Viscose Staple Fiber Market Forecasts to 2030 - Global Analysis By Type (Strong Fiber, Modified Fiber, High Wet Modulus (HWM) Fiber and Other Types), Raw Material, Functionality, Distribution Channel, Application, End User and By Geography

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Viscose Staple Fiber Market is accounted for $18.3 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $33.1 billion by 2030 growing at a CAGR of 10.4% during the forecast period. Viscose Staple Fiber (VSF) is a man-made, biodegradable fiber derived from cellulose, primarily sourced from wood pulp. It is produced through a process that involves dissolving cellulose in chemicals, forming a viscous solution, and then extruding it to create fibers. It exhibits properties similar to cotton, making it versatile for various applications, including apparel, home textiles, and non-woven products. Its affordability, ease of dyeing, and comfort contribute to its widespread use in the textile industry, though it has limitations such as reduced durability when wet.

According to the EPA, Americans generate approximately 16 million tons of textile waste annually, which equates to over 6% of the total municipal waste. In addition, 700 kilotons of secondhand clothing get exported abroad, and almost 2.5 million tons of apparel are recycled on average in the country.

Market Dynamics:

Driver:

Growing demand for apparels and clothing in developing countries

The growing demand for apparel and clothing in developing countries is a significant driver of the market. As economies experience rapid urbanization and rising disposable incomes, consumer preferences shift towards fashionable and affordable textiles. The influence of digital platforms and fast fashion trends further accelerates this demand, making viscose staple fiber a popular choice due to its cotton-like qualities and cost-effectiveness. This trend is expected to continue, bolstering the market's growth in these regions.

Restraint:

Shortcomings of viscose fibers

The shortcomings of viscose fibers significantly impact the market. Key issues include a substantial loss of durability when wet, which limits their usability in various applications. Additionally, viscose fibers tend to wrinkle easily and exhibit insufficient resistance to friction, resulting in decreased longevity of products. Their low elasticity, especially when wet, further restricts their performance in demanding environments, potentially leading to reduced consumer satisfaction and a shift towards alternative fibers, thereby hindering market growth.

Opportunity:

Expanding healthcare and automotive industries

The expanding healthcare and automotive industries are significantly influencing the market. In healthcare, viscose fibers are increasingly utilized for products due to their softness, moisture absorption, and biodegradability. This demand is fueled by ongoing investments in healthcare infrastructure and new facility developments globally. Similarly, in the automotive sector, viscose fibers are valued for their lightweight and durable properties, enhancing the performance of various automotive textiles, thereby driving market growth in these sectors.

Threat:

Competition from synthetic fibers

Competition from synthetic fibers poses a significant challenge to the market. Synthetic alternatives like polyester, nylon, and acrylic are often more affordable and offer superior durability and resistance to moisture and wrinkling. This price advantage can lead to a shift in consumer preference towards these materials, particularly in fast fashion and mass-market apparel. As a result, viscose staple fiber may struggle to maintain its market share, especially among cost-sensitive consumers, limiting its growth potential in the textile industry.

Covid-19 Impact:

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted the market, causing supply chain interruptions, factory shutdowns, and reduced consumer demand. Lockdowns and restrictions affected production and distribution, leading to inventory shortages and price volatility. The decline in global textile and apparel industries during the pandemic further exacerbated the challenges for viscose staple fiber producers. However, the market is gradually recovering as economies reopen, with increasing focus on sustainable and eco-friendly products driving future growth.

The strong fiber segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

The strong fiber is expected to be the largest during the forecast period. Its robust properties allow it to be used effectively in textiles, nonwoven products, and technical goods. Modified viscose fibers, such as polynosic, enhance durability and elasticity, addressing traditional shortcomings. This adaptability enables viscose staple fiber to compete successfully in markets like apparel and automotive, where strength and performance are crucial, thereby expanding its market presence and applications.

The moisture absorbent segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

The moisture absorbent segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Its moisture regain is comparable to natural cotton, allowing it to quickly absorb and release moisture without feeling wet. This characteristic is particularly advantageous in apparel, where viscose staple fiber's moisture-wicking ability keeps the wearer dry and comfortable. The fiber's hygroscopic nature enables it to attract and hold moisture molecules within its structure, contributing to its superior moisture management performance.

Region with largest share:

North America is projected to hold the largest market share during the forecast period driven primarily by demand from the apparel and healthcare sectors. As North America is the third-largest market globally, the region benefits from a robust textile industry, with viscose fibers being favored for their softness and moisture-absorbent properties. However, the region faces challenges from competition with lower-cost synthetic fibers and environmental concerns regarding viscose production.

Region with highest CAGR:

Asia Pacific is projected to hold the highest CAGR over the forecast period driven by strong demand from the textile and apparel sectors. The region's emphasis on sustainable and eco-friendly materials further boosts the market, as viscose staple fiber is seen as a more sustainable alternative to synthetic fibers. However, challenges such as fluctuating raw material prices and environmental regulations impact market dynamics. Overall, the market is expanding due to increased production capacities and rising consumer preference for natural fibers.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players in Viscose Staple Fiber market include Lenzing AG, Sateri, Kelheim Fibres GmbH, Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc., Glanzstoff, Jilin Chemical Fiber Group Co. Ltd, Aditya Birla Group, Grasim Industries Limited, Zhejiang Fulida, Vita Group, Kayavlon Impex Pvt. Ltd., Sichuan Heheng Industrial Co., Ltd. and Dongguan Yitian Textile Co., Ltd.

Key Developments:

In December 2023, Birla Cellulose, a viscose staple fiber product from Aditya Birla Group, announced a partnership with Algaeing to develop an algae-powered cellulosic fiber. The fiber will be infused with algae's colors, eliminating the need for traditional dyeing processes.

In May 2023, Kelheim Fibres GmbH and Santoni Spa joined forces to develop a sustainable and advanced menstrual underwear from superior-quality performance viscose fiber and advanced machine technology. The product comprises a softer outer layer and an inlay part made from superior wood-based fibers.

Types Covered:

• Strong Fiber
• Modified Fiber
• High Wet Modulus (HWM) Fiber
• Other Types

Raw Materials Covered:

• Wood Pulp
• Cotton Pulp
• Cellulose Xanthate
• Other Raw Materials

Functionality Covered:

• Moisture Absorbent
• Soft Touch
• Biodegradable

Distribution Channels Covered:

• Direct Sales
• Online Retail
• Distributors

Applications Covered:

• Woven Fabrics
• Home Textiles
• Apparel
• Home Furnishings
• Geotextiles
• Bandages
• Other Applications

End Users Covered:

• Automotive
• Construction
• Healthcare
• Industrial
• Other End Users

Regions Covered:

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • Italy
  • France
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • Japan
  • China
  • India
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
  • Argentina
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Qatar
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa

What our report offers:

• Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
• Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
• Covers Market data for the years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2026, and 2030
• Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
• Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
• Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
• Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
• Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements

Free Customization Offerings:

All the customers of this report will be entitled to receive one of the following free customization options:

• Company Profiling
  • Comprehensive profiling of additional market players (up to 3)
  • SWOT Analysis of key players (up to 3)
• Regional Segmentation
  • Market estimations, Forecasts and CAGR of any prominent country as per the client's interest (Note: Depends on feasibility check)
• Competitive Benchmarking
  • Benchmarking of key players based on product portfolio, geographical presence, and strategic alliances