The textile industry has a massive economic impact around the world. From fiber production to manufacturing garments, the textile industry creates essential articles for people across the globe. And with a forecasted revenue of 266.38 billion USD by 2025, the industry is only growing.
The textile industry has developed new trends as we enter a new decade and feel the aftereffects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The world continues to adapt to this new age, and the textile industry changes alongside it by updating manufacturing and selling techniques. These trends inform us of how the textile industry will develop and affect the world economy in the future.
Here are some of the most important global textile industry trends for 2022.
Increased Demand for Natural Fibers
One of the most notable new textile trends is a heightened demand for natural fibers. These fibers exist naturally throughout the world in places like animal fur, plant components and minerals. Natural fibers are abundant across the globe and are a popular option due to their high strength levels.
Natural fibers include:
- Cotton
- Milkweed
- Flax
- Hemp
Manufacturers use these fibers to create natural fabrics. Some examples of natural fabrics are:
- Cotton: One of the most popular materials globally, cotton is created directly from seeds inside cotton plants. People love cotton for its price and soft texture. The textile industry uses cotton for clothing, linens, paper, packaging and more.
- Silk: Silk comes from silkworm fibers and is known for being extremely soft and beautiful. It is primarily used in the clothing industry, but designers also use silk for bedding materials and upholstery.
- Linen: Made from the stem of a flax plant, linen is popular for its versatility and absorbency. People use linen for many garments, from towels and napkins to bed linens and clothing articles.
- Wool: Wool derives from animal coats, such as sheep or goats. This fabric is very warm and soft and is usually used for winter clothing like sweaters.
- Cashmere: Known for its luxurious soft quality, cashmere also consists of animal fibers. While highly sought after, it’s also more expensive than other fabric types. Designers use it in yarn and many clothing styles.
In 2022, one of the biggest textile industry trends is the increased desire for natural fibers and fabrics. Fibers like cotton grow rapidly and abundantly worldwide in places like China, India and the United States. This quick growth of natural fibers is a big force behind the textile industry’s growth. Production rates of natural fibers are steadily increasing as demand grows, and this trend will most likely continue into future years.
Natural fibers are also popular because of:
- Durability: Natural fibers tend to have more strength than synthetic or processed materials. Consumers are attracted to the durability of these fabrics, so many industries use more natural fibers to meet this demand.
- Versatility: You can use natural fibers for many materials. These fibers work well in various conditions, from clothing items to car interiors, making them desirable for many investors.
- Little environmental impact: Many natural fibers, such as cotton, are biodegradable. Many industries seek eco-friendly materials for their products in the face of climate concerns. Natural fibers are more environmentally friendly than other fabrics, increasing their popularity in the 2020s.
Overall, increased demand for natural fabrics drives much of the textile industry’s income. Considering the steady increases each year, this trend looks like it will continue.
Move to Non-Woven Fabrics
Another big trend for the 2022 textile industry is the switch toward non-woven fabrics. Non-woven fabrics are sheets and materials made by thermal or chemical processes. Unlike woven fabrics, which consist of converting fibers to yarn, non-woven materials are bonded together chemically. Non-woven materials are especially common in Asia-Pacific and Europe.
A shift toward non-woven fabrics has been a significant trend in recent years. These fabrics have many advantages for a wide variety of industries, including:
- Resilience
- Washability
- Cushioning
- Softness
- Stretch
- Cost-efficiency
Because these fabrics are so versatile, they have become prevalent in recent years. You can use non-woven fabrics for everything from automotive products to agricultural coverings. Two particular industries have encouraged this trend — personal hygiene and transportation.
Non-Woven Fabric in Hygiene Products
Many hygiene materials contain non-woven materials. Non-woven fabric is ideal for most hygienic materials due to its absorbency and softness. Items like baby diapers or feminine hygiene materials benefit from quick liquid absorption. And demand for diapers and other infant materials is on the rise because of consistent birth rates across the globe.
The aging population also requires hygiene products, which drives the demand for non-woven fabric. As the older age group continues to grow larger, the need for non-woven fabric increases. This new textile industry trend will likely continue into the 2020s as this age group becomes even more extensive.
Non-Woven Fabric in Transportation
Another trade that heavily relies on non-woven fabrics is the transportation industry. Non-woven materials are used throughout the transportation field, from cars and buses to planes and trains. And because the transportation industry shows no sign of slowing, the industry’s need for non-woven fabrics won’t slow either. This higher demand is one of the most considerable forces behind this new textile industry trend.
Here are some examples of how you can use non-woven fabrics in automotive spaces:
- Carpets: Whether a plane, bus or car, many vehicles have carpet lining their interiors. Non-woven materials are commonly used for these carpets, both as the primary layer and backing materials.
- Tire reinforcements: Many car manufacturers also use non-woven materials in tires. They can add an extra layer of strength to the tire, extending its usage.
- Insulation: Non-woven fabrics also make up the insulation for many vehicles. They line vehicles, helping regulate the temperature.
- Roads: Many road constructors use a type of non-woven material called geotextiles to line roads. The non-woven fabrics increase the durability of the road.
Use of Digital Textile Printing Rises
Digital textile printing is one of the more recent trends in the textile industry. This strategy works differently from typical textile processes in that it prints an image of a data file onto materials. In contrast, regular textile printing involves running dyes through rotary screens. Digital printing continues to grow in popularity because it’s easy to use and leaves little impact on the environment.
The textile industry has shown more usage of digital printing techniques in recent years and will likely continue to use the strategy as it develops further. Designers continuously develop improvements for digital printing, raising efficiency rates and increasing revenue. It experienced significant growth throughout the 2010s and looks to do the same in the 2020s.
There are several advantages of digital textile printing that explain why it is so popular in the industry:
- Cost-effective: Digital printers require much fewer materials than usual textile machinery. Without the rotary plates and engraving materials usually needed, costs are lower overall. It’s also a cost-effective option for smaller orders because you don’t have to create new engravings just for a few items. Smaller textile businesses enjoy being able to produce smaller orders without spending extra money.
- Fast turnaround: You can easily update or fix digital designs right from your computer. And, digital prints have a quick turnaround time. Instead of needing new rotary screens for every little mistake, you can alter your design in the moment and print it rapidly.
- Flexible: With digital printing, there are no limits to your designs. Digital technologies aren’t limited to a maximum number of screens and have complete flexibility for graphics. So, textile manufacturers can create unique designs for their organizations or consumers without limitations.
- Sustainable: Perhaps the biggest perk of digital textile printing is its minimal environmental impact. With digital prints, you reduce regular textile prints’ usual water and ink usage. Because you don’t have to wash rotary screens for every new color, you don’t waste any water. And, digital prints use an exact method of dropping ink onto fabric, so there is very little ink waste or excess chemicals that would potentially harm the environment.
Overall, the rise in digital printing is a large force behind the textile industry’s growth in recent years. If you were to make a textile industry analysis, you’d guess they’d likely play a significant role in the industry’s future.
Demand for Sustainability Accelerates
Another driving trend for the textile industry is a shift toward sustainable resources. As concerns over climate change grow, consumers seek more environmentally-friendly options. In response, the textile industry has shifted to more sustainable strategies to appeal to its buyers.
Here are strategies the textile industry uses for more sustainable practices:
- Creation of recyclable clothing: One of the most notable ways the textile industry has updated for sustainability is an increase in renewable materials. For instance, many organizations have started viewing textile production as a circular rather than linear process. This change in outlook mainly involves using organic, recyclable or biodegradable materials in manufacturing. That way, consumers can reuse textile materials or naturally break down instead of just being used once.
- Reduced time in airplanes: Excess carbon dioxide stays in the atmosphere for long periods and slowly heats the planet. Most textile manufacturers use planes to transport their materials, which emit large amounts of carbon dioxide into the air. In the interest of choosing more sustainable choices, some industries choose other forms of transportation like sea travel.
- Reevaluation of chemical processes: In the final stages of textile manufacturing, garments are dyed, ironed or sometimes waterproofed. Manufacturers use large amounts of harmful chemicals and excess water during these processes. Many companies can reduce their usage by choosing safe chemicals and saving as much water as possible.
As more time passes, consumers will likely continue to demand more sustainable practices from textile industries. Companies that respond to these calls will win the favor of their customers and might earn more revenue.
Other International Trends
In recent years, the major countries associated with the textile industry faced production difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the textile industry continues to contribute massively to the world’s economy. Here are some of the recent textile trends within specific regions of the globe.
North America
The United States is one of the leading manufacturers in the textile industry, creating yarns, fabrics and pieces of apparel for the world. It’s also a massive industry for employment, with 529,600 workers employed in 2020. The United States also develops new materials for the textile industry.
Some of North America’s recent textile trends include:
- A slight decrease in overall revenue: In 2020, the US experienced its first decrease in textile revenue since 2009. This lower rate was largely due to the effects of COVID-19, which made production and shipment more difficult. However, the United States textile industry is still valued at $64.4 billion in 2020, one of the highest revenue rates of the year.
- Yarns and fabrics valued most: With a $25.7 billion value in 2020, yarn and fabric production is the highest revenue generator for the United States textile industry.
Europe
Europe’s textile industry is massive, employing 1.7 million people and producing roughly $150 billion per year. Europe produces many clothing items and fabrics for both the continent and the rest of the world. Germany, Spain, Portugal, France and Italy are the biggest producers in Europe’s textile industry.
Take a look at some of Europe’s textile trends in recent years:
- Increased preference for online shopping: Most European countries have experienced an increase in disposable income since 2020. This increase, coupled with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, drove many to online clothes shopping. In turn, the textile industry experienced a boost in demand and sales.
- Research into greener strategies: Europe’s textile market conducts leading research about environmental practices in the industry. After the need for sustainable options rose, Europe’s textile industry dedicated its efforts to finding new and innovative ways for their industry to become more eco-friendly.
Asia
Asia has the most profitable textile industry sector, with China being named the top-ranked textile exporter in 2020. The industry creates and exports fabric, clothing and other materials to many places around the world.
These are several of Asia’s recent textile industry trends:
- Increased demand for fashion accessories: The textile sector in Asia had a higher revenue in 2021 than in 2020. This boost was largely due to a rise in fashion sales, from clothing and outerwear to jewelry and footwear. The increased demand came from buyers both on the continent and across the world.
- Growth in home textiles: Asia also experienced increased revenue because of home textiles. In 2021, demand for items like blankets, bedsheets, carpets, kitchen cloths and other similar products increased. The industry exported more of these home items to meet demand and, in turn, generated higher sales.
Call York Saw & Knife Today
At York Saw & Knife, we strive to help textile manufacturers meet modern needs. That’s why we supply high-quality industrial blades made just for the textile industry. Since 1906, we’ve worked hard to help textile professionals across the country and the globe. Our in-house team’s quick turnaround times and dedicated assistance set us apart as premier American providers.
For more information or to get started with York Saw & Knife, call 800-233-1969 or contact us today.