Fueled by shifting consumer preferences, technological advancements, and sustainability concerns, the textile industry is undergoing a significant transformation in its traditional practices. The major textile industry trends encompass manufacturing, recycling, novel fabrics, and advanced and sustainable manufacturing methods.
The industry is expected to reach $ 755.38 billion by 2027, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.5%.
This article will provide a brief overview of recent developments in the textile industry and the trends driving these changes.
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1. Technical Textiles
There is a growing global interest among companies, including those in the UK, Germany, and India, in developing technical textiles. In the European Union alone, the technical textiles industry accounts for approximately 30% of the total textile turnover, representing a growing share of 27% of total textile production.
In response to growing interest, OROS has partnered with the U.S. Department of Defense to develop next-generation aerogel textiles designed explicitly for extreme cold-weather apparel.
Meanwhile, West Virginia University (USA) and Central Michigan University (USA) have collaborated to explore the use of textiles as carriers for essential oils with therapeutic properties.
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2. Energy-Harvesting Textiles
Energy-harvesting textiles are gaining momentum due to the rising demand for efficient portable energy storage solutions, driven by increasing research and interest in piezoelectric/triboelectric and photovoltaic technologies.
To fulfill this rising demand, researchers at Nanyang Technological University have successfully developed a groundbreaking fabric that converts energy from body movements into electrical power.
During our research, we discovered that several non-core companies were actively researching the development of Energy Textiles. Some of these names include Intel, IBM, and Samsung.
Want to know what they have developed so far?
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3. Sustainable Dyeing Methods
According to the EU, of the 1900 chemicals used in clothing production, 165 have been classified as hazardous to health or the environment. Consequently, there is an increasing demand to explore alternatives to conventional dyeing methods.
One such innovative approach is AirDye, which utilizes dispersed dyes spread on a recyclable paper base, transferring vibrant colors to textiles through a molecular-level process driven by heat. This revolutionary technique drastically reduces water and energy consumption, eliminating the need for repeated soaking and heat-drying fabrics.
Meanwhile, the Netherlands-based biodesign project, Living Colour, is conducting research on using pigment-producing bacteria to color clothing. Collaborating with PUMA, they have successfully developed the world’s first bacterial-dyed sports collection.
Read more about Sustainable Dyeing
4. Reusing And Recycling Textiles
With governments worldwide implementing stricter regulations on waste management and sustainable practices, companies are being encouraged to explore more efficient textile recycling methods.
Carbios, a biochemistry startup, utilizes the “Cutinase” enzyme to break down polyester material found in textile waste. The method enables the recovery of virgin-quality material that can be recycled indefinitely, creating a circular process.
Carbios has collaborated with On, Patagonia, PUMA, and Salomon to develop solutions that enhance product recyclability and circularity.
On the other hand, Teijin has developed an advanced recycling technology using a depolymerization catalyst to recycle colored polyester fibers while preserving their quality. The method further results in recycling with lower energy consumption.
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5. Medical Textiles
The use of medical textiles is witnessing exponential growth, especially in the post-pandemic era. This is due to the general awareness and consumer and institutional consciousness towards health & hygiene. The extent of the development is towards constant improvements and innovations in textile technology and medical procedures.
With the need for textiles to be non-allergic, non-carcinogenic, non-toxic, antistatic in nature, and bio-compatible, the industry is focusing on three trends –
During our research on these innovations, we discovered that numerous companies, including those unrelated to healthcare or textiles, are strategically planning to gain a competitive edge in the industry. Curious to explore what the future holds for this sector?
Read more about Medical Textile
Conclusion
As the demand for personalized, sustainable, and technologically advanced textiles grows, manufacturers, designers, and consumers are embracing these trends to shape a more sustainable and innovative future for the textile industry.
Therefore, we believe these trends will reshape the future landscape of the textile industry.
Authored By: Ambuj, Navjit, and Sushant, Patent Intelligence
Edited By: Ridhima, Marketing
