U.S. Viscose Staple Fiber Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Type (High Wet Modulus Fiber, Strong Fiber, Modified Fiber, and Others), By Application (Woven, Non-woven, and Specialty), By End-Use Industry (Textile Apparels, Healthcare, Automotive, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2023-2030

The U.S. viscose staple fiber market size was worth USD 0.80 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% during the forecast period.

The U.S. viscose staple fiber market growth is primarily associated with the increasing product demand from the fashion industry. Viscose Staple Fiber (VSF) is widely used in manufacturing apparel, dress materials, home textiles, knitwear, and non-woven applications. High demand for artificial, eco-friendly, breathable, and cotton-like fabrics is further expected to surge product demand in the U.S. market.

The closing of manufacturing sites and lessening consumer demand for textile products and clothing during COVID-19 impacted the viscose staple fiber demand. Apparel and fashion industries either reduced or temporarily shut down their operations, negatively impacting the U.S. market growth. Moreover, the pandemic resulted in reduced demand for formal or other types of clothing due to the work-from-home model being adopted by corporate companies. During the pandemic, many consumers reduced their spending on non-essential items, such as apparel and fashion, which significantly impacted the market.

LATEST TRENDS

Growing Adoption of Recyclable Clothes to Emerge as the Latest Trend

Rising concerns regarding soil and land pollution have led to various solutions, such as recycling for disposing of unwanted clothes and textiles. Though consumers donate clothes, textiles account for a significant share of the U.S. waste stream. According to the EPA, Americans generate approximately 16 million tons of textile waste annually, which equates to over 6% of the total municipal waste.

In addition, 700 kilotons of secondhand clothing get exported abroad, and almost 2.5 million tons of apparel are recycled on average in the country. However, over 3 million tons of apparel are incinerated and 10 million tons are sent to landfills. The growing adoption of a circular economy and recycling by environmentally conscious citizens and organizations will create growth opportunities for the U.S. market.

DRIVING FACTORS

Exceptional Properties of VSF to Increase its Demand in the Market

Viscose staple is similar to natural cotton fiber, with good moisture absorption, dyeability, air permeability, antistatic properties, and a soft feel. It is a perfect substitute for cotton due to its physiological benefits compared to synthetic fibers. The physiological performance of this cellulosic fiber is unmatched by any other artificial fiber.

Moreover, high accessibility of raw materials, lower cost of chemical components, exceptional textile properties, and the wide-ranging potential for modification of the fiber make it economical to produce, and thus it is widely used. This is expected to boost the demand for viscose staple fiber.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Production Processes Involving Pollutants to Hinder the Market Growth

The manufacturing process for viscose staple fiber is very polluting and harmful to the environment. Despite being made of natural constituents, such as cellulose, it is classified as an unsustainable material. Moreover, chemicals used while processing the fiber affect the water and air near the manufacturing sites and generate wastewater. In addition, VSF production consumes a significant amount of water and chemicals such as sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide.

The discharge of such chemicals, if not recovered, pollutes the water bodies and spreads around slowly. Using chemicals such as hydrogen sulfide, sulfur, nitrous oxides, and carbon disulfide, which are flammable and toxic gases affects human health and adds to air pollution. These factors are expected to hinder the U.S. viscose staple fiber market growth.

SEGMENTATION

By Type Analysis

Based on type, the market is segmented into high wet modulus fiber, strong fiber, modified fiber, and others.

The strong fiber segment dominated the U.S. market in 2022 and is expected to continue its dominance during the forecast period. Strong viscose fibers are used as a substitute for cotton for fabric production as they have lower manufacturing costs. In addition, this fabric is manufactured from organic materials, so it can sometimes be superior to synthetic fabrics such as polyester. Rising demand for sustainable and organic materials is surging the demand for strong viscose fiber.

By Application Analysis

Based on application, the market is segmented into woven, non-woven, and specialty.

The woven segment held the majority of the U.S. viscose staple fiber market share in 2022. Woven viscose fibers are majorly employed in manufacturing dresses, tops, and other clothing. The growing demand for cotton, coupled with the lower production rate to meet global requirements, has boosted cellulose fibers production. The blend of viscose and other fibers, such as Tencel and modal, is widely used to manufacture fabric that provides improved mechanical properties and comfort.

By End-use Industry Analysis

Based on end-use industry, the market is segmented into textile apparels, healthcare, automotive, and others.

In 2022, the textile apparels segment held the highest share in the market. Viscose fibers possess exceptional properties, including breathability, lightweight, highly absorbent, and softness. These factors influence the adoption of these fibers in the textile apparels industry, further driving the market growth.

In the healthcare industry, the product is used to manufacture feminine hygiene products, baby wipes, and medical and surgical products. These fibers are natural, have good moisture absorption, exceptional hygienic properties, and do not cause pollution as they get naturally degraded, which makes them suitable for the healthcare industry.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

In terms of the competitive landscape, the market depicts the presence of established and emerging viscose staple fiber companies. Key players include Grasim Industries and Lenzing Group. Industry players compete largely based on the price and application characteristics of the product. Companies are deploying strategies such as product innovation, production capacity expansion, marketing, acquisition, and collaborations.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Grasim Industries Limited. (India)


• LENZING Group (Austria)


• Kayavlon Impex Pvt. Ltd. (India)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS: 

• June 2020– Grasim Industries launched Liva with antimicrobial fibers. The company desirably injected the antimicrobial agent in viscose staple fiber, which offers protection from viruses and bacteria when knitted or woven.

REPORT COVERAGE

The report thoroughly examines key factors such as leading companies, types, applications, and end-use industries. It also provides market trends and highlights significant industry advancements. The study includes different variables that have contributed to the market growth in recent years and the factors listed above. It examines the industry's newest market dynamics and opportunities, historical data, and revenue growth estimates at the country levels.

Report Scope & Segmentation