Natural Fibers Global Market Report 2024

The natural fibers market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $70.41 billion in 2023 to $74.34 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.6%. Historical growth can be attributed to cultural heritage and tradition, the evolution of the textile industry, the impact of the industrial revolution, cyclical demand patterns, and the dominance of cotton.

The natural fibers market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $93.19 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8%. Anticipated growth in the forecast period is driven by supply chain optimization, the competitive landscape, innovation in processing methods, changes in consumer trends, and increased investments in research. Major trends expected in this period include a push for sustainability, innovations in applications, influence from fashion and design, initiatives toward a circular economy, and commitments to brand sustainability.

The increasing emphasis on enhancing the fuel efficiency of vehicles is anticipated to drive the growth of the natural fibers market in the coming years. Fuel efficiency is a metric that gauges the distance a car can travel on a specific amount of fuel. Natural fibers contribute to the fuel efficiency of vehicles by reducing their weight, resulting in decreased fuel consumption. As an illustration, data from the International Energy Agency in March 2023 highlighted a 0.9% increase, equivalent to 321 million tonnes (Mt), in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from industrial processes and energy combustion in 2022. This underscores the significance of addressing fuel efficiency concerns. Consequently, the escalating focus on fuel efficiency stands as a key factor propelling the growth of the natural fibers market.

The growing demand within the automotive industry is poised to drive the expansion of the natural fibers market in the foreseeable future. The automotive industry encompasses a spectrum of enterprises engaged in the design, development, manufacturing, marketing, and sale of motor vehicles. The integration of natural fibers in the automotive sector offers several advantages, including weight reduction, environmental sustainability, decreased reliance on non-renewable resources, biodegradability, enhanced energy efficiency, recyclability, aesthetic appeal, and a diminished carbon footprint. As evidenced in May 2023 by the European Automobile Manufacturers Association, a Belgium-based automobile manufacturers association, the global production of motor vehicles in 2022 surged to 85.4 million units, indicating a noteworthy 5.7% increase from 2021. Additionally, data from Brand Finance PLC, a UK-based brand valuation company, revealed in February 2022 that the automobile sector achieved approximately 78 million unit sales in 2022, reflecting a substantial 10% growth. Hence, the escalating demand within the automotive industry stands as a pivotal factor propelling the growth of the natural fibers market.

The prevailing trend in the natural fibers market revolves around product innovations. Leading companies in this sector are actively engaged in the development of novel products, employing advanced technological processes to fortify their standing in the market. A case in point is Lenzing AG, an Austria-based company renowned for its expertise in producing wood-based cellulose fibers, which introduced hydrophobic lyocell fibers with dry technology in June 2021. These fibers exhibit hydrophobic properties and possess liquid-controlling qualities, making them particularly well-suited for applications in adult incontinence products, feminine hygiene products, and diapers. In the realm of personal care and hygiene, the VEOCEL-branded lyocell fibers with dry technology from Lenzing AG emerge as an environmentally friendly alternative to materials derived from fossil fuels. These lyocell fibers are designed to deliver outstanding comfort, softness, and dryness in personal care and hygiene products.

Prominent enterprises in the natural fibers market are actively pursuing technological advancements, particularly in fabric and yarn technology, as a strategic move to establish a competitive advantage. Fabric and yarn technology encompasses innovations in the processes, materials, and techniques employed in the production of fabrics and yarns. A notable example is Transforming Textiles AB, a Sweden-based manufacturer of narrow woven fabrics, which unveiled Sense-Tex in November 2023. Sense-Tex represents a smart and environmentally friendly textile technology, blending style, smart technology, and sustainability to deliver an exceptional customer experience. This groundbreaking technology is based on a novel 5-fiber yarn-thread, enabling total circularity and mechanical recycling achievements on a previously unprecedented scale. Sense-Tex supports hygiene, durability, and reduced washing by integrating health-improving properties into its fibers. Notably, it features health indicators similar to those found in a smartwatch when connected to sensors, allowing individuals to wear a fabric that not only monitors health but also contributes to overall well-being.

In October 2021, Bast Fibre Technologies (BFT), a Canadian cleantech fiber engineering firm, successfully completed the acquisition of Faser Veredlung Tönisvorst (FTV) for an undisclosed sum. This strategic move is designed to enhance BFT's manufacturing capabilities, addressing the growing demands of its customer base and facilitating expansion. With the acquisition of Faser Veredlung Tönisvorst, a German-based textile processing facility specializing in natural fiber manufacturing, Bast Fibre Technologies aims to fortify its position in the market, leveraging the added capacity and expertise to meet the evolving needs of the industry.

Major companies operating in the natural fibers market report are BASF SE, UPM-Kymmene Oyj, Trex Company Inc., Fiberon LLC, Barnhardt Natural Fibers LLC, Polyvlies Franz Beyer GMBH & Co. KG, Bcomp Ltd., Procotex SA Corporation NV, Ananas Anam, FlexForm Technologies, Swicofil AG, JELU-WERK J. Ehrler GmbH and Co. KG, Tecnaro GmbH, Bast Fiber Technologies Inc., The Natural Fibre Company, Dividan LLC, Oeko-Tex AG, GreenGran BV, The Flax Company SARL, Industrial Hemp Manufacturing LLC, Jaydeep Cotton Fibers Pvt. Ltd., Asha Cotton Industries Limited, Vrijesh Natural Fibre & Fabrics Pvt. Ltd., Dun Agro Hemp Group, NATURALUS PLUOŠTAS UAB, GreenCore Composites Inc., Meshlin Composites Zrt, BAFA Neu GmbH, Castellins NV, Circular Systems.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the natural fibers market in 2023. North America is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the natural fibers market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the natural fibers market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

Primary categories of natural fibers include cellulose-based and protein-based fibers. Cellulose-based fibers predominantly comprise cellulose, along with varying proportions of hemicellulose, lignin, pectins, and waxes, contingent upon the plant part from which they are extracted. Distribution channels encompass direct or institutional sales, retail sales, and other channel sales. Diverse end-use industries, such as automotive, textiles, medical, and other sectors, are associated with these natural fibers.

The natural fibers market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides natural fibers market statistics, including natural fibers industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a natural fibers market share, detailed natural fibers market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the natural fibers industry. This natural fibers market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The natural fiber market consists of sales of cotton, flax, hemp, bamboo, sisal, and jute. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.