Flame Retardant Fabrics Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Application (Apparel and Non-Apparel), By End Use (Home Textiles, Industrial, Defense & Public Safety Services, Transport, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The global flame retardant fabrics market size was valued at USD 1,537.45 million in 2023. The market is expected to grow from USD 1,608.10 million in 2024 to USD 2,349.89 million by 2032 at a CAGR of 4.9% during the forecast period. Asia Pacific dominated the flame retardant fabrics market with a market share of 44.44% in 2023.

Flame retardant fabrics are made flame-resistant by treating them with special flame-retardant chemicals. Through the process of chemical treatment, flame retardants are added to the fiber or on the fabrics to provide some level of flame retardancy. As a result, flame retardants are widely used in the production of flame or fire retardant fabrics.

These chemically treated fabrics rely on a chemical reaction to reduce the flame during a fire. Whenever such fabrics are exposed to the fire, a certain chemical reaction is triggered by the high temperature of the fire, which slows the spread of the fire. In the production of flame retardant fabrics, flame retardants play a crucial role in not only preventing ignition but also slowing the combustion process, thus leaving more time for people to escape and firefighters to respond. Efficacy to offer such exceptional safety has made flame retardant fabrics an ideal choice in various apparel and non-apparel applications. All these factors coupled with increased demand from various industries for such fabrics will drive the global flame retardant fabrics market growth during the forecast period.

The coronavirus outbreak negatively impacted the market due to the lockdown, which halted import-export activities globally. Lockdowns, travel restrictions, and economic instability caused supply chain disruption and delays in key industrial sector, which reduced sales in the year 2020.

Flame Retardant Fabrics Market Trends

Momentum Towards Multifunctional Fabrics to Fuel Market Growth

The development in the studies has encompassed more purposeful textiles for high-performance and sustainable fabric. These studies are focused on evolving fabrics with various properties, including but not limited to self-cleaning, super-hydrophobicity, preventing antibacterial activity, or even crease recovery. As consumers are becoming more aware, the need for chemical substances that have low effect on the surroundings and low toxicity is increasing. As a result, the need for more sustainable fabrics without compromising their functional qualities is on the rise. In addition, recent advancements in nanotechnology have led to the development of cotton fabrics that are enhanced with various unique properties by using silica nanoparticles. For instance, in March 2022, novel research was done on cotton fabrics to modify to offer flame retardancy and has been submitted for publication in the journal Carbohydrate Polymers. Therefore, as demand for sustainable and multifunctional fabrics grows, it will fuel the market growth, thus creating more opportunities in the market.

Flame Retardant Fabrics Market Growth Factors

Heightened Defense Budget is Anticipated to Drive the Global Market Growth

Due to the heightened geopolitical tensions caused by the Russia-Ukraine war, there have been many economic forces to increase their defense expenditure. As a result, global defense spending rose by 9% to an all-time high of USD 2.2 trillion in 2023. The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) added that it expects budgets to continue to rise in 2024 as the war enters its third year and international instability spreads across the Middle East following the Israel-Gaza conflict. Ukraine's defense budget increased by USD 31.1 billion in 2023, excluding foreign contributions, while Russia increased its military spending by USD 108.5 billion in 2023 and has further increases planned. Flame retardant fabrics are crucial to manufacturing various products that require flame-resistant properties, such as those used in uniforms, combat gear, tents, sleeping bags, etc. As a result, a surging defense budget globally is set to drive the global market.  

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Stringent Regulations associated with Flame-Retardant Fabrics May Impede the Market Growth

Once a flame-retardant fabric is disposed off, it still contains flame-retardant chemicals. These chemicals can be released into the environment if the waste isn’t properly managed. Given the wide range of industries and products that use a wide range of additives substances and the large number of discarded electronic and electrical equipment and appliances, identification and treatment of equipment and waste containing flame retardant chemicals is a very challenging task. However, if the flame retardants in waste are not recycled, it can create various adverse impacts on the environment. The United Nations Environment Programme has listed flame retardants with a high potential for bioaccumulation and biomagnification, and they can travel for long distances. In addition, UNEP has found toxic effects of flame retardants in wildlife, including mammals, and on humans, where they can cause cancer, hormone disruption, and other adverse health effects. Harmful effects associated with flame retardants may impede the flame retardant fabrics market growth

Flame Retardant Fabrics Market Segmentation Analysis

By Application Analysis

Non-Apparel Segment to Hold a Significant Share Owing to its Wide Adoption

Based on application, the market is segmented into apparel and non-apparel.

The non-apparel segment accounted for the largest global flame retardant fabrics market share in the year 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.9% in terms of value.

The non-apparel segment includes a wide range of applications, including but not limited to home textiles, industrial, and defense. It is primarily used in draperies, upholstery, institutional & commercial carpets, transportation, and bedding. Flame retardant fabrics are strong, lightweight, resistant to tearing, and excellent resistivity to fire, which has made these fabrics an ideal choice for many applications where fire resistivity is a basic requirement. As a result, to reduce fire incidences and to offer more time to escape, the non-apparel segment has dominated the total sales in the market. 

The apparel segment accounted for a considerable proportion of the global market size in 2023. The demand is anticipated for its utilization in fire protection clothing, industrial safety apparel, utility & safety clothing, and to some extent in defense. As a result, the apparel segment will grow moderately during the forecast period.

By End Use Analysis

Wide Adoption of the Product in Home Textile Makes it a Largest Consumer, Leading to Its Majority Share

Based on end use, the market is classified into home textiles, industrial, defense & public safety services, transport, and others.

The home textiles segment accounted for the major share and leading the global market in the year 2023. Efficacy in increasing the fire safety of home textile products such as curtains, drapes, carpets, bedding, etc., has made this segment a primary consumer in the global market. With its high utilization in the home textile industry and ability to reduce the potential of rapid fire spread, this segment will maintain its dominance throughout the assessment period.

Fabrics treated with flame retardants are used for industrial purposes, where it is utilized in protective apparel, thermal shield fabrics, welding fabrics, etc. As governments push companies to implement safer protocols, it will naturally fuel the demand for fire safety accessories, assisting moderate demand for such fabrics.

Others segment consists of various applications, including recreation applications, especially in camping, fishing, golfing, and others, and in hospitals for bedding, carpets, and others. With a wide array of applications, the others segment will grow moderately during the forecast period.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

Based on region, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.

The flame retardant fabrics market size in the Asia Pacific stood at USD 683.2 million in 2023. Asia Pacific region has been identified as the largest consumer due to the presence of leading economies like China and India. China is identified as the leading consumer in the Asia Pacific region, and it dominates the global market. China is the largest nation in terms of population, on the globe, thus driving the demand for home textile products. Along with it, China is among the top 5 countries with humongous defense budgets. The home textile and defense sectors accounts for the majority of the global flame retardant fabric consumption, and China, a prominent country in these sectors, has dominated the demand.

According to the World Economic Forum, after China, the U.S. is the second largest manufacturing superpower. In addition, with a humongous investment budget of USD 1.6 trillion, the U.S. has the largest defense budget in the world. Flame retardant fabrics are highly used in the defense industry for protective garments, tents, face shields, etc., which will fuel the market growth.

Europe has accounted for substantial demand for the product on the back of leading economies such as Germany, France, and the U.K., which are among the top 10 manufacturing superpowers. Along with a vast manufacturing base, according to the European Commission, Europe’s transport sector contributes nearly 5% to the EU’s total GDP. These fabrics are highly utilized in aeronautical, automotive, and marine applications, which require fire-retardant fabrics, driving the regional demand.

Latin America and the Middle East & Africa markets are projected to grow moderately during the assessment period. Expanding industrialization in leading economies such as Brazil, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and South Africa is projected to assist in the growth of the market in the respective regions.

List of Key Companies in Flame Retardant Fabrics Market

Market Players are Making Passive Investments Due to the Transition Towards Inherent Fabrics

Jason Mills, LLC, Westex, Klopman International, and Unique Safety Services are identified as key manufacturers in the study of the global flame retardant fabrics market. Players operating in the market are making passive investments due to the growing consumer inclination for the counterpart - inherent flame retardant fabrics. However, their low production cost gives them an extra advantage over inherent fabrics, which drives their demand. Thus, considering the above mentioned factors, companies have not made any noticeable expansion plans and may align their product portfolio with inherent flame-retardant fabric materials in the future.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Jason Mills, LLC (U.S.)


• Klopman International (Italy) 


• Naizil Coated Fabrics (Canada)


• Sunscreen Mermet (France)


• Syensqo (Belgium)


• TenCate Protective Fabrics (U.S.)


• Tex Tech Industries (U.S.)


• Texfire (Spain)


• Unique Safety Services (India)


• Westex (U.S.)

REPORT COVERAGE

The research report provides detailed market analysis and focuses on crucial aspects such as leading companies, applications, and end use. In addition, it provides quantitative data regarding volume and value, market analysis, research methodology for market data, and insights into market trends and highlights vital industry developments and competitive landscape. In addition to the above-mentioned factors, the report encompasses various factors that have contributed to the market's growth in recent years.

Report Scope & Segmentation