One of the thriving businesses in the global textile industry, the technical textiles market has been observing an upward trend over recent years on account of improving economic conditions worldwide.
These textiles are user-friendly and eco-friendly, which has led to their increased adoption. Technical textiles offer numerous benefits as opposed to conventional ones, which is why manufacturers are
shifting to new business models involving the production of these textiles on a large scale.

Is shifting to technical textiles a good idea?

Some of the benefits offered by technical textiles include:

1. Deliverance of mechanical functions like superior elasticity, mechanical resistance, and reinforcement

2. Biocompatibility and anti-dust properties

3. Protection attributes such as thermal and fire resistance and easy breathability

4. High insulation, conductivity, and filtration

The advantages offered by these products surpass the ones offered by commercially manufactured textiles to a large extent. Their increasing demand has also led many countries – prominently those with a strong presence in the global textiles sector – to come up with supportive regulatory norms to increase the production of technical textiles.

For instance, India, which currently captures a 4% share of the global textile trade, has announced that it will empower the technical textile industry in the country through the launch of new policies. To that end, in July 2022, Haryana deputy Chief Minister proposed the ‘Haryana Atamnirbhar Textile Policy’ to offer employment to 20,000 youths and attract investments worth USD 505,600 in an attempt to scale the production and promotion of technical textiles.

The technical textiles market is heavily application-centric as the product is utilized across varied sectors such as automotive, healthcare, geotextiles, industrial, and more. Given below is a snapshot of different technical textile applications that are expected to define the future of this industry:

1. Mobiltech– Growing use of technical textiles in automobiles

The growing demand for technical textiles in the automotive industry can potentially be credited to 2 prominent reasons – their ability to lower the vehicle weight and enhance fuel efficiency and offer improved acoustic comfort.

As far as vehicle weight reduction and a decrease in carbon emissions are considered, Lineo’s FlaxPreg sandwich panel composites deserve a mention. As per reliable reports, the utilization of materials from the sandwich composites was seen to accomplish a reduction in weight of nearly 50% compared to the
conventional components made from polyurethane and glass. It is noteworthy to state that the composites also deliver a cost-benefit of about 5%, cutting down the overall vehicle costs for both the
producers as well as the customer.

Stringent regulatory norms pertaining to vehicular acoustics and passenger comfort have led to an upsurge in the demand for technical acoustic textiles as well. Textiles made from nylon fibers and PET are widely used in automobiles to offer exceptional sound absorption and sound isolation.

2. Meditech– Growth of new opportunities in the medical fraternity

The onset of COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 opened new avenues and opportunities for technical textile producers in the medical and healthcare industry. Meditech applications include textile material
deployment in health, hygiene, personal care, as well as surgical categories.

During the coronavirus crisis, the demand for surgical disposable caps and covers skyrocketed, generating opportunities for technical textiles. The need for technical textiles in the medical sector observed a considerable rise in the North American region owing to rising coronavirus cases, which urged frontline warriors to demand the production of more disposable PPE. In consequence, this has
impelled the North America technical textiles market, slated to capture 30% of the global revenue share by 2028 end.

In addition to the increasing use in COVID-19 protective gears, the meteoric rise in demand for textile implants for artificial joints, ligaments, and sutures will also have an impact on the demand for technical textiles from the meditech sector. As per estimates, the meditech segment may depict a CAGR of 5% through 2028.

3. Buildtech- Role of technical textiles in the building and construction industry

The adoption of technical textiles in the building and construction sector is anticipated to offer a great impetus to the quality of infrastructure. Buildtech includes textiles used in interior construction, visual protection, proofing materials, concrete reinforcement, protection to buildings against UV and sunlight,
and building safety.

One of the key drivers fostering the growth of technical textiles across the buildtech sector is the positive outlook of the construction industry worldwide, especially the Asia Pacific. An ostensible rise in population, urbanization, and subsequent need for residential homes has propelled the construction of new structures and residential buildings in leading APAC economies including China, India, Japan, and South Korea.

In 2022, China revealed its plans pertaining to its 14 th Five-Year Plan. The country plans to push the regional construction sector alongside a smarter, greener, and safer path. According to the Ministry of Housing and Urban- Rural Development, the industry may maintain a 6% share of the country’s GDP until 2025. As the construction sector continues to evolve across prominent economies such as the Asia Pacific, technical textiles will witness an increase in demand across the buildtech application segment.

The way forward–

In the coming years, the technical textiles industry is predicted to foresee substantial momentum from the Protech application sector – the reason being, increasing incidences of workplace accidents. As per credible sources, more than 2.3 million people globally are victims of workplace accidents every year.
The main aim of technical protective textiles is to enhance workplace safety, as they offer protection against burns, high temperatures, metal sparks, bullet marks, cut resistance, and more.
The European region may also offer considerable growth opportunities for the technical textiles industry, driven by the development of new textile products and investments by regional players.