Biodegradable Clothing Market Size, Share & Trends [2031]

Report Description

The global biodegradable clothing market size was valued at, USD 43.2 Billion in 2022 and is likely to reach USD 79.2 Billion by 2031, expanding at a CAGR of 7.8% during the forecast period, 2023–2031. The market is driven by growing environmental awareness and the rise in the use of cellulosic fiber in the textile industry.

Growing preference for eco-friendly products among consumers is boosting the adoption of biodegradable clothing as a part of a modern lifestyle. This trend is further influenced by the increasing popularity of utilizing organic cotton in the production of textiles. The waste generated by the textile industry alone is of major concern, due to its deteriorating effect on the environment. As a result, the rising awareness regarding environmental conservation and the harmful effects of synthetic fibers on the ecosystem have surged the adoption of organic fibers and biodegradable clothing.

• As per the report published by the National Institute of Health in 2021, the global amount of textile waste generated every year is close to 92 million tons. Considering its growth rate over the years, this amount is expected to reach a staggering 134 million tons per year by the end of 2030.

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Organic fibers are also being extensively used in designer clothing and textiles. The advancements in manufacturing technology of biodegradable clothing make them highly desirable to consumers. Their key characteristics include insulation, antimicrobial & hypoallergenic properties, UV resistance, better absorption, and high breathability.

Furthermore, the raw materials required for manufacturing regenerated and natural fibers are abundantly available all around the globe. These factors are expected to considerably fuel the market growth over the forecast period.

The research report finds that the COVID-19 pandemic hindered the biodegradable clothing market by disrupting the supply and logistics chain due to the lockdown restrictions. Governments all around the world had to implement prohibitory regulations on the import and export of goods with other countries along with the intralogistics activities within the country, to prevent the spread of infection.

This led to a significant deficit in supply and demand, hampering the market. However, as the restrictions are now lifted, the market is expected to grow at a steady rate during the forecast period.

Artificial Intelligence Impact on Biodegradable Clothing Market

Artificial intelligence (AI) is projected to fuel the market during the forecast period. The technology is transforming the entire clothing market, biodegradable clothing included, by making the entire manufacturing process highly efficient. AI algorithms can optimize the production process and increase efficiency, which aids in minimizing environmental impact and reducing resource wastage.

In addition, AI significantly contributes to reducing waste by analyzing and predicting demand for different products and adjusting the schedules for production in accordance. All of these factors are likely to boost the adoption of this technology in various viable applications of the clothing industry.

Biodegradable Clothing Market Dynamics

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Major Drivers

Growing use of synthetic cellulosic fiber in the textile industry is expected to boost the market. The use of biodegradable clothing material helps stabilize the earth's climate, through the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions during the process of product manufacturing. The increasing use of synthetic or manmade cellulosic (MMCFs) for manufacturing clothes is owing to their natural, biodegradable, and renewable characteristics.

These clothing materials are extensively used in different types of clothing, including home furnishing, fashion clothing, and industrial protective clothing. MMCFs are used to make breathable fabrics that have no adverse effect on the skin due to the use of toxic chemicals. The increasing demand for such clothes is likely to fuel the growth of the biodegradable clothing market.

• As per one of the survey reports published recently in 2023, the production value of synthetic cellulosic fibers (MMCFs) in 2021 reached a staggering amount of 7.2 million metric tons. This growth is equivalent to a value of around 11% in comparison tothe year 2020’s volume.

Existing Restraints

High cost of biodegradable fabrics is anticipated to hamper the market during the forecast period. A wide variety of cost-effective synthetic polymer-based fabrics are available such as nylon and polyesterin online and offline clothing shops. As a result, synthetic clothes have a large consumer base, owing to their affordability to the low- to mid-income section of consumers.

Moreover, synthetic fabrics can be produced in bulk quantities and are stronger, lighter, and more durable as compared to biodegradable fabrics. These factors are likely to deter the adoption of biodegradable fabrics, restraining the growth of the market.

Emerging Opportunities

Rising environmental awareness among consumersis propelling the adoption of biodegradable clothing, which is creating substantial growth opportunities in the market. The surging production of fabric waste by the fashion industry is leading to the development of new fiber technologies that are more environmentally friendly.

This is especially important in the clothing sector, as it helps to reduce the toxic waste generated during fiber production and creates new opportunities for companies in the market. Increasing adoption of sustainability measures by major players in the clothing industry is another key factor responsible for expanding opportunities in the market.

Manufacturers are now searching for alternative material supplies that are safer for the environment and more practical for customers. To make a sustainable impact on the fashion industry, companies such as H&M are using eco-friendly fabrics and adjusting their supply chains. As the trend towards using less synthetic fiber grows, there is significant potential for growth opportunities in this sector.

• As per a report published in August 2023, the sustainable segment of the apparel industry is estimated to have an increment of approximately 1.4% between the period of 2023-2026. According to the forecast, this share is expected to grow by 6.14% in 2026.

Scope of Biodegradable Clothing Market Report

The market report includes an assessment of the market trends, segments, and regional markets. Overview and dynamics have also been included in the report.

Biodegradable Clothing Market Segment Insights

Type Segment Analysis

Based on type, the biodegradable clothing market is divided into organic fiber, regenerated fiber, and recycled fiber. The regenerated fiber segment is projected to hold the major share of the market during the projection period, owing to growing consumer demand for environmentally sustainable clothing.

Biodegradable clothes, apart from being friendly to the environment, have several advantages that make them ideal for usage. Their major properties include good absorbency, luster, softness, high wet tenacity, and ease of dyeing.

• As per the Textile Exchange report published in 2021, cellulose fibers are some of the most used fibers in the category of manmade cellulosic. They release a considerably lesser number of green house gases and pollutants during the process of manufacturing fabrics in comparison to synthetic fibers.

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The organic fiber segment is projected to register a considerable CAGR during the forecast period. Organic fiber materials are grown in a controlled environment, without the use of crop protection pesticides, herbicides, or chemicals. The growth of organic eco fibers is meticulously monitored and assessed by various certified agencies all around the globe.

Organic cotton is among the most common organic fibers used for making clothes in several industries, due to its excellent characteristics. Additionally, the concerns of harmful impact on the environment, due to the use of synthetic fibers have further led to an increased demand for organic fabrics over the past few years.

Application Segment Analysis

On the basis of application, the global market is segregated into textile/clothing, industrial, medical, and house furnishing. The textile/clothing segment is projected to expand at a substantial CAGR during the forecast period, due to the constantly increasing demand for garments/clothes all across the world.

Biodegradable fabrics are used in the manufacture of several garments such as bags, sacks, pillow covers, bed sheets, landfill coverings, and medical textiles. The consumer inclination toward the adoption of biodegradable clothing is likely to grow, owing to the increasing global population and the subsequent rise in requirement for various clothing such as fashionable clothing, formal wear, and casual wear in all age groups.

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The industrial segment is expected to expand at a significant growth rate during the forecast period,owing to the functional characteristics and sustainability of biodegradable fibers. They are ideal for numerous construction and industrial applications, including facades, concrete wraps, hose wraps, sewer & pipe linings, waterproof membranes, and thermal & sound insulation panels, among others.

With the growth of core infrastructure industries such as cement, steel, electricity, crude oil, and natural gas in several developing countries, the requirement for biodegradable fibers is anticipated to rise during the projection period.

Regional Outlook

In terms of region, the global biodegradable clothing market is classified as Asia Pacific, North America, Latin America, Europe, and Middle East & Africa. Asia Pacific is expected to dominate the market during the projection period,owing to the increasing per capita consumption of apparel, growth in foreign investments, and rise in population.

Among the emerging economies of the region, India has the fastest-growing market, as it is the largest producer of cotton in the world, followed by China. These nations have a rich history of the usage of cotton and silk clothes. As a result, governments encourage the use of natural fabrics with attractive subsidies and reimbursement schemes.

• As per the report published by the Ministry of Textiles, India produces 25% of the world’s total cotton production. The country has the largest cotton acreage of 12 million Hectares area for cotton cultivation. This is approximately 36% of the world area used for cotton cultivation, which is around 33.3 million Hectares.

North America is likely to experience significant growth during the projected period, due to the rise in demand for eco-friendly fibers in various end-use sectors including industrial manufacturing, disposable medical textiles, packaging, and household products.

Moreover, the rise of an aging population and the growing focus to produce top-quality sports wear are expected to boost the regional market growth in the coming years. Additionally, the increasing awareness of environmental protection and the promotion of sustainable practices are key factors driving the expansion of the market in the region.

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