Industry Insights
Cellulose fabrics are extracted from various plants and plant based materials. Fibers extracted from natural plants are called as cellulose fabrics whereas fibers extracted from plant pulps are called to be manufactured cellulose fabrics. Cotton and linin are the major natural cellulose fabrics extracted from natural plants. Various chemical and mechanical processes have to be carried out to obtain wood pulp from plants. This extracted wooden pulp is used to obtain different man-made fibers. Rayon and viscose fibers are the manufactured cellulose fabrics. Cellulose fibers are extensively used in fabrics, textiles and spun yarn applications. Rayon fibers are extensively used in the manufacturing curtains and carpets among others owing to its good absorbing properties. Acetate fibers are used in cigarette filters and apparels on account of its fast drying capability.
Cellulose fibers market has been witnessing strong growth over the past few years on account of increasing demand from textile industry. Growing environmental friendly, skin friendly and bio-degradable fabrics demand is the key factor, expected to drive the market over the forecast period. Cellulose fibers have replaced the application of petrochemical fabrics in many industrial applications. This shift in demand towards cellulose fabrics is anticipated to augment the market growth over the next five years. Huge availability of raw materials coupled with technological advancement in manufacturing process is expected to trigger the market growth over the foreseeable period. However, fluctuation in wood pulp prices is anticipated to affect the profitability of market players, which in turn is expected to hamper the market growth over the next five years. Increasing government regulations regarding deforestation is the other factor likely to restraint the market growth.
Application Insights:
Textile industry emerged as a leading application segment for cellulose fibers market in 2013 and trend is expected to continue over the forecast period. Cellulose fibers are extensively used in textile industry owing to its superior properties such as environmental friendly, skin friendly and bio-degradable properties. Besides being the largest application segment, textile industry is the fastest growing application market over the past few years. Volatile prices and scarcity of cotton resulted in industries shift their demand towards man-made cellulose fabrics for clothing. This trend is anticipated to witness lucrative growth in cellulose fibers market in near future. Strong growth of textile industry in Asia Pacific regions especially in India and China is expected to complement the market growth over the next five years. Spun yarn and fabrics are the major markets for cellulose fibers accounting nearly 25% of global market share and it is anticipated to witness significant growth over the foreseeable period. Increasing demand from other end-use applications such as adhesives, sealants and tapes is further expected to drive the market in near future.
Regional Insights
Asia Pacific emerged as a leading regional market for cellulose fibers over the past few years and closely followed by Europe. Asia Pacific holds the major portion of market share in terms of production and consumption. Strong growth of textile industry in India and China is the key factor to drive cellulose fibers market in this region. In addition, huge availability of raw material in this region is anticipated to complement the market growth. However, stringent regulations regarding deforestation are likely to hamper the market growth over the forecast period. North America and Europe are relatively mature market, which are anticipated to witness sluggish growth over the next five years.
Competitive Insights
Key market players in cellulose fibers market include Tangshan, Fulida Group, Grasim Industries, Helon, Indo Bharat Rayon, Aoyang Yarn, Sateri Holdings Limited, Lenzing AG and Daicel Corporation.
