Industrial Fabrics Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Fiber Type (Polyamide, Polyester, Aramid, Composites, and Others), By Application (Conveyor Belts, Transmission Belts, Protective Apparel, Automotive, Flame Resistant Apparel, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The global industrial fabrics market size was USD 155.13 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 165.13 billion in 2024 to USD 267.48 billion by 2032 at a CAGR of 6.3% during the 2024-2032 period. Asia Pacific dominated the industrial fabrics market with a market share of 36.69% in 2023.

The market is projected to witness substantial growth due to the increasing demand for advanced and improved materials and fabrics for the automotive sector. The increasing demand for protective apparel from various end-sectors is one of the critical factors driving the market. Moreover, increasing research and development in the manufacturing process of fabrics shall contribute positively to the market.

The pandemic has significantly affected the overall market. The deadly virus has massively disrupted the operational activities of the industrial sector. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, manufacturing facilities have had to halt the production process and comply with regional governments' rules. In order to overcome the sensitive situation, governments have been forced to implement various stringent social distancing practices, lockdowns, and other preventive measures. For instance, as directed by the different state governments, many automotive manufacturers in Asia, the US, and Western Europe suspended their manufacturing activities. For example, TATA Motors temporarily shut down its manufacturing facility in Pune to curb the spread of the virus.

However, the increasing demand for protective apparel from the medical and healthcare sectors has been a positive aspect. The coronavirus has created havoc globally and interrupted the supply chain of raw materials for all market segments. The massive disturbance in the demand and supply of processed products and their raw materials due to the lockdown and government norms is expected to affect the market.

Industrial Fabrics Market Trends

Increasing Demand for Functional and Structural Fabrics to Have Positive Impact on the Market Growth

Industrial fabrics are mostly non-apparel, high-performance, and highly functional fabrics mostly used in commercial and industrial applications. They are often used as components of other products to alter their functional properties, strength, and functionality.  The increasing demand for such strong fabrics is aimed to prevent mishaps and handle environmental and mechanical stress. Moreover, the growing demand for geosynthetics from various end-use sectors is one of the potential drivers for this market. The rising adoption of geotextiles for geotechnical applications and environmental engineering is also expected to boost the growth of the industrial fabric. Geotextiles and similar products are used to support civil engineering applications including railways, embankments, retaining structures, and other applications. For instance, the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation of India announced the usage of geosynthetics attributed to the life-extension benefits and durability.

Industrial Fabrics Market Growth Factors

Increasing Adoption of Industrial Fabrics in the Auto Sector to Propel Market Growth

Industrial fabrics are expected to experience a high growth rate due to the high demand from the automotive sector. According to a survey, it is projected that almost 45 sq. meters of textile materials are used in a car for interiors. It includes seats, headlines, carpets, side panels, and other parts. Fabrics and textiles account for almost 2 % of the total weight of a car. These fabrics are extensively employed in lightweight vehicles as well as heavy load carrying trucks and other vehicles. One of the applications of these fabrics is the reinforcement of tires of vehicles. Materials such as glass cords, polyester carcasses, aramid fibers, and webbed fibers are used to reinforce tires. The increasing production of the passenger, as well as heavy vehicles, will further drive the demand for industrial textiles.

Government legislation and pressure regarding the setting up and usage of safety devices in cars and other automobiles are two key reasons driving the market’s growth. Seat belts and airbags are the primary protective devices used in a vehicle.  About 1 kg of industrial fabrics is used in the manufacturing of seatbelts while airbags, which are made of nylon, aid the safety of the driver and passengers.

Growing Demand for Geosynthetics to Drive the Market

Robust, durable, and resilient civil infrastructure has been the need of the hour for the last few decades to satisfy the demands of the rising population. It is important to select sustainable approaches in construction due to the current state of environmental challenges across the globe and the exhaustion of natural resources. Construction and infrastructural projects are the significant drivers of demand for geosynthetics. Roads and bridges, airfields, dams, railroads, retaining walls, embankments, reservoirs, canals, erosion management, mining, landfill covers, aquaculture, and agriculture are a few of the major application areas of geosynthetics. Various forms of geosynthetic materials, such as geogrids, geotextiles, geo­membranes, and geonets, are utilized in civil engineering and construction projects. These materials have improved performance and durability and increase the productivity of infrastructural assets.

Geosynthetic is one of the applications of industrial fabrics that have been gaining popularity for the last few decades. Geomembranes and geotextiles are classified as technical textiles and are widely used in various applications including barrier tubes, liners, structural supports, reservoir covers, geotechnical, hydraulics, and other niche applications. The increasing adoption of such materials is attributed to their high functionality and superior properties, which are expected to fuel the market.

Additionally, technical advancements in textile manufacturing processes and the implementation of automatic systems for manufacturing and packaging processes are surging the demand for conveyor belts, transmission belts, and other fabric components of industrial machines. This is expected to positively impact industrial fabrics market growth.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Complicated Manufacturing Process May Hamper the Market

The manufacturing of these fabrics is one of the difficult and complicated processes. Highly valued fibers and materials are employed in these processes, which are difficult to manipulate due to their configuration and intrinsic specifications related to performance. For instance, glass fibers are highly abrasive and need to be handled with care while manufacturing. However, regular and detailed testing using highly accurate and reliable methods can increase the life expectancy of these types of industrial fabrics.

Industrial Fabrics Market Segmentation Analysis

By Fiber Type Analysis

Polyester Segment to Generate High Revenue Backed by High Demand from End-Use Industries

Based on fiber type, the market is segmented into polyamide, polyester, aramid, composites, and others. The polyester segment held the major share of the market in 2023. Polyester is a lightweight, malleable, water-resistant, sturdy, and highly functional type of fiber and is therefore widely employed in manufacturing strong and sturdy fabrics. Moreover, it is comparatively lower in cost. This is driving the demand for polyester-based fabrics.

Polyamide is another segment significantly contributing to the market’s growth. According to a survey performed by plastic insights in 2016, the production of polyamide fibers has been continuously increasing since the last decade. Attributed to the material’s robust properties of heat stabilization and flame retardation, it is extensively employed in manufacturing flame-retarding apparel and other protective apparel.

By Application Analysis

Automotive Segment to Hold a Significant Share Supported by Growth in the Automotive Sector

The market is segmented into conveyor belts, transmission belts, protective apparel, automotive, flame-resistant apparel, and others in terms of application. The automotive segment constituted the leading industrial fabrics market share in 2023. The growing demand from the automotive industry in turn is driving the demand for fabrics used in automobiles. Besides, the increasing awareness in consumers regarding automotive safety coupled with government regulations is expected to drive the demand for industrial fabrics for automotive applications.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

The market size in Asia Pacific stood at USD 56.91 billion in 2023. Asia Pacific dominated the market and is likely to maintain its position during the forecast period. A large manufacturing base coupled with the easy availability of raw materials for such fabrics in countries such as China, India, and Japan is the key reason for regional growth. In addition, the automotive sector of East-Asian countries such as India, China, Korea, and Japan is increasing in demand.

North America is one of the highly developed regions in terms of industrialization and technological advancement. The application of these fabrics for flame resistant and protective apparel from end-user sectors attributed to the stringent rules regarding worker safety shall drive the market. Additionally, the increasing adoption of geotextiles for soil reinforcements and geotechnical engineering is expected to further propel the market.

Europe is expected to witness considerable growth in terms of consumption. The well-established automotive manufacturing sector and substantially increasing demand for vehicles are expected to drive the demand for industrial fabrics for automotive applications. The implementation of safety kits in all types of vehicles is expected to fuel regional growth.

There has been considerable development and industrialization in Latin America over the last few decades. Improving technological and economic conditions in countries such as Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, and others are expected to create opportunities for market players. Moreover, the increasing demand for protective apparel from the rapidly developing mining sector in Latin America shall foster market growth.

The Middle East & Africa is expected to show considerable growth attributed to the stringent regulations regarding automotive safety. The UAE, Qatar, and other gulf countries are expected to provide lucrative opportunities due to technological advancements.

List of Key Companies in Industrial Fabrics Market

Key Companies to Adopt Strategies and Broaden their Market Presence

With a few global players capturing a significant share, the global market is concentrated in nature. Habasit AG, DuPont, Johns Manville, ContiTech AG, Toray Industries Inc., Cerex Advanced Fabrics, Inc., Freudenberg & Co. Kg, Bridgestone Corporation, Barnet Gmbh & Co. Kg, Fitesa, and G.R.Henderson Co. Textiles Ltd. are some of the market's key players.

Industry players operate principally based on the product's price and end-use. To boost their company’s market position and achieve a competitive advantage, several major players are engaged in numerous planned product launches to promote brand and sales. For instance, in March 2024, Toray Industries announced the successful testing of its protective apparel made from MAKSPEC V antiviral textile. The company confirmed its effectiveness against the COVID-19 virus.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED

• Habasit AG (Switzerland)


• Dupont (U.S)


• Johns Manville (U.S)


• ContiTech AG (Germany)


• Toray Industries Inc. (Japan)


• Cerex Advanced Fabrics Inc. (U.S.)


• Freudenberg & Co. Kg (Germany)


• Bridgestone Corporation (Japan)


• Barnet Gmbh & Co. Kg (Germany)


• Fitesa (Germany)


• G.R.Henderson Co. Textiles Ltd. (U.K.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

• July 2022 – DuPont, a leading manufacturer of industrial fabrics, launched a niche, flame-resistant (FR) fabric with a bio-based chemical-repellent finish that makes protective clothing more sustainable and helps improve worker safety. DuPont Nomex Comfort with EcoForce technology provides best-in-class flame resistance and chemical protection while addressing rising environmental concerns about personal protective equipment (PPE).


• June 2021 – Chemical manufacturer DuPont launched a new fabric collection made with DuPont Biomaterials Sorona, a sustainable and partially bio-based polymer, and Jayashree Textiles, a division of Aditya Birla Group. The new collection was intended to expand the future of sustainable textiles for brands and retailers to use for comfortable casual and fashion wear.


• April 2020 –Bridgestone Americas announced its plan to restart its North American commercial tire plants as well as its other subsidiaries manufacturing industrial products, fibers and textiles, and building products.


• March 2019 – ContiTech AG set up a new plant in China for elastomeric-coated fabrics. The opening of the new manufacturing facility marked a special milestone in the company’s history.

REPORT COVERAGE

The market research report provides a detailed industrial fabrics market analysis and focuses on crucial aspects such as leading companies, products, and raw materials. In addition, the report offers insights into market trends and highlights vital industry developments. In addition to the factors mentioned above, the report encompasses various major factors that have contributed to the market's growth in recent years.

This report includes historical data and forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels, and analyzes the industry's latest market dynamics and opportunities.

Report Scope & Segmentation