Global Biodegradable Fabrics Market Size and Trends

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.

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.