The textile chemicals Market size is valued at US$ 31.32 Bn in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 41.4 Bn by 2031, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.1% from 2024 to 2031. Textile chemicals are compounds used in the processing and manufacturing of textiles. They enhance the manufacturing process of the textiles with specific properties and a desirable look. Home furnishings, apparel, and industrial chemicals are some of the applications of textile chemicals.
Global Textile Chemicals Market Regional Insights:
Figure 1. Global Textile Chemicals Market Share (%), By Region, 2024
To learn more about this report, request a free sample copy
Analyst’s Views:
The global textile chemicals market is expected to witness steady growth in the coming years. The market is driven by rising demand for technical textiles from developing economies and growing apparel and textile industry in countries like India, China, and Vietnam. Asia Pacific currently dominates the market, powered by the strong presence of textile hubs in China, India, Bangladesh, and Indonesia. In the medium term, the market will see faster growth in South Asia and Southeast Asia. However, stringent environmental regulations pertaining to wastewater disposal and use of toxic chemicals pose a challenge to market players. Additionally, the availability of cheaper alternatives like natural dyes and eco-friendly textile finishes also restrains market growth. Nevertheless, the market sees opportunities from growing demand for specialty chemicals that provide attributes like wrinkle resistance, soil/stain resistance and Ultra Violet (UV) protection in fabrics. Demand for home décor fabrics and performance wear is also boosting demand for advanced textile chemicals. Increasing R&D investments by major players to develop bio-based and eco-friendly textile chemicals presents new prospects. Furthermore, a rejuvenated apparel industry and rising use of technical textiles in developed regions like North America and Western Europe will support future expansion. But market participants need to closely monitor changing regulations and develop cost-competitive and sustainable product ranges.
Global Textile Chemicals Market Drivers:
Growing fabric and apparel industry: The fabric and apparel industry has been witnessing rapid expansion in recent years due to rising disposable incomes, changing fashion trends, and a growing population. This growth in textiles sector has led to a significant increase in demand for various textile chemicals that are used at different stages of textile processing and production.
Textile chemicals such as dyestuffs, finishing agents, surfactants, and softening agents play a vital role in determining the quality, feel, and appearance of fabrics. They are required right from the preprocessing of textile fibers and yarns to the final stages of manufacturing garments and home textiles. With the textile industry scaling to meet massive consumption needs, the use of textile chemicals has also multiplied exponentially.
According to the World Trade Organization, world textile and apparel exports surged by 24% in 2021 compared to pre-pandemic levels. The strong momentum has continued in 2022, with Asian countries especially maintaining their dominance in the global textile supply chain. Higher textile trade flows correspond to greater application of textile chemicals for products destined for both domestic and international markets.
Increasing demand for functional textiles: The growing demand for technical textiles with enhanced functionality is fueling the expansion of the global textile chemicals market. Functional textiles are fabrics that are engineered to perform specific non-aesthetic purposes apart from simply covering the body. They are designed to have special properties such as moisture wicking, UV protection, wrinkle resistance, etc.
The use of functional textiles has increased enormously in various industries like healthcare, sportswear, personal protective equipment, automotive, and home furnishings in the last few years. This trend is expected to accelerate further, driven by greater health and environmental consciousness among consumers. For example, the demand for medical textiles grew by 10% between 2020 and 2021, according to World Health Organization data. They are extensively used in products like surgical gowns, masks, drapes, etc. to control infections in medical facilities. Similarly, apparel brands manufacturing technical athleisure and activewear have increased considerably given the boom in the sports and fitness industries.
Increasing per capita income: With rapidly increasing incomes in developing nations, consumer spending on clothing and textiles is rising significantly. This is fueling the global textile chemicals market. As per capita incomes have doubled or tripled over the last decade in major economies like India, Indonesia, and Brazil, consumers in these countries now have greater disposable funds to invest in better quality, longer lasting-clothing and household textiles. This rising consumer demand is prompting textile manufacturers to use superior textile chemicals that improve the performance, durability and appearance of their products. Chemicals providing attributes like wrinkle resistance, stain release, moisture wicking, and UV protection are becoming increasingly popular. Their usage allows manufacturers to produce fabrics that fulfill evolving consumer needs for convenience, comfort, and style even after multiple washes. Chemical firms are innovating new product formulations that comply with stringent regulations while delivering these enhanced functionalities.
Global Textile Chemicals Market Opportunities:
Development of bio-based and green chemicals: The development of bio-based and green chemicals presents a huge opportunity for growth in the textile chemicals industry in the coming years. With growing consumer awareness about sustainability and the environmental impact of conventional chemicals, there is rising demand for eco-friendly and natural textile processing solutions. Biodegradable and bio-sourced chemicals extracted from plants offer an alternative to petroleum-derived synthetic options and allow textile manufacturers to produce ethically sourced fabrics. Their renewability and compatibility with natural fibers give them an advantage over regular chemical varieties.
Many major textile producers are now actively pursuing the use of bio-based chemicals in their manufacturing processes. For example, according to the India Brand Equity Foundation, between 2020-2022, over 100 denim manufacturers in India have partnered with biotech firms to introduce enzymatic stone washing techniques using bio-detergents, doing away with use of pumice stones and harmful chemicals. This shift helps reduce environmental pollution and allows brands to offer sustainably produced denim products. With growing regulation against toxic chemicals and increasing importance given to low carbon manufacturing under international agreements like the Paris Accord, the outlook for bio-based textile chemicals looks very promising over the long term.
Innovation in textile chemicals: Innovation in textile chemicals could be a tremendous opportunity in the global textile chemicals market. Textile is a rapidly evolving industry with growing consumer demand for sustainable and eco-friendly products. Developing innovative chemicals that help textile manufacturers lower their environmental footprint will become critical for business success in the coming years.
Many leading companies are investing heavily in R&D to create textile chemicals from renewable resources like plants and biomaterials. For example, some firms are developing bio-based alternatives to harmful chlorine-based bleaching agents. They are extracting active agents from plants that can whiten fabrics more effectively with less environmental impact. Transitioning to bio-based chemicals made from agricultural waste would significantly reduce dependence on non-renewable fossil fuels and lower carbon emissions over the product lifecycle. It offers a win-win for both manufacturers and consumers.
Textile Chemicals Market Report Coverage
Report Coverage | Details | ||
---|---|---|---|
Base Year: | 2023 | Market Size in 2024: | US$ 31.32 Bn |
Historical Data for: | 2019 to 2023 | Forecast Period: | 2024- 2031 |
Forecast Period 2024 to 2031 CAGR: | 4.1% | 2031 Value Projection: | US$ 41.4 Bn |
Geographies covered: |
|
||
Segments covered: |
|
||
Companies covered: |
The DyStar Group, Lonsen, The Lubrizol Corporation, The Dow Chemical Company, Kiri Industries, Huntsman Corporation, BASF SE, Archroma, Omnova Solutions Inc, Solvay SA, Bayer Material Science. |
||
Growth Drivers: |
|
||
Restraints & Challenges: |
|
Global Textile Chemicals Market Trends:
Shift towards water-based textile chemicals: The textile chemicals industry is undergoing a major transformation as sustainability becomes a growing concern. There is an increasing demand for water-based textile chemicals from textile manufacturers as many countries are implementing strict environmental regulations to reduce water pollution. Water-based textile chemicals, such as dyeing and printing agents, generate much less wastewater compared to traditional solvent-based products. They also have lower volatile organic compound emissions, thereby reducing the industry's environmental footprint.
Many major textile chemicals companies are heavily investing in developing newer water-based formulations to cater to this rising demand. For example, in 2021 The Company operates a highly integrated, customer-focused platform that delivers specialized performance and color solutions in over 90 countries. Archroma announced investments of over US$50 million to expand its water-based textile chemical production capacity in China and Pakistan over the next three years, according to the company's press releases. They aim to replace over 25% of their solvent-based range with water-based alternatives.
Increasing consumer preference for organic textiles: The growing consumer preference for organic textiles is having a significant impact on the global textile chemicals market. There is a rising demand for textiles produced from natural and sustainable fibers that are free from harmful chemicals. Many consumers are becoming more environmentally conscious and eager to purchase clothing and other textile products that use organic cotton and other natural materials instead of conventional synthetic fabrics. This change in consumer sentiment is pushing textile chemical companies to develop more eco-friendly and sustainable product offerings. Chemical manufacturers are investing in researching alternatives to conventional chemicals that are carcinogenic or pose other health and environmental risks. They are bringing new bio-based and plant-extracted textile chemicals to market. For example, textile auxiliaries that are made from natural substances like seeds, plant extracts, and essential oils instead of petrochemical sources. Some large textile chemical producers are also focusing on utilizing renewable raw materials and green chemistry principles in their products.
Global Textile Chemicals Market Restraints:
Figure 2. Global Textile Chemicals Market Share (%), By Product Type, 2024
To learn more about this report, request a free sample copy
Recent Developments:
Global Textile Chemicals Market: Key Developments
Top Companies in the Global Textile Chemicals Market
Definition: Textile chemicals refer to the various chemicals used in the production of textiles, including natural and man-made fibers, to achieve desired end uses and attractive qualities. These chemicals are used in various stages of textile production, including yarn formation, fabric pretreatment and finishing, textile laminating and coating, and other miscellaneous applications. Some examples of textile chemicals include wetting agents, detergents, softening agents, stiffening agents, water repellent/proofing agents, fireproofing agents, anti-mildew agents, moth proofing agents, and weighting agents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Joining thousands of companies around the world committed to making the Excellent Business Solutions.
View All Our Clients