North America Technical Textile Market Outlook to 2030

North America Technical Textile Market Overview

• The North America technical textile market is valued at USD 40 billion in 2023, driven by the rising demand from industries such as automotive, construction, and healthcare. Technical textiles, which serve functional purposes beyond traditional fabrics, are essential in applications like filtration, protection, and transportation. The growth of sectors such as healthcare and infrastructure development has contributed significantly to the expansion of this market.

• Key players dominating the North America technical textile market in 2023 include Berry Global Inc., DuPont, Freudenberg Performance Materials, Kimberly-Clark, and 3M. These companies have established significant manufacturing capacities and innovation pipelines, particularly in industrial textiles and medical textiles. Their influence is amplified by extensive distribution networks, enabling them to maintain their leadership in the technical textile space.
• In 2023, Freudenberg Performance Materials announced the expansion of its North American operations with a USD 20 million investment in a new manufacturing plant in Georgia. This facility will focus on the production of advanced materials used in filtration and automotive applications, a growing segment of the technical textile market. This expansion is expected to increase Freudenberg's market share in the region.
• Cities like Houston, Detroit, and Los Angeles dominate the North American technical textile market due to their proximity to key industries such as automotive, oil, and healthcare. Houston, being an oil and gas hub, demands protective and industrial textiles, while Detroit, with its strong automotive base, leads in the use of technical textiles in vehicle manufacturing. Los Angeles, as a major healthcare hub, drives demand for medical textiles, such as personal protective equipment.

North America Technical Textile Market Segmentation

• By Product Type The North America technical textile market is segmented by product type into nonwovens, woven fabrics, and knitted textiles. In 2023, nonwovens dominated the market share due to their wide application across healthcare, automotive, and filtration industries. Nonwoven materials are crucial in making masks, wipes, and geotextiles, and their lightweight, durable nature makes them highly preferred. Companies like Kimberly-Clark and Berry Global lead the nonwoven market, capitalizing on their advanced manufacturing capabilities and sustainable product lines.

• By End-Use Industry The technical textile market is segmented by end-use industry into automotive, healthcare, and construction. The automotive industry led the market share in 2023, driven by the growing demand for advanced textile solutions like seat belts, airbags, and tire reinforcements. With increased focus on vehicle safety and fuel efficiency, technical textiles have become essential in the production of lighter and more durable vehicles. This sector's continued expansion is fueled by the robust presence of automakers in North America.

• By Region The North American technical textile market is regionally segmented into USA and Canada. In 2023, the USA dominated the market share due to the concentration of high-tech industries. The Wests focus on innovative industries like aerospace and healthcare has driven the demand for specialized technical textiles. Moreover, government investments in infrastructure projects in this region, particularly for sustainable construction, have also propelled market growth.

North America Technical Textile Market Competitive Landscape

• Berry Global Inc.: In 2023, Berry Global announced a USD 110 million investment to expand its nonwoven production capacity in the United States. This investment is part of the company's strategy to meet increasing demand for sustainable materials in the healthcare and hygiene sectors. The new facility is expected to boost Berrys output by 15% and cater to rising market demand, particularly for medical-grade technical textiles.
• Freudenberg Performance Materials: Freudenberg has expanded its North American footprint by acquiring a USD 150 million geotextile manufacturing plant in Texas in 2023. This acquisition aligns with Freudenbergs goal to cater to the infrastructure and construction boom in the region, as geotextiles are essential in modern urban development projects. The plant is expected to increase the companys market share in the civil engineering sector.

North America Technical Textile Market Analysis

Growth Drivers

• Growing Demand from the Automotive Industry: The North America technical textile market is significantly driven by the increasing use of technical textiles in the automotive sector. Technical textiles are integral in vehicle components such as airbags, seat belts, tire reinforcements, and interior trims, which enhance vehicle safety and performance. In 2024, the North American automotive industry expects to produce around 17 million vehicles, creating a substantial demand for these materials. As the automotive sector embraces lightweight materials for fuel efficiency.
• Rising Demand for Sustainable Textiles: In 2023, there has been a notable shift towards the use of sustainable and recyclable technical textiles across industries, particularly in healthcare and construction. The increasing awareness regarding environmental conservation and stringent government regulations on waste management have pushed manufacturers to adopt sustainable solutions. In North America, more than 30% of companies in the technical textile market have transitioned to biodegradable materials, contributing to market growth.
• Expansion of Healthcare and Personal Protection Sectors: The healthcare industry, particularly in the United States, has experienced a surge in the use of technical textiles for medical applications such as PPE, surgical gowns, and wound dressings. In 2024, the US healthcare market is projected to grow to USD 4.8 trillion, creating robust demand for high-quality medical textiles. The personal protection segment, driven by industrial safety requirements, further boosts the technical textile market in North America.

Challenges

• High Manufacturing Costs: One of the significant challenges in the North America technical textile market is the high cost of production. Technical textiles often require specialized manufacturing processes and materials that are more expensive than traditional textiles. This is especially evident in sectors like automotive and aerospace, where the use of advanced technical textiles is essential but comes at a premium.
• Supply Chain Disruptions: The North America technical textile market has faced challenges due to ongoing supply chain disruptions, particularly post-pandemic. Delays in raw material procurement, coupled with increased freight and shipping costs, have hindered the production capabilities of manufacturers. In 2023, technical textile manufacturers in the United States reported delays in receiving critical raw materials like fibers and yarns, which directly impacted their output and delivery timelines.

Government Initiatives

• Build Back Better Initiative: As part of the "Build Back Better" initiative launched in 2023, the US government allocated USD 1.5 billion toward infrastructure projects. This funding includes significant investments in technical textiles used for construction and geotextiles in civil engineering applications. The initiative is designed to improve the countrys infrastructure while promoting the use of durable, sustainable materials. Geotextiles, which enhance the strength of infrastructure projects, are expected to witness a sharp rise in demand due to this program.
• US Defense Department Funding for Technical Textiles: In 2024, the US Department of Defense increased its funding for research and development in technical textiles for military applications by 10%. Technical textiles are critical for defense-related uses such as protective clothing, ballistic protection, and parachutes. This funding will enable advancements in material durability and performance, ensuring the US military remains at the forefront of protective textile technology. The initiative is expected to create new opportunities for manufacturers specializing in military-grade textiles.

North America Technical Textile Market Future Outlook

The North America technical textile market is poised for sustained growth, driven by advancements in smart textiles, increasing adoption of sustainable and biodegradable materials, and expanding applications in industries like healthcare, automotive, and defense. Technological innovation and government initiatives supporting eco-friendly materials will further accelerate market demand in the coming years.

Future Trends

• Expansion in Smart Textiles Applications: By 2028, smart textiles are projected to become a dominant segment within the North America technical textile market. The integration of sensors, data collection, and connectivity within textiles will expand their use in medical diagnostics, sports monitoring, and defense. Government investments in healthcare technology and increased consumer demand for wearable devices are expected to fuel the growth of this segment.
• Increased Use of Biodegradable Technical Textiles: With the rising global focus on sustainability, biodegradable technical textiles will see increased adoption across industries such as packaging, automotive, and construction by 2028. Companies are investing in the development of eco-friendly materials that can decompose without harming the environment. The adoption of these materials is expected to be driven by stricter government regulations on waste management and corporate sustainability goals.