Industrial Fabrics Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Fiber Type (Polyamide, Polyester, Aramid, Composites, and Others), By Application (Conveyor Belts, Transmission Belts, Protective Apparel, Automotive, Flame Resistant Apparel, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2021-2028

The global industrial fabrics market size was USD 128.39 billion in 2020. The global impact of COVID-19 has been unprecedented and staggering, with the product witnessing a negative demand shock across all regions amid the pandemic. Based on our analysis, the global market exhibited a decline of 0.66% in 2020 as compared to the average year-on-year growth during 2017-2019. The market is projected to grow from USD 136.55 billion in 2021 to USD 209.48 billion in 2028 at a CAGR of 6.3% during the 2021-2028 period. The sudden rise in CAGR is attributable to this market’s demand and growth returning to pre-pandemic levels once the pandemic is over.

The market is projected to witness substantial growth due to the increasing demand for advanced and improved materials and fabrics for the automotive sector. The increasing demand for protective apparel from various end-sectors is one of the critical factors driving the market. Moreover, increasing research and development in the manufacturing process of fabrics shall contribute positively to the market.

COVID-19 Pandemic: Halt in Production Activities to Hamper the Market

The pandemic has significantly affected the overall market. The deadly virus has massively disrupted the operational activities of the industrial sector. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, manufacturing facilities have had to halt the production process and comply with regional governments' rules. In order to overcome the sensitive situation, governments have been forced to implement various stringent social distancing practices, lockdowns, and other preventive measures. For instance, as directed by the different state governments, many automotive manufacturers in Asia, the US, and Western Europe suspended their manufacturing activities. For example, TATA Motors temporarily shut down its manufacturing facility in Pune to curb the spread of the virus.

However, the increasing demand for protective apparel from the medical and healthcare sectors has been a positive aspect. The coronavirus has created havoc globally and interrupted the supply chain of raw materials for all market segments. The massive disturbance in the demand and supply of processed products and their raw materials due to the lockdown and government norms is expected to affect the market.

INDUSTRIAL FABRICS MARKET TRENDS

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Increasing Demand for Functional and Structural Fabrics to Have Positive Impact on the Industrial Fabrics Market Growth

Industrial fabrics are mostly non-apparel, high-performance, and highly functional fabrics mostly used in commercial and industrial applications. They are often used as components of other products to alter their functional properties, strength, and functionality.  The increasing demand for such strong fabrics is aimed to prevent mishaps and handle environmental and mechanical stress. Moreover, the growing demand for geosynthetics from various end-use sectors is one of the potential drivers for this market. The rising adoption of geotextiles for geotechnical applications and environmental engineering is also expected to boost the growth of the industrial fabric. Geotextiles and similar products are used to support civil engineering applications including railways, embankments, retaining structures, and other applications. For instance, the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation of India announced the usage of geosynthetics attributed to the life-extension benefits and durability.

INDUSTRIAL FABRICS MARKET GROWTH FACTORS

Increasing Adoption of Industrial Fabrics in the Auto Sector to Propel Market Growth

Industrial fabrics are expected to experience a high growth rate due to the high demand from the automotive sector. According to a survey, it is projected that almost 45 sq. meters of textile materials are used in a car for interiors. It includes seats, headlines, carpets, side panels, and other parts. Fabrics and textiles account for almost 2 % of the total weight of a car. These fabrics are extensively employed in lightweight vehicles as well as heavy load carrying trucks and other vehicles. One of the applications of these fabrics is the reinforcement of tires of vehicles. Materials such as glass cords, polyester carcasses, aramid fibers, and webbed fibers are used to reinforce tires. The increasing production of the passenger, as well as heavy vehicles, will further drive the demand for industrial textiles.

Government legislation and pressure regarding the setting up and usage of safety devices in cars and other automobiles are two key reasons driving the market’s growth. Seat belts and airbags are the primary protective devices used in a vehicle.  About 1 kg of industrial fabrics is used in the manufacturing of seatbelts while airbags, which are made of nylon, aid the safety of the driver and passengers.

Growing Demand for Geosynthetics to Drive the Market

Geosynthetic is one of the applications of industrial fabrics that have been gaining popularity for the last few decades. Geomembranes and geotextiles are classified as technical textiles and are widely used in various applications including barrier tubes, liners, structural supports, reservoir covers, geotechnical, hydraulics, and other niche applications. The increasing adoption of such materials is attributed to their high functionality and superior properties, which are expected to fuel the market.

Additionally, technical advancements in textile manufacturing processes and the implementation of automatic systems for manufacturing and packaging processes are surging the demand for conveyor belts, transmission belts, and other fabric components of industrial machines. This is expected to positively impact market growth.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Complicated Manufacturing Process May Hamper the Market

The manufacturing of these fabrics is one of the difficult and complicated processes. Highly valued fibers and materials are employed in these processes, which are difficult to manipulate due to their configuration and intrinsic specifications related to performance. For instance, glass fibers are highly abrasive and need to be handled with care while manufacturing. However, regular and detailed testing using highly accurate and reliable methods can increase the life expectancy of these types of industrial fabrics.

INDUSTRIAL FABRICS MARKET SEGMENTATION ANALYSIS

By Fiber Type Analysis

Polyester Segment to Generate High Revenue Backed by High Demand from End-Use Industries

Based on fiber type, the market is segmented into polyamide, polyester, aramid, composites, and others. The polyester segment held the major share of the market in 2020. Polyester is a lightweight, malleable, water-resistant, sturdy, and highly functional type of fiber and is therefore widely employed in manufacturing strong and sturdy fabrics. Moreover, it is comparatively lower in cost. This is driving the demand for polyester-based fabrics.

Polyamide is another segment significantly contributing to the market’s growth. According to a survey performed by plastic insights in 2016, the production of polyamide fibers has been continuously increasing since the last decade. Attributed to the material’s robust properties of heat stabilization and flame retardation, it is extensively employed in manufacturing flame-retarding apparel and other protective apparel.

By Application Analysis

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Automotive Segment to Hold a Significant Share Supported by Growth in the Automotive Sector

The market is segmented into conveyor belts, transmission belts, protective apparel, automotive, flame-resistant apparel, and others in terms of application. The automotive segment constituted the leading market share in 2020. The growing demand from the automotive industry in turn is driving the demand for fabrics used in automobiles. Besides, the increasing awareness in consumers regarding automotive safety coupled with government regulations is expected to drive the demand for industrial fabrics for automotive applications.

REGIONAL INDUSTRIAL FABRICS MARKET ANALYSIS

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The market size in Asia Pacific stood at USD 45.32 billion in 2020. Asia Pacific dominated the market and is likely to maintain its position during the forecast period. A large manufacturing base coupled with the easy availability of raw materials for such fabrics in countries such as China, India, and Japan is the key reason for regional growth. In addition, the automotive sector of East-Asian countries such as India, China, Korea, and Japan is increasing in demand.

North America is one of the highly developed regions in terms of industrialization and technological advancement. The application of these fabrics for flame resistant and protective apparel from end-user sectors attributed to the stringent rules regarding worker safety shall drive the market. Additionally, the increasing adoption of geotextiles for soil reinforcements and geotechnical engineering is expected to further propel the market.

Europe is expected to witness considerable growth in terms of consumption. The well-established automotive manufacturing sector and substantially increasing demand for vehicles are expected to drive the demand for industrial fabrics for automotive applications. The implementation of safety kits in all types of vehicles is expected to fuel regional growth.

There has been considerable development and industrialization in Latin America over the last few decades. Improving technological and economic conditions in countries such as Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, and others are expected to create opportunities for market players. Moreover, the increasing demand for protective apparel from the rapidly developing mining sector in Latin America shall foster market growth.

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The Middle East & Africa is expected to show considerable growth attributed to the stringent regulations regarding automotive safety. The UAE, Qatar, and other gulf countries are expected to provide lucrative opportunities due to technological advancements.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Companies to Adopt Strategies and Broaden their Market Presence

With a few global players capturing a significant share, the global market is concentrated in nature. Habasit AG, DuPont, Johns Manville, ContiTech AG, Toray Industries Inc., Cerex Advanced Fabrics, Inc., Freudenberg & Co. Kg, Bridgestone Corporation, Barnet Gmbh & Co. Kg, Fitesa, and G.R.Henderson Co. Textiles Ltd. are some of the market's key players.

Industry players operate principally based on the product's price and end-use. To boost their company’s market position and achieve a competitive advantage, several major players are engaged in numerous planned product launches to promote brand and sales. For instance, in March 2021, Toray Industries announced the successful testing of its protective apparel made from MAKSPEC V antiviral textile. The company confirmed its effectiveness against the COVID-19 virus.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED IN INDUSTRIAL FABRICS MARKET:

• Habasit AG (Reinach, Switzerland)


• Dupont (Michigan, U.S)


• Johns Manville (Colorado, U.S)


• ContiTech AG (Hanover, Germany)


• Toray Industries Inc. (Tokyo, Japan)


• Cerex Advanced Fabrics Inc. (Florida, United States)


• Freudenberg & Co. Kg (Weinhiem, Germany)


• Bridgestone Corporation (Tokyo, Japan)


• Barnet Gmbh & Co. Kg (Achen, Germany)


• Ahlstrom Munksjö


• Fitesa (Peine, Germany)


• Forbo International SA


• G.R.Henderson Co. Textiles Ltd. (Stockport, UK)


• Other Key Players

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• March 2021, Toray Industries announced its product MAKSPEC V Antiviral Textile, to be effective in fighting the COVID-19 and reducing the concentration of (SARS-CoV-2).


• May 2020, John Manville plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina initiated the production of the non-woven fabrics for medical gowns. The high demand for disposable medical gowns to fight against the global COVID-19 pandemic.


• October 2020, Toray Industries announced the launch of an antiviral textile with unmatched comfort and washability. The product is launched under the brand name MAKSPEC V and is made up of polyester.

REPORT COVERAGE

An Infographic Representation of Industrial Fabrics Market

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The market research report provides a detailed industrial fabrics market analysis and focuses on crucial aspects such as leading companies, products, and raw materials. In addition, the report offers insights into market trends and highlights vital industry developments. In addition to the factors mentioned above, the report encompasses various major factors that have contributed to the market's growth in recent years.

This report includes historical data and forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels, and analyzes the industry's latest market dynamics and opportunities.

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