Global Textile Chemicals Market Size Analysis Report - Market Share, Forecast Trends and Outlook (2024-2032)

Textile Chemicals Market Growth

Textile chemicals are extensively used in the modification of both natural and man-made textile fibres especially to meet the specific requirements of customers. These processes involve the application of numerous organic and inorganic chemicals, contributing to the production of attractive textile products tailored to individual needs.

As per the textile chemicals market dynamics and trends, the textile finishing process includes preparation, dyeing, printing, and refining of fabrics. Furthermore, various specialised chemicals, including biocides, flame retardants, water repellents, and warp sizes, are used in this process. Additionally, simpler chemicals or mixtures like emulsified oils, greases, starch, sulfonated oils, waxes, and surfactants are also employed in the process. In total, more than sixty different classes of textile chemical products are utilised in yarn formation, fabric pretreatment and finishing, as well as textile laminating and coating.

Key Trends and Recent Developments

The rise in global population; adoption of non-toxic textile chemicals; expansion of the apparel industry; and growing fashion trends positively impact the growth of the textile chemicals market.

July 2021

Pulcra Chemicals, a renowned German company specialising in chemicals, acquired Devan, a specialty chemicals company based in Belgium.

May 2022

Cosmo Speciality Chemicals, a prominent manufacturer of specialty chemicals, unveiled the Wetofast range, an eco-friendly solution designed to uphold the superior quality of fabrics. This new range includes the introduction of three innovative products.

May 2023

Archroma, a renowned provider of sustainable specialty chemicals, successfully acquired the Textile Effects division from Huntsman Corporation, a prominent global manufacturer of chemical products in the textile chemicals market.

June 2023

Archroma, a prominent player in specialty chemicals, partnered with Somelos, a textile conglomerate, to propel the progress of sustainable cotton processing. Together, they developed an innovative dyeing and finishing process that eliminates wastewater.

Adoption of non-toxic textile chemicals

By incorporating eco-friendly practices, key players in the market are reducing their carbon footprint by using natural and non-toxic textile chemicals.

Rise in the global population

The increasing population is anticipated to fuel the need for clothing and textiles, thereby enhancing the production of textile chemicals and boosting textile chemicals market share.

Expansion of the apparel industry and growing fashion trends

The rapid expansion of the apparel industry and the surging popularity of fashion trends are fuelling the necessity for textile chemicals.

Application in manufacturing of smart textiles

Specialised chemicals play a crucial role in the development of smart textiles, enabling them to perform advanced functions and meet the demands of modern technology and fashion.

Textile Chemicals Market Trends

As consumers continue to seek out new and innovative clothing styles, manufacturers are encouraged to produce garments that not only look good but also meet quality standards. This has led to a greater reliance on textile chemicals to enhance the performance and aesthetics of fabrics.

A crucial trend in textile chemicals market is that the companies in the fashion industry are increasingly recognising the importance of sustainability and are taking steps to reduce their carbon footprint. They are achieving this by utilising natural and non-toxic textile chemicals in their production processes. These chemicals are derived from renewable resources and do not harm the environment or pose health risks to workers. Traditional textile chemicals, such as dyes and finishes, often contain harmful substances that can pollute waterways and contribute to air pollution. In contrast, eco-friendly textile chemicals are biodegradable and do not release harmful toxins into the environment.

Industry Outlook

The major factors affecting the growth of the textile chemicals industry include the increasing adoption of nanotechnology in textile production, enhancing fabric properties like stain resistance and UV protection, and the growing popularity of smart textiles integrated with sensors for health monitoring and sports applications.

According to Textile Exchange, in 2022, global fiber production reached 116 million tons. Synthetic fibers led the market with 75.4 million tons, accounting for 65% of total production. Polyester dominated this category, contributing 63.3 million tons (54.6%). Polyamide (nylon) production was 6.2 million tons (5.3%), while polypropylene and acrylics added 3.1 million tons (2.7%) and 1.6 million tons (1.4%) respectively. Elastane production was 1.2 million tons (1.0%). These figures highlight the preference for synthetic fibers due to their durability and versatility, which in turn drives demand for textile chemicals used in enhancing these fibers.

As per the textile chemicals industry analysis, Plant-based fibers accounted for 31.53 million tons in 2022, representing 27.2% of global production. Cotton was the primary plant fiber, with 25.5 million tons (22% of the total production). Other plant fibers, including flax and hemp, produced 0.38 million tons (0.3%) and 0.3 million tons (0.3%), while other cotton fibers collectively added 5.35 million tons (4.6%). This segment's stability indicates a niche market focused on sustainable materials.

In 2022, Manmade cellulosic fibers (MMCF) contributed 7.21 million tons (6.2% of global production). Viscose was the leading MMCF, with a production volume of 5.8 million tons (5.0%), followed by acetate at 0.9 million tons (0.8%), lyocell at 0.3 million tons (0.3%), and modal at 0.2 million tons (0.2%). The consistent output of MMCFs highlights ongoing demand for fibers that offer a natural feel and biodegradability, aligning with consumer preferences for sustainable textiles and increasing textile chemicals industry revenue.

Animal fibers had the smallest share, totaling 1.85 million tons (1.6%) in 2022. Wool production from sheep was 1.1 million tons (1.0%), while silk and other animal fibers, including down, collectively contributed 0.75 million tons (0.65%). The minimal growth in wool and other animal fibers indicates challenges such as high production costs and ethical concerns.

The increasing reliance on synthetic and MMCFs drives the demand of textile chemicals market. These fibers require specific chemical treatments to enhance properties like durability, dyeability, and functionality, contributing to the growth of the global textile chemical market.

Global fiber production per person increased from 11.3 kilograms in 2010 to 14 kilograms in 2020, with projections of 15.6 kilograms by 2025 and 17.3 kilograms by 2030. The CAGR for global fiber production per person was 1.03% from 2015 to 2020, expected to rise to 2.14% from 2020 to 2025. This trend underscores the growing consumption of fibers driven by population growth, higher living standards, and expanded applications across various industries.

These trends will likely continue to influence the global textile chemicals market as manufacturers seek innovative chemical solutions to enhance fiber properties and meet industry standards.

Increasing Demand for Technical Textiles and Growth in Apparel and Home Textiles Strengthening the Growth of the Global Market

• Adoption of Digital Textile Printing: The shift towards digital textile printing requires specialized inks and pre-treatment chemicals, driving textile chemicals demand growth.
• Development of Smart and Functional Textiles: Increasing production of smart textiles with embedded sensors and electronics necessitates specialized conductive and durable textile chemicals.
• Environmental Regulations and Sustainability Initiatives: Stricter regulations push manufacturers to develop eco-friendly textile chemicals, such as biodegradable dyes and water-based finishes.
• Growth in Technical and Performance Textiles: Expanding use in automotive, medical, and construction industries requires advanced chemical treatments for properties like flame resistance and durability. 

Challenges Impacting the Global Textile Chemicals Market

• Bans on Specific Chemicals: Regulations banning specific harmful chemicals, such as formaldehyde and certain azo dyes, force manufacturers to find alternatives, increasing costs and R&D efforts and affecting textile chemicals demand.
• Supply Chain Disruptions: Disruptions in the supply of key raw materials like ethylene glycol and acetic acid can halt production and delay product delivery.
• Market Competition from Bio-based Alternatives: The rise of bio-based textile chemicals poses a challenge to traditional chemical manufacturers, who must innovate to remain competitive.
• Increased Demand for High-Performance Chemicals: Specialized high-performance textiles in sectors like aerospace and military require advanced chemical formulations, challenging manufacturers to meet these niche demands.

What are the Key Trends Shaping the Global Textile Chemicals Market?

• Adoption of Bio-Based Dyes and Finishes: Major brands are increasingly using bio-based dyes and finishes, such as those derived from agricultural waste, to meet sustainability goals and consumer demand for eco-friendly products and influence the textile chemicals demand forecast.
• Integration of Antimicrobial Treatments: The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened the focus on hygiene, leading to a surge in demand for textile chemicals with antimicrobial properties for use in medical textiles, activewear, and home textiles.
• Nanotechnology in Textile Chemicals: The application of nanotechnology in textile chemicals is growing, offering enhanced features like UV protection, stain resistance, and improved fabric strength without affecting the fabric's feel. 
• Regulation-Driven Innovations: Stringent European Union REACH regulations are pushing manufacturers to develop new chemical formulations that are compliant, leading to innovation in low-impact dyes and finishes.

Textile Chemicals Industry Segmentations

“Textile Chemicals Market Report and Forecast 2024-2032” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Product

• Coating and Sizing Chemicals
• Colorants and Auxiliaries
• Finishing Agents
• Desizing Agents
• Surfactants
• Bleaching Agents
• Others

Market Breakup by Fibre Type

• Natural
• Synthetic

Market Breakup by Application

• Apparel
• Home Textiles
• Technical Textiles
• Others

Market Breakup by Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa

Textile Chemicals Market Share

The utilisation of textile chemicals in technical textiles is higher due to the specialised requirements of these textiles

Technical textiles are often used in industries such as automotive, aerospace, healthcare, and sports, where specific performance characteristics are necessary. Technical textiles are designed and engineered to have specific properties and functionalities, such as flame resistance, water repellence, durability, and antimicrobial properties. These properties are achieved using various textile chems.

For instance, flame retardants are used to make textiles resistant to fire such as protective clothing and upholstery, thereby ensuring safety in applications and boosting textile chemicals market expansion. Water repellents are applied to technical textiles used in outdoor applications to provide resistance against water and moisture. Additionally, antimicrobial agents are used in healthcare textiles to prevent the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms.

Competitive Landscape

The market players are focusing more on sustainability to gain a competitive edge over their counterparts

Huntsman Corp.

Huntsman Corp. was established in 1970 and is headquartered in Texas, United States. It is a global producer and distributor of chemical goods catering to both consumer and industrial clientele.

The Dow Chemical Company

The Dow Chemical Company was established in 1897 and is headquartered in Midland. The corporation ranks as one of the top three chemical manufacturers globally and functions as the operational arm of Dow Inc.

Arkema SA

Arkema SA was founded in the year 2004 and is headquartered in Colombes, France. The company in the textile chemicals industry is divided into three distinct segments specializing in different materials including advanced materials adhesives, and coatings.

BASF SE

BASF SE was established in the year 1865 and is headquartered in, Germany. It is a chemical company that carries out the production, marketing, and sales of plastics, chemicals, and crop protection products.

Other players in the textile chemicals market are Solvay SA, Evonik Industries AG, Croda International Plc, Wacker Chemie AG, Lanxess AG, Tanatex Chemicals B.V., The Lubrizol Corporation, Covestro AG, Formosa Organic Chemical Industry Co., Rudolf GmbH, CHT Germany GmbH, and Eksoy Chemicals, among others.

Competitive Factors in the Global Textile Chemicals Market

• Technological Innovation: Companies investing in R&D to develop advanced and eco-friendly textile chemicals, such as waterless dyeing technologies and bio-based finishes, gain a competitive edge and boost textile chemicals market value.
• Customization and Specialty Chemicals: The ability to offer customized chemical formulations for specific applications, like high-performance sportswear or technical textiles, differentiates companies in the market.
• Sustainability Credentials: Manufacturers with strong sustainability practices, including certifications like OEKO-TEX and Bluesign, attract environmentally conscious brands and consumers, enhancing their market position.
• Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations: Forming alliances with textile manufacturers and brands for co-development projects and exclusive supply agreements helps companies expand their market reach and influence.

Key Players in the Global Textile Chemicals Market and their Strategic Initiatives

• Huntsman Corp. focuses on developing eco-friendly, non-fluorinated durable water repellents to meet the growing demand for sustainable textile treatments in various applications and enhance textile chemicals market revenue.
• Dow Chemical Company collaborates with textile manufacturers to co-develop tailored chemical solutions, significantly enhancing product performance and sustainability.
• Arkema SA emphasizes the development of high-performance polymers for technical textiles, greatly improving durability and specialized functional properties.
• BASF SE invests in advanced coatings and finishes that provide additional functionalities like UV protection and anti-microbial properties.
• Croda International Plc leads in green chemistry by focusing on bio-based and biodegradable textile chemicals that substantially reduce environmental impact.
• Wacker Chemie AG specializes in silicone-based chemicals, enhancing fabric softness, durability, and care properties in textile applications.
• Lanxess AG develops sustainable, low-impact dyes that offer superior colorfastness and environmental compatibility for various textile products in the textile chemicals market.
• The Lubrizol Corporation leverages polymer technologies to create advanced textile coatings, significantly improving fabric functionality and performance.

Textile Chemicals Market Regional Analysis

Asia Pacific is expected to emerge as one of the leading markets, because of high production and presence of skilled labourers

Asia Pacific holds a significant share in the textile chemicals market due to several reasons. The region benefits from the abundant availability of raw materials. Countries like China, India, and Bangladesh have a strong presence in the textile industry and possess vast reserves of natural fibres such as cotton, silk, and jute. Additionally, the Asia Pacific region has a cost-effective labour force. India and Bangladesh have a large population of skilled workers who are willing to work at competitive wages. This low labour cost advantage allows textile chemical manufacturers to keep their production costs down, making their products more affordable and attractive to customers. Moreover, the region is rich in natural resources as countries like Indonesia and Malaysia have abundant reserves of minerals and chemicals that are used in the production of textile chemicals.

Furthermore, Europe plays a vital role in the textile chemicals industry as the region provides high-quality textiles for various sectors including clothing, automotive, home furnishing, and industrial applications. The market is projected to experience significant growth due to the rising demand for sustainable and eco-friendly textiles, increased awareness about environmental safety, and technological advancements improving textile quality and durability.