Technical Textile Market by Manufacturing (Thermo-forming, 3D Weaving, 3D Knitting, Nanotechnology, Heat-set Synthetics, Finishing Treatments, Hand-made Elements, and Others), End-use (Agro Textiles, Buildtech Textiles, Indutech Textile, Hometech Textile, Medtech Textile, Packtech Textile, Protech Textile, Transtech Textile, Sportech Textile, Clothtech Textile, and Others), and Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA): Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032

Technical Textile Overview

Technical textiles are specialized textile materials and products that go beyond the traditional role of textiles, possessing specific functional properties and performance characteristics. They are designed and built to meet the special technical requirements of various industries and applications. Unlike conventional textiles, technical textiles offer functionalities such as quality, durability, fire resistance, water resistance, breathability, thermal insulation, chemical resistance, and electrical conductivity. Achieving these properties involves use of advanced fibers, yarns, fabric constructions, and specialized coatings or treatments. Technical textiles are used in diverse sectors including automotive, aerospace, geotextiles, medical and healthcare, protective clothing, sports and outdoor gear, agrotextiles, filtration, and construction. They play crucial roles in applications ranging from automobile interiors, aircraft components, and soil stabilization to surgical dressings, protective garments, and filtration systems. This interdisciplinary field combines textile engineering, material science, and advanced manufacturing techniques to create innovative materials that meet the evolving demands of modern industries.

Global Technical Textile Market Analysis

The global technical textile market size was $203.38 billion in 2022 and is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 6.4%, by generating a revenue of $362.26 billion by 2032.

COVID-19 Impact on Global Technical Textile Market

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the technical textile market. The demand for medical textiles, including surgical gowns, face masks, and protective clothing, skyrocketed as healthcare needs surged. However, the industry faced significant disruptions in the global supply chains due to lockdowns and transportation restrictions. Many textile manufacturers shifted their focus to producing essential medical supplies, causing a decline in the availability of other technical textiles. Additionally, the automotive industry's decreased demand affected the need for technical textiles in car interiors and airbags.

On the positive side, the pandemic prompted the adoption of antimicrobial textiles and stimulated research and development in areas like filtration and intelligent textiles.

Growing Demand in End-Use Industries to Drive the Market Growth

The technical textile market is influenced by several factors that contribute to its growth and development. One of the main drivers is the growing demand in various end-use industries such as automotive, healthcare, construction, sports and leisure, aerospace, and defense. These industries require high-performance textiles with specific properties to meet their needs. Technological advancements in textile manufacturing processes have also played a crucial role. New materials and manufacturing techniques have enhanced the performance characteristics of textiles, enabling innovative applications. The increasing awareness of safety and protection has further boosted the demand for technical textiles, especially in the workplace safety and personal protective equipment sectors. The construction industry's growth and infrastructure development projects have also contributed to the demand for technical textiles in applications like geotextiles and protective membranes. In the medical and healthcare sectors, technical textiles find extensive use in wound care, surgical gowns, and hygiene products. The focus on sustainable and eco-friendly solutions has also driven the development of recyclable and biodegradable technical textiles.

To know more about global technical textile market drivers, get in touch with our analysts here.

High Initial Investment to Restrain the Market Growth  

The technical textile market faces several factors that constrain its growth and development. One key restraint is the high initial investment required, encompassing research and development, specialized machinery, and infrastructure.   Strict regulations and standards related to safety, quality, and environmental impact further impede market growth, as compliance can be challenging and costly. The complex supply chain involved in technical textiles, requiring coordination among various stakeholders, poses another obstacle. Furthermore, limited product differentiation, price sensitivity, a scarcity of skilled workforce, challenges in recycling and disposal, economic fluctuations, and trade barriers all contribute to restraining the technical textile market.

Electronics and Smart Textiles to Drive Excellent Opportunities

The technical textile market offers various opportunities for growth and innovation in multiple industries. One of the key opportunities is the rise of electronics and smart textiles. The convergence of textiles with electronics has given rise to smart textiles, which have embedded sensors, actuators, and connectivity features. These textiles find applications in wearable electronics, healthcare monitoring, sports performance tracking, and interactive garments. The ongoing advancements in electronics and the Internet of Things (IoT) present vast opportunities for innovation in smart textiles. Technical textiles, engineered materials with specific functionalities, go beyond traditional textile applications. In the automotive sector, there is a growing demand for lightweight and fuel-efficient vehicles, creating opportunities for advanced textiles such as airbags, seat belts, and tire reinforcement. The healthcare industry requires innovative medical textiles for remote patient monitoring, including surgical gowns, wound dressings, and smart fabrics. Construction and infrastructure projects seek technical textiles for geotextiles, membranes, and energy-saving materials. Sports and leisure activities benefit from high-performance textiles for sportswear and outdoor gear. Aerospace and defense sectors require lightweight, high-strength materials for aircraft interiors and ballistic protection.

Global Technical Textile Market Share, by Manufacturing, 2022

The 3D weaving sub-segment accounted for the highest market share in 2022. 3D weaving has emerged as a dominant force in the technical textile market. This specialized weaving technique has revolutionized the industry by creating three-dimensional woven structures. Unlike traditional 2D fabrics, 3D woven fabrics offer enhanced structural integrity and durability, making them ideal for demanding applications. The added dimensionality enables the integration of various functionalities within the textile structure, allowing for tailored properties such as conductivity, thermal insulation, and sensing capabilities. Furthermore, 3D woven fabrics excel in lightweight and efficient design, offering high strength-to-weight ratios and optimal material distribution. Advances in technology and manufacturing processes have made 3D weaving more accessible and efficient, leading to reduced production costs and increased adoption. With its versatility and diverse applications across aerospace, automotive, defense, healthcare, construction, and sports industries, 3D weaving has transformed the technical textile market, providing innovative solutions to meet specific needs.

Global Technical Textile Market Share, by End-use, 2022

The hometech textile sub-segment accounted for the highest market share in 2022. Hometech textile, also known as smart or technical textiles for home applications, has emerged as a dominant force in the technical textile market due to several key factors. Technological advancements have played a crucial role in this dominance, as hometech textiles incorporate advanced features including temperature regulation, moisture management, and antimicrobial properties. Technology integration with textiles has revolutionized home environments, leading to a surge in demand. Moreover, hometech textiles offer enhanced comfort and convenience to users through features like personalized sleep monitoring in mattresses and automated control of curtains and blinds. They also contribute to energy efficiency by regulating heat and light transmission, reducing reliance on heating and cooling systems. Health and wellness applications, including antimicrobial properties and sensor-based monitoring, have further contributed to their popularity, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Aesthetics and design have not been compromised, as hometech textiles seamlessly integrate into home decor. Sustainability has also been prioritized with eco-friendly materials and production processes. Lastly, the increasing affordability of hometech textiles has widened its consumer base, solidifying its dominance in the market.

Global Technical Textile Market Share, by Region, 2022

The Asia-Pacific technical textile market generated the highest revenue in 2022. Asia-Pacific has emerged as the dominant global technical textile market due to several key factors. A crucial manufacturing infrastructure in the region, especially in countries such as China, India, and South Korea, plays a key part. These countries have contributed intensely to advanced machinery, skilled laborers, and production facilities to meet the growing demand for technical textiles at competitive costs. Additionally, the Asia-Pacific region benefits from an established and knowledgeable textile industry with a deep understanding of production processes. The region's cost advantage due to low labor and raw material costs also contributes to the region's dominance.

In addition, the Asia-Pacific region is home to thriving industries such as automotive, construction, healthcare, sports and leisure, agriculture, and protective clothing, all of which have growing needs for technical textiles.

Competitive Scenario in the Global Technical Textile Market

Investment and agreement are common strategies followed by major market players. One of the leading market players in the industry is Toray Industries, Inc. Tokyo, Japan, December 20, 2021 – Toray Industries, Inc., announced today that it has developed a heat exchange sheet that delivers advanced heat transfer, moisture permeability, gas shielding, and water and anti-viral resistance performance. This new offering could significantly enhance the energy savings, comfort, and ventilation hygiene of total heat exchange ventilation systems. The company aims to commercialize this sheet in 2022 for elements in total heat exchange ventilation systems, for which demand is rising in view of intensifying measures worldwide to combat COVID-19 infections.

Some of the leading technical textile market players are Low & Bonar PLC, Freudenberg Group, Berry Global Group, Inc., Ahlstrom-Munksjo, Asahi Kasei Advance Corp., Kimberly-Clark Corp., Mitsui Chemicals, Inc., Huntsman International LLC, Berry Global Group, Inc., and Toray Industries, Inc.