GLOBAL BIODEGRADABLE FABRICS MARKET SIZE AND SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS AND FORECASTS (2023 - 2030)

The biodegradable fabrics market size is expected to reach US$ 13.44 Bn by 2031, from US$ 5.86 Bn in 2023, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.6% during the forecast period. Biodegradable fabrics are made from natural materials such as hemp, linen, cotton, jute, and silk or synthetic polymers such as polylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) that can decompose in the environment. These fabrics are increasingly being adopted in the textile industry to manufacture clothing, furnishing, carpets, medical products, and packaging solutions that have a lower environmental impact. The key drivers of the biodegradable fabrics market include growing environmental concerns, supportive government policies promoting sustainability, increasing consumer awareness, and rapid advancements in material technology.

The market is segmented into product type, application, end use industry, and region. By product type, the market is categorized into polyester, Polylactic Acid (PLA), cellulose, natural fiber, and others (polyhydroxyalkanoates, etc.). Cellulose-based fabrics account for the largest share as they are derived from sustainable sources and offer excellent biodegradation properties.

Biodegradable Fabrics Market Regional Insights:

• North America is expected to be the largest market for biodegradable fabrics during the forecast period, accounting for over 40% of the market share in 2023. The growth of the market in North America is due to stringent government regulations, increased research funding, and high adoption of sustainable textiles.
• Europe is expected to be the second-largest market for biodegradable fabrics during the forecast period, accounting for over 30% of the market share in 2023. The growth of the market in Europe is due to rising consumer preference for eco-friendly products and a well-established fashion industry.
• Asia Pacific is expected to be the third-largest market for biodegradable fabrics during the forecast period, accounting for over 20% of the market share in 20223. The growth of the market in Asia Pacific is due to growing industrialization, large textile manufacturing base, and increased expenditure on green alternatives.

Figure 1. Biodegradable Fabrics Market Share (%), By Region, 2023

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Biodegradable Fabrics Market Drivers:

• Increasing adoption of sustainable materials in fashion industry: Growing inclination towards sustainability in the fashion and textile industry is a key factor driving the growth of biodegradable fabrics. Leading apparel and footwear brands are adopting eco-friendly materials such as Poly Lactic Acid (PLA), lyocell, hemp, and organic cotton to reduce their carbon footprint and meet environmental standards. For instance, according to the report released by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2031, released in 2022, over 30 national governments have introduced policy packages worth billions aiming to transition key industries like textiles towards circular models with renewable resources by 2027, thus creating a very conducive market environment for biodegradable fabrics worldwide.
• Favorable government policies promoting sustainable textiles: Governments across the world are introducing policies and initiatives to promote the production and use of biodegradable and compostable textiles. For instance, the European Commission adopted the European Union (EU) Strategy for Sustainable Textiles in 2022 to transform textile value chains into sustainable cycles. Such regulations that mandate eco-labeling, recycled content use, and single-use plastic bags are driving biopolymer research and use of green fabrics. Various grants and funds to support the biodegradable fabric manufacturers boost production capacities and market growth.
• Advancements in fabric production technologies: Ongoing research and development (R&D) in bioplastics and green chemistry have enabled efficient large-scale production of biodegradable fabrics in recent years. Novel techniques like enzymatic polymerization and bacterial fermentation allows the use of bio-based feedstock for generating biodegradable materials such as Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) at high yields. Advancements in spinning technologies and blending methods have improved the performance and feel of fabrics made from lyocell, organic cotton, algae, and others. The innovations in manufacturing processes help reduce the cost of biodegradable fabrics, supporting its wider adoption.
• High demand from healthcare and hygiene applications: The healthcare industry is one of the major end-use segments driving the biodegradable fabrics demand. These fabrics are increasingly used in medical products like hospital gowns, surgical drapes, sanitary napkins, diapers, and others due to their non-toxic, anti-bacterial, and compostable properties. With the COVID-19 pandemic, the focus on health, safety, and sustainable healthcare solutions has grown significantly. This has spiked the consumption of eco-friendly single-use medical textiles made using biodegradable fibers.

Biodegradable Fabrics Market Opportunities:

• Scaling up production of bio-based fabrics: There lies tremendous scope for manufacturers to scale up production of fabrics that are based on innovative bio-based polymers such as PLA, PHA, and cellulose nanocrystals that are derived from agricultural waste biomass. With optimized biorefinery technologies, high-volume production can be achieved to meet the growing demand. Strategic partnerships with bioplastics producers and agri-tech startups can help develop scalable and cost-effective processes. Large-scale manufacturing will help make bio-based fabrics more price competitive. For instances, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency report from 2022 highlights growing efforts by legislators to reduce landfill disposal of waste and promote recycling/reuse. This supportive policy environment may attract more investments in research, innovation, and scaled manufacturing that are related to bio-based alternatives.
• Expanding applications in automotive industry: The automotive industry is moving towards sustainability and can be a potential end use segment for biodegradable fabrics. These fabrics can be used to produce seat covers, door panels, roof & trunk liners, and others. Biocomposite nonwoven felts are suitable for interior parts. Flax and other natural fibers also have applications in automotive plastic composites. Market players can work with Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEMs) to develop bio-based components for vehicles.

Biodegradable Fabrics Market Trends:

• Shift towards circular textiles: Leading fashion brands and manufacturers are increasingly adopting the circular economy approach by designing recyclable and biodegradable textiles. This is enabled by innovations like mixed fiber fabrics which allow separation of natural and synthetic fibers for reusing. Companies are also providing fabric take-back programs and incentives to consumers for trading old clothes to produce new fabrics. Such initiatives are driving circularity in the textile value chain and boosting biodegradable fabrics demand.
• Increasing consumer spending on sustainable fashion: With rising environmental consciousness, consumers are willing to pay a premium for eco-friendly and ethically sourced clothing made by using organic and biodegradable fabrics. This is evident from the success of sustainable fashion brands like Everlane, Reformation, and Patagonia. Social media and influencers also drive awareness of new green materials like pinatex, orange fiber, and others encourages adoption. This trend promises massive growth potential for biodegradable fabrics.
• Transition towards bio-based feedstock: Conventional raw materials like crude oil are being substituted by bio-based and recycled feedstock for manufacturing biodegradable fabrics. For instance, agricultural wastes like bagasse and pineapple leaves are used to produce Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) and Piñatex respectively. Recycled nylon and Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) are also increasingly used as feedstock. Various industry collaborations are taking place to develop new bio-based materials, indicating a clear transition. This is making the fabrics more sustainable.

Biodegradable Fabrics Market Restraints:

• High costs compared to conventional fabrics: Despite increasing adoption, biodegradable fabrics are still costlier than synthetic fabrics like polyester. The complex extraction processes for bio-based polymers and limited economies of scale result in high costs. For instance, PLA is nearly 40-50% costlier than polyester. This deters wider adoption across mid and low-price segments. The key market players need to develop low-cost innovative production methods through R&D investments to make these fabrics more affordable. However, the costs of the biodegradable fabric need to be made reasonable in comparison to other synthetic fabrics, which will aid in the driving its market growth.
• Performance limitations in some applications: While biodegradable fabrics match conventional fabrics in comfort and feel, some limitations exist in mechanical performance and durability for certain application areas. For instance, natural fiber fabrics have lower elasticity and abrasion resistance as compared to synthetics. Such factors may restrict uptake in performance apparel segments like sportswear where stretchability, resilience, and strength are critical. Producers need to enhance the properties of bio-based fabrics to compete across all application areas.

Analyst View

The biodegradable fabrics market is expected to grow significantly in the near future. One of the key drivers for market growth is the increasing consumer demand for eco-friendly fabrics. More consumers are looking for fabrics that have less impact on the environment. Another driver is the strict regulations around the world banning non-biodegradable fabrics. Many countries have either implemented or is planning to implement bans to minimize pollution. However, high costs of biodegradable fabrics compared to regular fabrics could act as a restraint. Producers also face challenges in procuring sustainable raw materials for productions at large scales. Fluctuation in prices of raw materials poses risks. Dependence on agricultural crops for raw materials could also impact steady supplies. The market is expected to witness high growth in Asia Pacific due to rising cotton cultivation and production. Governments in Asia Pacific are also supporting producers through initiatives. Europe will continue dominating demand driven by strong regulations. North America is investing in R&D to develop advanced biodegradable materials. Producers should focus on continuous innovation to develop fabrics with better biodegradability and performance. Collaborating with brands and retailers helps increase sales volumes and lower costs. Adopting sustainable practices in production could boost brand image amongst conscious customers.

Recent Developments:

New product launches:

• In January 2022, Lenzing AG launched its Refibra branded lyocell fibers made from cotton scraps and wood pulp. This helps promote circularity in the textile industry. Lenzing AG produces wood-based viscose fibers, modal fibers, lyocell fibers, and filament yarn, which are used in the textile industry — in clothing, home textiles, and technical textiles — as well as in the non-wovens industry such as wipes, filters, breathable bags, and insulation. In addition, the company is active in mechanical and plant engineering.
• In June 2021, AQUAFIL launched the ECONYL nylon fabric made from regenerated nylon waste. It provides sustainability benefits for fashion brands. AQUAFIL is an innovative and flexible engineering company which has set several milestones in polyamide and polyester technology. The polymers produced with AQUAFIL Engineering technology are processed to textile and technical filaments, fibers, Bulked Continuous Filament (BCF), films, compounds, master batch, and bottles.
• In April 2020, Bcomp launched ampliTex, a 100% biocomposite natural fiber fabric that is designed for high-performance sportswear applications. Bcomp is the leading solutions provider for natural fiber reinforcements in high performance applications from race to space. The company started as a garage project in 2011 with a mission to create lightweight yet high performance skis.

Acquisition and partnerships:

• In October 2022, Forme Textiles partnered with NatureWorks to expand its PLA-based fabric collections and increase sustainability. Forme Textiles is a company that specializes in producing and supplying hotel linens. However, it has recently partnered with NatureWorks to expand its PLA-based fabric collections and increase sustainability. NatureWorks LLC is an international company that manufactures bioplastics—polymers derived entirely from plant resources—as an alternative to conventional plastic, which is made from petroleum.
• In August 2021, Natural Fiber Welding, Inc. partnered with footwear brand, Allbirds, to develop plant-based biodegradable uppers. Natural Fiber Welding, Inc. operates as a sustainable material science startup company. The company develops technologies that are based on the sustainable use of plants and natural fibers to create beautiful durable goods and textiles. Natural Fiber Welding, Inc. serves customers in the U.S.
• In January 2020, Sateri acquired viscose business from Xinjiang Zhongtai to expand the production capacity of its lyocell fabrics that is made from recycled materials. Sateri is a global leader in the production of viscose rayon, a natural and sustainable fiber that is used in textiles and hygiene products. It is a business division of Royal Golden Eagle and was founded in 2002. The company is committed to responsible sourcing and production, environmental protection, and community development. Xinjiang Zhongtai Chemical Co Ltd (Xinjiang Zhongtai) is a chemical manufacturing company that trades industrial chemicals. The company's products include chloralkali, polyvinyl chloride resins, PVC resins, caustic soda flakes, and polyester products. Royal Golden Eagle is a global integrated, resource-based industrial group, with businesses in paper, palm oil, viscose, construction and energy, property and asset management.

Figure 2. Biodegradable Fabrics Market Share (%), By Application, 2023

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Top Companies in Biodegradable Fabrics Market:

• Ecologic Fiber
• Enka Textile
• Hemp Inc
• David C. Poole
• Eco Textile
• Propex
• Greenfibres
• EnviroTextiles
• Vestagen Protective Technologies
• L. Gore & Associates
• Taiwan Singtex Industrial Company
• Tengri
• Bcomp
• Flexform Technologies
• Aquafi
• Eucarpe
• Toad&Co
• Amadou Naturals
• Back Beat Co.
• SynZenta

*Definition: The biodegradable fabrics market refers to the market for textiles and fabric materials that can decompose naturally in the environment without causing harm. It includes products that are made from renewable natural fibers such as cotton, hemp, and linen as well as innovative bioplastics like PLA and PHA which are derived from biological sources like corn starch. The biodegradable fabrics market is driven by sustainability trends in the textile industry and provides an eco-friendly alternative to traditional petroleum-based synthetics. These fabrics have various applications across the clothing, furniture, automotive, agriculture, civil engineering, and medical sectors. The biodegradation process allows the fabrics to completely breakdown into natural elements like water, carbon dioxide, and biomass at the end of their lifecycle.

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