Global Natural Fibers Market - 2024-2031

Overview

Global Natural Fibers Market reached US$ 5.3 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 9.7 billion by 2031, growing with a CAGR of 7.9% during the forecast period 2024-2031.

The demand for natural fibers has increased as natural conservation and sustainability have gained more attention on a globally scale. Natural fibers, such as those found in cotton, jute, hemp and bamboo, are less carbon-intensive, biodegradable and renewable than synthetic fibers. Natural fibers are becoming increasingly popular due to customers' and businesses' increased ecologic awareness and concern.

New and more accurate fibers and materials are being developed in the natural fibers industry due to ongoing advances in technology. Natural fibers are becoming more versatile and have more uses because of advancements in processing methods, fiber mixing and functional finishes. Because natural fibers are now more adaptable, robust and appealing to a larger variety of sectors and consumers, technical improvements are driving market expansion.

North America is among the growing regions in the global natural fibers market covering more than 1/3rd of the market. Natural fiber crops like cotton, jute, hemp and bamboo may be grown on the large agricultural plains found in the Asia-Pacific. A steady and dependable supply of raw materials for the market for natural fibers is guaranteed by the favorable climate and fertile land of nations like Bangladesh, China and India.

Dynamics

Growing Natural Fibers Demand in the Automotive Industry

The market for natural fibers is expected to develop shortly due to the increasing demand from the automotive sector. A wide range of businesses involved in the design, development, production, promotion and retailing of automobiles are included in the automotive industry. The European Automobile Manufacturers Organization, an association of car manufacturers located in Belgium, provided proof in May 2023 that the manufacturing of motor vehicles globally increased to 85.4 million units in 2022, a notable 5.7% rise from 2021.

Furthermore, statistics from UK-based brand valuation organization Brand Finance PLC showed in February 2022 that the automotive industry achieved around 78 million unit sales in 2022, indicating a significant 10% rise. Therefore, one of the key factors driving the growth of the natural fibers market is the increasing demand within the automotive industry.

Developments in Product Innovation and Processing Technologies

The continuous growth of processing methods and new product innovations is another factor propelling the globally market for natural fibers. Technological advancements have improved natural fiber processing methods, increasing natural fiber-based product production's quality, efficiency and variety. For example, developments in knitting, weaving, spinning and nonwoven technologies have increased the use of natural fibers in construction materials, textiles, automotive parts and packaging.

For instance, in 2021, The Austrian business Lenzing AG, which produces cellulose fibers from wood, introduced hydrophobic lyocell fibers using dry technology. Because of their hydrophobic and liquid-controlling properties, the fibers are ideal for use in diapers, feminine hygiene products and adult incontinence products. The dry technology lyocell fibers under the VEOCEL trademark provide a sustainable alternative to materials made from fossil fuels for the personal care and hygiene industry. The goal of lyocell fibers is to give personal hygiene and care products outstanding comfort, softness and dryness.

Processing Difficulties and Expenses

Processing natural fibers in a way that makes raw materials suitable for a range of uses frequently calls for specific processing methods. Compared to synthetic fibers, these processing techniques can be expensive, time-consuming and complicated. To efficiently extract fibers and eliminate impurities, natural fibers like hemp or flax may need to undergo retting, scutching and other mechanical procedures.

Furthermore, the unavoidable variety in quality and qualities of natural fibers may necessitate careful treatment and processing to guarantee consistency. In price-sensitive markets, natural fibers may become less competitive due to higher manufacturing costs resulting from the requirement for specialized machinery, skilled personnel and extra processing stages.

Synthetic Fibers' Competition

The fierce rivalry between natural and synthetic fibers is a major barrier to the globally market for natural fibers. Compared to natural fibers, synthetic fibers including polyester and nylon offer benefits like reduced costs, dependable quality and a wider range of uses. The creation of synthetic fibers that imitate the texture and appearance of natural fibers is another result of technological improvements that have increased competition.

In 2022, the proportion of natural fibers produced through sustainability-focused initiatives had a minor rise. The included cotton, which climbed from 25% in 2021 to 27% in 2022 and wool, which increased from 3% in 2021 to 4.3% in 2022. However, the amount of virgin synthetic fibers made from fossil fuels increased from 63 million to 67 million tons. With 54% of production expected in 2022, polyester is the most extensively manufactured fiber globally.

Segment Analysis

The global natural fibers market is segmented based on product, type, process method, end-user and region.

Rising Demand for Plant-Based in the Fashion Industry

The Plant Based segment is among the growing regions in the global natural fibers market covering more than 1/3rd of the market. The demand for plant-based alternatives is being driven by escalating awareness of sustainability concerns among customers and companies, which is contributing to the growth of plant-based materials and the global natural fibers market.

For Instance, in 2021, Allbirds invested US$2 million in Natural Fiber Welding, leading to the development of a sustainable leather alternative. Plant Leather, created with Mirum technology, is claimed to be the world's most eco-friendly option. Derived from vegetable oil, natural rubber and other bio-ingredients, it represents a sustainable breakthrough sustainably. Allbirds, known for its commitment to eco-friendly materials, aims to scale up production of Plant Leather. The innovation underscores the brand's dedication to reducing environmental impact in the fashion industry.

Geographical Penetration

Growing Government Initiatives and New Product Launches in Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific has been a dominant force in the global natural fibers market. Natural fiber production in the Asia-Pacific is growing rapidly due to the region's extensive agricultural base, which offers a wealth of options for the development of natural fiber crops including cotton, jute, hemp and bamboo. The fibers are grown in Bangladesh, China, India and other countries with favorable climates and rich soil, which increases availability and productivity.

Moreover, government programs and regulations encouraging the use of natural fibers have been a major growth factor. A variety of Asia-Pacific nations have put policies in place to encourage and promote the production and use of natural fibers. The policies include research and development projects, farmer subsidies and frameworks for regulations that support sustainability.

Furthermore, the region's expanding population and rising standard of living have fueled consumer demand for goods made from natural fibers, expanding the market and luring investors into the natural fiber sector. In general, the Asia-Pacific's growing demand for natural fibers is being driven by some factors, including supporting government policies, consumer tastes that are becoming more sustainable and excellent agricultural circumstances.

For Instance, in 2022, Toyoshima & Co., Ltd. and FOOD REBORN Co., Ltd., a manufacturer specializing in natural fibers derived from unused agricultural resources, entered into a strategic business alliance agreement. The collaboration focuses on the development of innovative natural fiber materials sourced from untapped agricultural products. The partnership aims to foster sustainability initiatives by pioneering the creation of eco-friendly materials that prioritize environmental stewardship.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the natural fibers industry globally in some ways, including by disrupting supply networks, changing consumer behavior and changing market dynamics. Lockdowns and travel restrictions hindered agricultural efforts and caused delays in the production and distribution of natural fibers in the early stages of the pandemic.

Natural fibers are used in the textile, automotive and other sectors that depend on them for production, which led to supply chain disruptions and shortages. Additionally, consumer spending fell as a result of the pandemic-induced economic slowdown, especially on non-essential items. Natural fiber demand thus declined, particularly in industries like clothing and fashion.

Natural fibers used in formal and luxury garments were in particularly high demand, as a result of retail shops closing and customer preferences moving toward more informal and comfortable wear owing to social distancing measures and remote work. However, in these difficulties, the pandemic also sped up several market trends for natural fibers. The need for natural and sustainable materials surged as sustainability and ecologic awareness gained prominence.

The growing knowledge among customers regarding the environmental consequences of their purchases led to an increased demand for natural fibers such as organic cotton, hemp and bamboo. In addition, the move to digital and e-commerce platforms gave businesses the chance to modify their distribution and marketing plans to contact customers directly and take advantage of the rising demand for sustainable goods.

Russia-Ukraine War Impact Analysis

The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine has significant effects on the world market for natural fibers, especially because Ukraine is a major producer and exporter of several natural fibers, such as sunflower and flax. There are now concerns regarding crop production and supply chains due to the fighting affecting agricultural activity in Ukraine.

Additionally, the sectors that depend on natural fibers for textiles, automotive components and other uses may be impacted by shortages and price increases brought about by this disruption in the globally natural fiber sector. Market volatility has been further exacerbated by worries about trade disruptions and global conflicts resulting from Russia's participation in the conflict.

Furthermore, the lack of natural fiber supplies from Russia and Ukraine to global markets due to trade restrictions and sanctions might result in supply chain bottlenecks and elevated volatility. Furthermore, the instability in the area can lead consumers to look for other suppliers of natural fibers, which might change medium- to long-term market dynamics and global trade patterns.

By Product

• Cotton
• Wool
• Flax
• Silk
• Jute
• Hemp
• Sisal
• Kenaf
• Linen
• Leather
• Others

By Type

• Plant Based
• Animal Based

By Process Method

• Spinning
• Weaving
• Knitting
• Others

By End-User

• Textile
• Automotive
• Construction
• Agriculture
• Packaging
• Paper & Pulp
• Medical
• Furniture
• Electrical & Electronics
• Others

By Region

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Russia
  • Rest of Europe
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of South America
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
• Middle East and Africa

Key Developments

• On July 13, 2021, Natural Fiber Welding, Inc., the industry leader in producing plastic-free, all-natural substitutes for materials including leather, foam and textiles, acquired investment from BMW i Ventures. The capital round will allow the business to go beyond processing materials in batches to producing commercial roll-to-roll. With the use of cutting-edge technology, NFW has been able to replace conventional petrochemical-based materials (such as synthetic leathers) and mold natural inputs into MIRUM, an all-natural, totally recyclable, long-lasting alternative to leather.
• On February 17, 2022, Bast Fibre Technologies Inc., a premium natural fiber manufacturer, finalized its acquisition of Georgia-Pacific's Lumberton Cellulose LLC. The facility, now known as BFT Lumberton, boasts advanced automation and a staff of around 25 employees. BFT plans to ramp up production significantly, aiming for over 30,000 Tons per year, positioning BFT Lumberton as a leading natural fiber processing hub in North America.
• On October 31, 2022, Toyoshima & Co., Ltd. and FOOD REBORN Co., Ltd., a manufacturer specializing in natural fibers derived from unused agricultural resources, entered into a strategic business alliance agreement. The collaboration focuses on the development of innovative natural fiber materials sourced from untapped agricultural products. The partnership aims to foster sustainability initiatives by pioneering the creation of eco-friendly materials that prioritize environmental stewardship.

Competitive Landscape

The major global players in the market include BASF SE, Vardhman Textiles Limited, Grasim Industries Limited, Flexform Technologies, Bharatiya Natural Fibres, Sanko Textile, Lenzing AG, Procotex, J. Rettenmaier & Sohne GmbH + Co KG and Bast Fibre Technologies Inc.

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the global natural fibers market segmentation based on product, type, process method, end-user and region, as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.
• Excel data sheet with numerous data points of natural fibers market-level with all segments.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping available as Excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The global natural fibers market report would provide approximately 70 tables, 77 figures and 199 Pages.

Target Audience 2024

• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals

Emerging Companies