DRIVING MATERIAL CHANGE IN TEXTILE PRINTING: WE DIVE INTO THE MATERIALS MARKET REPORT 2024
Global Fiber Production Growth:
“The worldwide market has seen an increase in global fiber production, with synthetic fibers ruling the market. “Global fiber production increased from around 116 million tonnes in 2022 to a record 124 million tonnes in 2023. Since 2000, when production was 58 million tonnes, global fiber production has more than doubled and it is expected to grow to 160 million tonnes in 2030 if business as usual continues”.
Materials Market Report 2024
As we venture into the year ahead, it becomes ever more important that we prioritise circular design and sustainable material sourcing within the printed textile industry. This is not a trend - it is an absolute necessity - that we create an environmentally friendly, ethical supply chain and an industry that is robust enough to focus on and face future challenges.
The textile manufacturing industry must lead the transition towards sustainable manufacturing by adopting innovative practices and environmentally secure technologies. Embracing circular economy principles can, and will, dramatically reduce waste and emissions. This means not only recycling materials but designing products for longevity and facilitating easier end-of-life management through biodegradability or upcycling.
Investment in research and development to explore alternative non-polluting fibers, such as those derived from recycled plastics or organic sources, positions the industry to meet both ecological and consumer demands for responsible manufacturing. In this we all have our part to play: strategic forward-thinking and a commitment to sustainable practices will equip the print industry for longevity and resilience in a rapidly changing global environment.
This imperative focus on sustainable practices now determines how we design our products and shape their manufacturing pathways.
Texintel took a deep dive into the latest Materials Market Report 2024 to isolate the Key trends shaping the materials we print onto. By looking at the past, present and future of fabrics and fibres we hope to signpost new technologies, materials and solutions for circular manufacturing.
The five key takeaways from the report are as follows:
Global Fiber Production Growth:
The worldwide market has seen an increase in global fiber production, with synthetic fibers ruling the market. “Global fiber production increased from around 116 million tonnes in 2022 to a record 124 million tonnes in 2023. Since 2000, when production was 58 million tonnes, global fiber production has more than doubled and it is expected to grow to 160 million tonnes in 2030 if business as usual continues”.
It's worthy of note that: “Polyester fiber production increased from 63 million tonnes in 2022 to 71 million tonnes in 2023, accounting for 57% of global fiber production, meaning that polyester continues to be the most widely produced fiber.”
Rise of Sustainable Fibers:
The market share of sustainable fibers has increased, indicating a shift towards eco-friendly materials. “Besides cotton, there is a diversity of other plant-based fibers such as jute, coir, flax, hemp, sisal, abaca, kapok, ramie, and agave.1 It is estimated that more than eight million households are involved in the production of these natural, plant-based fibers.² With a global production volume of around 6.7 million tonnes, these other (non-cotton) plant-based fibers had a combined market share of approximately 5% of global fiber production in 2023.”
It’s worthy of note that “With an annual production volume of around 7.9 million tonnes in 2023, manmade cellulosic fibers (MMCFs) – including viscose (rayon), acetate, lyocell, modal, and cupro – had a market share of around 6% of global fiber production.¹ Global MMCF production has more than doubled since 1990, when annual production was around 3 million tonnes, and is expected to continue growing in the coming years.”
The Recycled Fiber Market:
Despite the emphasis on sustainability, the market share of recycled fibers slightly decreased, indicating the need to strengthen such practices. ”The combined share of all recycled fibers slightly decreased in 2023, from around 7.9% to 7.7%, mainly due to an increase in the production of fossil-based polyester, which had lower prices than recycled polyester. Fossil based synthetics production increased from 67 million tonnes in 2022 to 75 million tonnes in 2023”.
Continued Need for Circular Design:
Despite progress in sustainable practices, the recycling of blended textiles remains a challenge that requires innovative solutions.
Positive Impact of Sustainable Programs:
Initiatives such as Better Cotton and Organic cotton certifications have shown promise in reducing the environmental impact of cotton production. “Global cotton fiber production decreased slightly between 2021/22 and 2022/23, from 25.1 to 24.4 million tonnes.”
Innovation is Key:
Investment in research and development for alternative non-polluting fibers is crucial for the long-term sustainability of the textile industry.
With these key takeaways in mind, it is clear that circular design and sustainable material sourcing are not just future goals to aspire to, but rather pressing mandates that necessitate immediate and comprehensive action. The textile industry's transformation depends on our ability to adopt these principles wholeheartedly, ensuring that sustainability is woven into every level of the production process.
Beyond just environmental benefits, this shift positions manufacturers as leaders in innovation, meeting the expectations of increasingly eco-conscious consumers and creating new market opportunities. By prioritising sustainable practices, we safeguard not only the future of the industry but also contribute positively to the environment and society.
This approach demands collaboration across sectors, fostering a culture of transparency and responsibility that extends from sourcing raw materials to the final stages of production. Only through integrative efforts can the printed textile industry achieve a truly sustainable future, reinforcing its vitality and relevance in a world growing ever more attuned to environmental imperatives.
“With sustainability, circularity and ethical practices at the forefront of the textile industry’s progress, we can expect a more responsible and robust industry in the future. Only by investing in sustainable materials, adopting circular design principles and incorporating cutting-edge recycling alongside digital manufacturing technologies, can we shape a more sustainable industry - an industry thats ready to meet the demands and challenges of the future to serve our community.” Debbie McKegan | CEO | Texintel
The Textile Exchange:
“The Materials Market Report was launched in 2013 and is a comprehensive, annual publication that provides unique data and insights into global fiber and raw materials production, helping the industry to measure and make progress towards its goals. We believe that climate action starts at the source of the materials we choose. The Materials Market Report shares best available data on global fiber and material production volumes alongside program-specific volumes and other insights such as the number of certified sites. For the purpose of this report, leather, rubber, and down are considered non-fiber raw materials and are therefore included separately from the section and charts on ‘global fiber’.
The Materials Market Report covers overall fiber and material production irrespective of their use. The production volumes shared in this report may have been used for apparel, home textiles, technical textiles, or other applications”. Download the Report
