Eco Fiber Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Type (Organic Fibers, Recycled Fibers, Regenerated Fibers, and Others), By Application (Clothing/Textile, Household & Furnishings, Industrial, Medical, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2021-2028

The global eco fiber market size was USD 45.76 billion in 2020 and is projected to grow from USD 48.89 billion in 2021 to USD 86.62 billion in 2028 at a CAGR of 8.5% during the 2021-2028 period. The global impact of COVID-19 has been unprecedented and staggering, with witnessing a negative demand shock across all regions amid the pandemic. Based on our analysis, the global market exhibited a decline of 2.9% in 2020 as compared to the average year-on-year growth during 2017-2019. The sudden rise in CAGR is attributable to this market’s demand and growth, returning to pre-pandemic levels once the pandemic is over.

Eco Fibers are type of fibers that do not require the use of pesticides and chemicals for growth. These fibers are resistant to mold, mildew, and disease-free. The product majorly includes linen, ramie, bamboo, and hemp, which make organic and eco-friendly fiber for textile and apparel applications. Advanced technologies have led to the development of products that have microbe resistance, UV resistance, and breathable properties. Rising application in manufacturing textile products for apparel, home, commercial applications is leading to market growth. Moreover, textile manufacturers are investing in organic and natural Eco Fibers to prevent clothing waste. In addition, governmental regulations restricting the overuse of synthetic and manmade fiber have further led to the adoption of bio-based and organic fibers, thereby augmenting the eco fiber market growth.  

Low Production and Increased Demand to Impede Market Progress

The outbreak of COVID-19 has severely affected the textile industry due to temporary lockdown of manufacturing facilities, thereby leading to low production and decreased product demand. Moreover, restrictions over import and export to and from the country have caused further supply chain disruption. However, the pandemic has hiked the demand for PPE kits and masks, which led to high product consumption. The restriction over synthetic fabric has shifted toward cotton and linen for making masks for day-to-day use. Furthermore, the rise in demand among consumers to maintain one’s health and hygiene has boosted the demand for the material during the pandemic, thereby advancing the market.

ECO FIBER MARKET TRENDS

Development in Product Due to Awareness of Environmental Sustainability to Create Opportunities

The vast amount of fabric waste produced due to increasing fashion has led to rapid development in fiber technology for creating more sustainable fibers. This factor is expected to reduce the burden on the environment and create growth opportunities for the market. The majority of the natural fibers has comfort properties and is available at cheaper prices, resulting in high demand for the product. Cotton is a major natural fiber used for applications in various end-use industries in several developed and developing nations. Moreover, steps taken by the manufacturers for alternative material resources that could be more applicable for consumer use and harmless to the environment are a rising trend. Furthermore, fashion brands are also adopting changes in the supply chain and opting for eco-friendly fibers to make more sustainable impacts in the fashion industry. The rising trend of lessening the use of synthetic fiber has given growth opportunities to this market.

ECO FIBER MARKET GROWTH FACTORS

Rising Demand for the Fiber from Emerging Economies to Support Market Growth

The fashion industry is growing rapidly due to growth in textile/apparel, automotive, and medical industries. The growth in these industries is leading to increased consumption of these Fibers. Rising economies, such as China, India, South Africa, and Southeast Asia, act as a driving factor for the market. Demand for apparel and households & furnishing is on the rise due to high disposable income within these developing nations. Moreover, the rise in population increases consumer requirements for more residential structures, automobiles, and clothing. Hence, the growing use of fabric for various applications, such as furnishing, covering, and interior designing, will surge the product demand. Furthermore, the pandemic forced the developing economies to use Eco Fiber in medical applications. To meet consumer demand during the pandemic, decreasing the chances of infection, and maintaining personal hygiene are the factors supporting the market growth.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

High Prices of Eco Fiber to Restrict Market Growth

The restraining factors of the market are high prices of Eco Fiber and cheap availability of substitutes. The farming and manufacturing of the product are expensive, thus making the overall cost of Eco Fiber high. Moreover, substitutes, such as synthetic fiber, including rayon, polyester, and nylon, have low prices and are easily accessible to consumers, causing a higher shift toward synthetic fibers. Moreover, synthetic fibers are easy to manufacture, process, and use for most applications, thereby affecting the consumption of this Fiber. These factors altogether are restraining the market growth.  

ECO FIBER MARKET SEGMENTATION ANALYSIS

By Type Analysis

Organic Fiber Segment to Witness Fastest Growth During Forecast Period

Based on type, the market is segmented into organic fiber, recycled fiber, regenerated fiber, and others. 

The organic fiber segment is expected to experience the fastest growth during 2021-2028, which can be attributed to changing consumer preference toward more eco-sustainable products. According to Textile Exchange, organic cotton production has risen to 239 KT in 2019 and will drive organic fiber segment growth. The regenerated fiber segment includes manmade fiber products, such as rayon and lyocell, which are extracted from cellulose and sugar. This segment dominated the market as the fibers are easy to process and have low cost. Regenerated fiber has higher sustainability properties such as comfort and fiber strength, resulting in high product demand.

The recycled fiber segment includes fibers recycled from polyamide and polyester collected from plastic waste. The environmental pros and recyclable property are driving the segment. Moreover, Textile Exchange's market share for recycled polyester has inclined from 9% of total PET fiber in 2009 to 14% in 2019. It includes fibers made from silk, leather, and wool. All these fibers are naturally produced and have zero environmental impact. They also have been used for textile application for centuries. The rising consumer preference toward branded and aesthetically appealing clothing made from wool and silk drives the segment growth.

By Application Analysis

Clothing/Textile Segment Accounted for Dominant Eco Fiber Market Share Owing to Rapid Growth of the Fashion Industry

Based on application, the market is categorized into clothing/textile, household & furnishings, industrial, medical, and others.

The clothing/textile segment witnessed the largest application share in the market, which can be attributed to the growing fashion industry around the world. Increase in demand for different types of clothing such as designer clothes, casual wear, and formal wear according to age groups is surging fabric demand. The rising economy in several major countries further drives the attraction to own luxurious brand products among the younger generation to keep up with trends. The household & furnishings segment includes the use of the material for making curtains, table mats, napkins, and covers. The increasing demand for these products from the population is anticipated to drive the segment growth.

The medical segment is growing due to increased consumer spending to prevent diseases and good health. The products have natural antimicrobial properties and create masks, gloves, and surgical gowns. Industrial applications include the use of Eco Fiber during the construction of tunnels and dams. Others segment use the fibers for automotive & transportation and packaging applications such as seat coverings, interior decorating, and packaging. The automotive industry is on the rise, directly leading to high Eco Fiber consumption, and thus driving the market.

REGIONAL ECO FIBER MARKET ANALYSIS

The market in Asia Pacific stood at USD 17.27 billion in 2020. The region accounted for the highest value in the global market due to rapid economic growth supported by the rising population. The rise in demand for fiber from clothing and industrial application is driving the market in the region. Industries, such as textile, automotive, and construction, are on the rise, surging the consumption of the product.

In North America, the medical industry is primarily driving the market in the region supported by technological advancement for harmless disposing of medical waste without affecting the environment. To decrease medical waste and make more sustainable products are driving the market in the region. Europe witnessed a rise in the production of automobiles, where fabrics are used for seat covers, handle cover, lining, and interior. The growing automotive industry largely dominates the fiber’s consumption and drives the market in Europe.

Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are developing economics and are expected to have significant growth. Brazil and South Africa are among the major exporters of cotton and wool in the region, making it easier to manufacture textile products locally and providing growth opportunities to domestic companies to enter the market.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Expansion Strategies by Global Leaders to Strengthen Market Position

The major leaders in the market are Lenzing AG, US Fibers, Polyfibre Industries, Grasim Industries Ltd., and Shanghai Tenbro Bamboo Textile Co. Ltd. The companies included in profiling have adopted strategies such as increasing global presence by capacity improvement, new product launch, and investment to gain a competitive advantage. For example, in January 2021, Birla Cellulose, one of the largest man-made cellulosic fiber producers, announced a joint patent application with Nanollose for high tenacity lyocell fiber made from bacterial cellulose.

LIST OF KEY PLAYERS PROFILED IN ECO FIBER MARKET:

• Lenzing AG (Austria)


• US Fibers (U.S.)


• Polyfibre Industries (India)


• Grasim Industries Ltd. (India)


• Shanghai Tenbro Bamboo Textile Co. Ltd. (China)


• China Bambro Textile (Group) Co., Ltd. (China)


• Pilipinas Ecofiber Corporation (Philippines)


• Teijin Limited (Japan)


• Foss Performance Materials (U.S.)


• David C. Poole Company, Inc. (U.S.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• May 2021 – The Lenzing Group successfully completed and commissioned an air purification and sulfur recycling plant at the Lenzing site. The company invested over USD 55 million where the system reduces 15,000 tons of CO₂ emissions.


• June 2020 – Liva, a brand from Birla Cellulose, part of Grasim Industries Ltd, launched antimicrobial fibers that kill viruses and bacteria and also inhibit growth keeping the fabric fresh and hygienic in the long run.

REPORT COVERAGE

The report provides a detailed analysis of the market and focuses on crucial aspects such as leading companies, applications, and types. Also, the report offers insights into market trends and highlights vital industry developments. In addition to the factors mentioned above, the report encompasses various factors that have contributed to the growth of this market over recent years.

Report Scope & Segmentation