Flame-Retardant Fabric Market Size, Share, Trends, Value 2030

Flame-Retardant Fabric Industry Prospective:

The global flame-retardant fabric market size was worth around USD 3506 million in 2022 and is predicted to grow to around USD 5780 million by 2030 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 6.45% between 2023 and 2030.

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The report delves deeper into several crucial aspects of the global flame-retardant fabric market. It includes a detailed discussion of existing growth factors and restraints. Future growth opportunities and challenges that impact the flame-retardant fabric industry are comprehensively addressed in the report.

Flame-Retardant Fabric Market: Overview

Flame-retardant fabrics are textile materials that are used for the protection of wearers against molten metal, flames, or when struck by arcs. They are different from fire-resistant materials and the main difference is the application of flame-retardant coating on these materials. They are also known as chemically flame-retardant fabrics and will burn when in contact with flame but at a much lower pace as compared to non-chemically treated fabrics. They are typically classified into three main segments including inherently flame retardant (IFR), flame retardant (FR), and durably flame retardant (DFR). Once the heat source is removed, these fabrics self-extinguish and do not melt even at high temperatures making them suitable for workers working in environments that are prone to heat-induced hazards. There is a growing market for flame-retardant fabrics as the end-user verticals are undertaking projects with higher risk quotient among other factors.

Key Insights:

• As per the analysis shared by our research analyst, the global flame-retardant fabric market is estimated to grow annually at a CAGR of around 6.45% over the forecast period (2023-2030)
• In terms of revenue, the global flame-retardant fabric market size was valued at around USD 3506 million in 2022 and is predicted to grow to around USD 5780 million, by 2030.
• The flame retardant fabric market is projected to grow at a significant rate due to the growing demand for sustainable packaging
• Based on material segmentation, polyester was predicted to show maximum market share in the year 2022
• Based on product type segmentation, chemically treated flame-retardant was the leading type in 2022
• On the basis of region, North America was the leading revenue generator in 2022

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Flame-Retardant Fabric Market: Growth Drivers

Growing space exploration activities to drive market growth

The global flame-retardant fabric market is projected to grow due to the increasing space exploration activities conducted across the globe. As developed and emerging nations invest in higher space activities including building a stronger satellite system for communication or for exploring outer space for research purposes, the demand for ancillary accessories including flame-retardant fabric is expected to rise. There are several applications of these materials including use in creating spacesuits to equipment converse and sleeping bags used during manned missions. In one of the recent events, in May 2023, China launched a new manned spacecraft called the Shenzhou-16. Around 3 astronauts are a part of the mission which is expected to be 5-months long. Similarly in July 2021, Blue Origin, a privately owned space exploration company, completed the first flight of its spacecraft called New Shepard. It took 4 citizens to space and brought them back to the planet.

Growing exploration in creating other applications of the material to drive further expansion

There are growing initiatives to achieve product optimization in other end-user verticals as well including the fire firefighting industry. Firefighters are regularly subject to surroundings exhibiting higher temperatures and firefighting apparel of flame-retardant fabric is known to be helpful. In 2021 and 2022, the UK government spent nearly 3 billion British pounds on fire-protection activities and services.

Flame-Retardant Fabric Market: Restraints

High cost of flame retardant fabric to restrict market expansion

The cost of producing flame-retardant fabric is exceptionally high. The type of material used in these fabrics is self-extinguishing and the heavier the fabric is, the higher its efficiency in flame-retarding. The main raw materials used for manufacturing may include natural fibers such as silk or synthetic material such as nylon and polyester. Certain manufacturers may also take the help of special chemicals to induce flame-retardant properties. Additionally, the manufacturing process is highly labor-intensive and complicated. It required skilled craftsmanship to meet commercial standards. All of this combined with other external factors including market conditions and availability of raw materials add to the high expense associated with flame-retardant fabric.

Flame-Retardant Fabric Market: Opportunities

Rising research and development to improve product efficiency may provide growth opportunities

The global flame retardant fabric market is expected to encounter higher growth opportunities led by the increasing research and development (R&D) in the production of more effective flame-retardant fabric. Governments across the globe have rolled-out stringent protocols in terms of worker safety at workplaces. This has further pushed the need for efficient fabrics. In June 2023, Birla Cellulose announced the launch of Birla SaFR, its latest innovation, at the International Textile Machinery Association (ITMA) 2023. The product is an inherent flame-retardant, phosphate-based, and sustainable cellulosic fiber that can be used to make flame-retardant fabrics. The company mentioned that they have focused on precision achieved by meticulous R&D. Similarly, in November 2022, Reliance Industries Ltd. (RIL), the world’s leading producer of polyester staple fibers and filament yarns, announced that it will start using Nofia® Technology to enhance the sustainable and flame-retardant attributes of Recron® FS, a fire-resistance polyester.

Flame-Retardant Fabric Market: Challenges

Failure to sustain flame-retarding properties after excessive use to challenge market expansion

Studies indicate that the inherent and chemically treated flame-retardant fabrics have certain disadvantages. For instance, the former type may not be as effective as expected in case the wearer encounters molten metal splash which limits their performance capabilities. In addition to this, chemically treated flame-retardant fabrics are known to cause discomfort upon wearing since the fabric is heavier as compared to other versions. There is a risk of the fabric losing its flame-retarding properties after excessive use and washing. In such cases, the safety of the wearer is compromised. In February 2022, firefighters in Boston, USA filed a lawsuit against 25 companies including DuPont and 3M over the use of ‘forever chemicals’ or the per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) chemicals in their workwear which resulted in 15 firefighters being diagnosed with some form of cancer.

Flame-Retardant Fabric Market: Segmentation

The global flame-retardant fabric market is segmented based on material, product type, and region.

Based on material, the global market segments are silk, wool, acrylic, velvet, jute, polyester, cotton, muslin, linen, and others. Currently, the highest growth is observed in the polyester segment driven by its excellent property to either resist flames or not catch fire immediately. Increase in innovation, rising end-user application, a growing number of players, and strict rules laid down by regulatory bodies ensuring product quality are expected to become leading factors for segmental growth. India reported more than 16000 cases of fire accidents in 2022.

Based on product type, the flame retardant fabric industry is divided into chemically treated flame-retardant, durably flame-retardant, and inherent flame-retardant. The highest market share was dominated by chemically treated flame-retardant fabric. As these products are coated with flame-retarding chemicals, they perform better than other versions of the product even at extremely high temperatures. In July 2018, researchers at The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) along with Flame Security International were awarded a $3 million Commonwealth grant that will be used to develop a non-toxic, eco-friendly, and durable flame retardant to be used in construction materials, clothing, car, and furniture.

Flame-Retardant Fabric Market: Report Scope

Flame-Retardant Fabric Market: Regional Analysis

North America to witness the highest growth in the near future

The global flame-retardant fabric market is expected to be led by North America during the forecast period, In 2022, the region accounted for 26.01% of the global market share led by a growing emphasis on worker protection, the existence of strict safety laws and active project undertakings are implementing bodies that worker safety rules are applied and adhered to. Additionally, the presence of key manufacturers of flame-retardant fabric including DuPont and 3M help in adding to the regional revenue. The US is investing heavily in nanotechnology-based flame-retardant fabric for these products to be used in aerospace and military industries.

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Asia-Pacific is expected to register a significant growth rate. East Asia contributed around 16.9% of the market share in 2022 led by India, China, Japan, and other nations. India is witnessing extensive research on developing advanced materials. For instance, the recent development by the Defense Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT) announced that it developed a new polymer-based nano-engineered fabric that could be used for space exploration activities. Rising partnerships with international players and the booming domestic fabric industry will assist in further growth.

Flame-Retardant Fabric Market: Competitive Analysis

The global flame-retardant fabric market is led by players like:

• TenCate Protective Fabrics
• DuPont
• Carrington Textiles
• Milliken & Company
• Teijin Aramid
• Solvay
• Ansell Limited
• PBI Performance Products Inc.
• Guilford Performance Textiles
• Westex by Milliken
• Trevira GmbH
• Mount Vernon Mills
• Springfield LLC
• Klopman International
• W.L. Gore & Associates
• Glen Raven Technical Fabrics
• Arvind Limited

The global flame-retardant fabric market is segmented as follows:

By Material

• Silk
• Wool
• Acrylic
• Velvet
• Jute
• Polyester
• Cotton
• Muslin
• Linen
• Others

By Product Type

• Chemically Treated Flame-Retardant
• Durably Flame-Retardant
• Inherent Flame-Retardant
• 2D AOI
• Others

By Region

• North America
  • The U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • France 
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Southeast Asia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa