling alternatives due to growing environmental concerns. For instance, in January 2024, BASF and Inditex announced a breakthrough in promoting textile recyclability. BASF has launched loopamid, a polyamide 6 derived from 100% textile waste. This is the first circular solution for nylon garments.
• Emergence of smart textiles: Smart textiles integrate electronics into fabrics, provide interactive capabilities, and are gaining popularity in fitness, healthcare, and fashion. With advancements like wearable sensors for ongoing vital sign monitoring, health condition tracking, and smart bandages that promote wound healing, the healthcare industry is among the biggest users of smart textiles. The growing need for individualized healthcare solutions is accelerating the widespread adoption of these textiles. Moreover, Activewear that tracks physical activity, muscular tension, and hydration levels incorporates smart textiles into items like shirts and sneakers.  

Challenges

• Fluctuating raw material prices: Raw commodity prices, such as cotton, have risen dramatically over the previous five years as a result of global supply and demand. Due to the strain on profit margins, some textile makers have turned to other materials, such as polyester, since cotton has become more expensive to grow.
• Exposure to hazardous chemicals: The textile industry uses a variety of ionic chemicals, acids, industrial enzymes, and alkaline solutions in its daily operations. Various gases are combined with the surrounding air during the burning or singeing process (to eliminate floating fibers). Many of these substances have the potential to be extremely harmful to one's health (cancer risks). Wearing the appropriate safety gear is crucial to preventing such risks. Therefore, this factor may hinder the textile fabrics market.