Segments - Global Functional Textile Market By Garments (Active Wear, Performance Wear, Ready-to-wear, Seamless Wear), By Fibers (Polyester, Viscose), By Function (Anti-microbial & Anti-Bacterial, Flame-Retardant, Temperature Regulation, Durable Press/Wrinkle Resistance, Repellent & Release, Others), By Application (Geotextiles, Personal Protection, Hygiene, Medical, Military/War) and Region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa) - Global Industry Analysis, Growth, Share, Size, Trends, and Forecast 2032 - 2031
The Global Functional Textile Market size was valued at USD 140.12 Billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 273.18 Billion by 2031, expanding at a CAGR of 7.7% during the forecast period 2023 - 2031.
Functional textiles sever many purposes besides covering the skin. They are specially manufactured fabrics with added properties, making them smart, protective, customizable, and flexible. These textiles can be controlled or adjusted as per the requirements of the end user. A single piece of functional textile can have more than one functional property, enabling it to serve multiple purposes.
Features of these functional clothing are added to the textile materials depending on their functionality requirements during the various stages of manufacturing. These stages include fiber, yarn fabric, and garment. The key focus during the production of functional clothing is on the integration of functional features rather than making them esthetically pleasing.
Production of functional textiles involves following careful steps; therefore, it is a challenging task. The selection of textile material, design, and manufacturing methods requires the utmost attention and sophistication. Chemical agents are the key functional materials utilized for adding functional properties to textiles.
Functional textile preparation is divided into two key categories. The first one includes the initial preparation of functional fibers and then weaving them into the textile design. The second preparation method involves modifying ordinary textile materials with functional groups.
Polyesters and viscose fibers are the most commonly utilized fibers in the making of functional textiles. Polyester fiber and fabric are known for their strength, lightweight, and durability properties. Polyester fabrics are highly resistant to a range of wear and tear, abrasion, wrinkles, and dirt.
Viscose fibers, also known as rayon, are sourced from wood pulp and cotton lint. These fibers are sustainable and abundant, which makes them one of the most favored textile materials.
The textiles made of viscose fiber are soft and comfortable. Viscose textiles absorb moisture and are resistant to abrasion and organic solvents. They are commonly used to make functional textiles for sportswear and outdoor uses.
The commonly engineered properties of functional textiles are ultraviolet (UV) radiation protection, antibacterial activity, fluorescent whitening agents, temperature and humidity control, resistance to microbial activity, water repellence, self-cleaning, and flame-retardant properties, among others. Functional textiles are employed for various purposes.
They are used as a personal protective measure against different factors, for maintaining hygiene, improving leisure and sports activities, and for carrying out physical tasks in an uncommon atmosphere. The demand for functional textiles for personnel protection in industries such as defense, healthcare, & chemicals is due to their superior features.
The demand for functional textiles is growing rapidly due to increasing demand from various end-use industries such as healthcare, sports, and fitness, automotive, military, defense, and others. Some of the end-users in functional textiles include Healthcare, Sportwear, and Automotive.
Healthcare Industry: The healthcare industry is a major consumer of functional textiles, including surgical gowns, bed linens, and wound dressings. The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and the rising global population are driving demand for healthcare products and services, which, in turn, is fueling the growth of the functional textiles market.
Sportswear Industry: The sportswear industry is another major consumer of functional textiles, including moisture-wicking fabrics, stretchable fabrics, and temperature-regulating fabrics. The growing popularity of sports and fitness activities and the increasing awareness of the benefits of exercise are driving demand for sportswear, which, in turn, is driving the growth of the functional textiles market.
Automotive Industry: The automotive industry is another major consumer of functional textiles, including seat covers, headliners, and carpets. The increasing demand for fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly vehicles is driving the use of lightweight materials in the automotive industry, including functional textiles.
There is growing concern among consumers about the environmental impact of textile production. As a result, there is a growing demand for sustainable textiles that are made using eco-friendly materials and production methods.
Many functional textiles are treated with chemicals such as antimicrobial agents, flame retardants, and water repellents, which can be harmful to the environment if they are not disposed of properly. These chemicals can leach into the soil and water, causing pollution and harm to wildlife.
The manufacturing of functional textiles often involves energy-intensive processes, such as dyeing, finishing, and coating, which can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. The production of functional textiles often requires large amounts of water, which can put a strain on water resources in areas where water is scarce.
To address these environmental concerns, manufacturers of functional textiles can take steps such as reducing the use of chemicals, implementing sustainable manufacturing practices, and using recycled materials with end-of-life considerations in mind.
Functional textiles that are designed to be durable and long-lasting can help reduce the environmental impact of textiles production by reducing the need for frequent replacements.
There is a growing awareness among consumers about the health and safety benefits of functional textiles. For eg. Fabrics with UV protection are becoming increasingly popular as people become more aware of the risks associated with prolonged exposure to the sun.
Similarly, fabrics with antimicrobial properties are gaining popularity as people become more concerned about the spread of germs and bacteria. Increasing awareness about the health and safety benefits of functional textiles refers to fabrics that are designed with additional properties beyond their basic aesthetic and structural functions. These properties can include features such as antimicrobial or moisture-wicking properties, UV protection, and flame retardancy, among others.
Collaborate with health professionals: Brands and manufacturers can partner with health professionals such as doctors, nurses, and occupational therapists to promote the benefits of functional textiles. These professionals can provide valuable insights and recommendations on the most effective fabrics and properties for specific health concerns.
Conduct research: Brands and manufacturers can invest in research and development to better understand the health and safety benefits of functional textiles. This can help them create new products with specific properties that address common health concerns.
The development of new technologies has led to the creation of innovative functional textiles that offer superior performance characteristics. Technological advancements in functional textiles have led to the development of fabrics with enhanced performance characteristics, such as improved durability, moisture management, and heat retention.
The growing demand for high-performance textiles is driving the growth of the functional textiles market. Some of the notable advancements in functional textiles include Nanotechnology and 3D printing:
Nanotechnology: Nanotechnology involves the manipulation of materials on a molecular or atomic scale. In textiles, nanotechnology is used to create fabrics with enhanced properties, such as improved water resistance, stain resistance, and UV protection. Nanoparticles can also be used to create fabrics with self-cleaning properties, as well as to improve the performance of textile coatings and finishes.
3D printing: 3D printing has opened up new possibilities for textile design and manufacturing. It allows for the creation of complex, customized textile structures that are not possible with traditional manufacturing techniques. 3D printing can also be used to create textile-like structures using materials such as plastics and metals.
The high production cost of functional textiles is one of the main restraints of the functional textile market. This textile is relatively more expensive than the other textiles, as the fabrics used in their production change in accordance with their application.
Fluctuating raw material prices of functional textiles is another restraint of the global market. Polyester is a synthetic fabric that is usually derived from petroleum and the continuous change in the demand and supply of crude oil leads to a flux of raw materials prices.
Some forms of polyesters are bio-degradable but most of them are non-degradable. These functional textiles, eventually end up in landfills and stay there for years, thereby increasing pollution.
The textile industry in countries such as India, Japan, and China are growing at a significant rate. The easy availability of well-trained laborers at cheaper rates in countries like India and China can create new lucrative opportunities for the functional textiles market in the coming years. Increasing disposable incomes and purchasing power in emerging economies can create new opportunities for market players.
Multi-functional textiles implement sensors to perform functions in addition to structural reinforcement, such as sensing and communication and can enable the textile to be used for structural health assessment in healthcare and sports activities. The ongoing R&D and innovations to achieve smart functional textiles for various applications create opportunities for the Global Functional Textiles Market.
The report on the Global Functional Textile market includes an assessment of the market, trends, segments, and regional markets. Overview and dynamics have also been included in the report.
Attributes |
Details |
Report Title |
Functional Textile Market – Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast |
Base Year |
2022 |
Historic Data |
2016 – 2021 |
Forecast Period |
2023 – 2031 |
Segmentation |
Garments (Active Wear, Performance Wear, Ready-to-wear, Seamless Wear), Fibers (Polyester, Viscose), Function (Anti-microbial & Anti-Bacterial, Flame-Retardant, Temperature Regulation, Durable Press/Wrinkle Resistance, Repellent & Release, Others), Application (Geotextiles, Personal Protection, Hygiene, Medical, Military/War) |
Regional Scope |
Asia Pacific, North America, Latin America, Europe, and Middle East & Africa |
Report Coverage |
Company Share, Market Analysis and Size, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends, and Revenue Forecast |
Key Players Covered |
DYNTEX, Fone Tai Enterprise Co., Ltd, Kelheim Fibres GmbH, Singtex Industrial Co. Ltd, Toung Loong Textile Mfg. Co., Ltd, Trevira GmbH |
The Global Functional Textile market is segmented on the basis of Garments, Fibers, Functions, applications, and regions.
Based on garments, the global functional textiles market is segmented into activewear, performance wear, ready-to-wear, and seamless wear. The activewear segment is expected to grow at a substantial growth rate. There has been a growing interest in sports and fitness activities worldwide, leading to an increase in demand for activewear.
Moreover a growing awareness about the health benefits of exercise and the popularity of sports such as running, yoga, and cycling, among others. The ready-to-wear segment is boosting due to consumer preferences changing rapidly, and there is a growing demand for comfortable & functional clothing. Functional textiles with moisture-wicking, breathability, and stretchability features are increasingly popular among consumers who value comfort and performance.
Based on fibers, the global functional textiles market is segmented into polyester and viscose. The polyester segment is projected to expand. Polyester fiber is a synthetic fiber made from petroleum, and it is used extensively in the textile industry due to its versatility and cost-effectiveness. Furthermore, it is widely available and can be produced in large quantities, making them a popular choice for mass-produced textiles.
The viscose segment is growing at a substantial rate. Viscose fiber is a type of regenerated cellulose fiber made from wood pulp, and it is widely used in the textile industry due to its softness, durability, and versatility. The use of nanotechnology has led to the development of viscose fabrics with advanced properties such as UV protection and antimicrobial properties.
Based on functions, the global functional textiles market is segmented into anti-microbial & anti-bacterial, flame retardant, temperature regulation, durable press/wrinkle resistance, repellent & release, and others. Temperature regulation is anticipated to boost owing to consumers increasingly looking for comfortable clothing that can regulate their body temperature and keep them comfortable in different weather conditions.
This has led to an increase in demand for temperature-regulating functional textiles. The wrinkle-resistance segment is growing due to consumers increasingly looking for clothing that is easy to care for and requires minimal maintenance. Wrinkle-resistant textiles provide a convenient solution, as they can be straight from the dryer without the need for ironing.
Based on application, the global functional textiles market is segmented into geotextiles, personal protection, hygiene, medical, military/war, and sports & leisure. The sports & leisure segment is expected to propel due to the growing popularity of sports and outdoor activities have led to an increase in demand for functional textiles that can provide comfort, protection, and performance-enhancing benefits.
The personal protection segment is growing owing to governments & organizations worldwide increasingly implementing safety regulations that require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in various industries such as construction, healthcare, and manufacturing. This has led to an increase in demand for functional textiles.
Based on region, the global functional textiles market is categorized as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. Asia Pacific is anticipated to dominate the market during the projection period due to the growing textile and apparel industry in the region. The demand for smart and protective clothing is rising across the end-user industries of the region, which is likely to create opportunities in the market the region.
The integration of advanced technology and sensors in functional textiles is expected to further support the market in the region. The market in Asia Pacific is expected to grow at a rapid pace during the forecast period. Factors such as the abundant availability of raw materials and the availability of cheap and skilled labor are likely to drive the market in the region.
High usage of functional textiles is driven by rising industrialization in emerging economies of the region such as China, India, Japan, and Bangladesh.
Key players operating in the market are DYNTEX, Fone Tai Enterprise Co., Ltd, Kelheim Fibres GmbH, Singtex Industrial Co. Ltd, Toung Loong Textile Mfg. Co., Ltd, Trevira GmbH, Tiong Liong Industrial Co. Ltd, U-Long High-Tech Textile Co., Ltd.
These companies are considered as key manufacturers of Functional textiles based on their revenue, research development (R&D) activities, product offerings, regional presence, and supply chain management system. The players are adopting key strategies such as acquisition, collaborations, and geographical expansion where potential opportunities for the Functional Textile market.
The global functional textiles market size was USD 1,30,162.5 Mn in 2021.
The market growth is attributed to the increasing demand for antibacterial, UV-cut, temperature-regulating, water, and oil-repellent textiles across different applications
The global functional textiles market is expanding at a CAGR of 7.7% during 2022–2030.
Asia Pacific is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period.
Key players competing in the global functional textiles market are Trevira GmbH; Dyntex GmbH; Kelheim Fibres GmbH; Toung Loong Textile MFG; and Kelheim Fibres GmbH.