Cellulose Fiber Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis By Product Type (Natural, Synthetic), By Application (Textile, Hygiene, Industrial), By Regions And Segment Forecasts, 2018 - 2025

Industry Insights

The global cellulose fiber market size was valued at USD 20.61 billion in 2015. The market is expected to witness significant growth on account of the growing demand for environment-friendly, versatile, biodegradable, and cost-effective fibers globally. These fibers are produced from an ester of cellulose, which is mainly extracted from wood, bark, or leaves of plants, and from other natural plant-based products.

The textile industry is at its boom presently, and it plays a vital role in every economy. The industry also contributes sustainably in a nation’s trade. As the industry is growing at a global level, the demand for natural as well as synthetic fibers in the industry is also increasing.

U.S. cellulose fiber market revenue, by application, 2014 - 2025 (USD Billion)

The wood or other natural-based cellulose fibers have excellent properties for instance moisture management & absorbency. Moreover, its production process provides purity and uniform quality. All these properties make it useful in a wide range of end-use industries. Its major applications are in the textile and hygiene industry owing to similar properties as engineered type.

The industry is highly capital intensive and is characterized by high investment in expertise and funds. The high investment in research & development activities for developing new technology or product is the major barrier for the industry. In addition, frequent change in raw material prices, declining cotton production, and stringent environmental regulation regarding forestry by government across the globe, also act as the major challenge for the industry.

Product Type Insights

The man-made segment accounted for around 62% of the overall volume share in 2015. These come from plants and their products, which are processed into a pulp. Then, they are extruded like other synthetic fibers. Viscose and Rayon are the most common man-made type, which is produced from wood pulp. The synthetic fibers industry is projected to show a significant growth owing to its various properties, for instance, strong, thermoplastic, fungi resistant, abrasion-resistant, low absorbency, inexpensive, and easily available.

Cellulose fiber market volume, by product type, 2015 (Kilo Tons)

Natural cellulose fibers are derived from plants that are extracted & processed when needed. During the processing, they are separated from the rest of the plant which is not useful. The natural fiber market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.0% by 2025 on account of various disadvantages of the usage of synthetic fibers in various end-use industries.

Application Insights

The textile was the prominent segment in 2015. The segment alone accounts for around 44% of the global revenue share. The major application of fibers in the textile industry is to reinforce composites and filter chemicals. Therefore, fiber produced from wood pulp is becoming an important element for the textile industry.

Cotton is the major raw material for the textile industry. However, declining cotton production owing to the difficulty in its cultivation has resulted in major growth in the demand for wood-based cellulose fibers. These are high-performing and find applications in industrial, home textile, apparel, etc.

The industrial segment is expected to witness a considerable volume gains at a CAGR of 8.1% from 2016 to 2025. These fibers are widely used in the nonwoven, enzymes, plastic, paper, thermal insulation, and filtration industries.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific was the dominant region and was valued at over USD 7.4 billion in 2015, owing to high demand in the textile and industrial segment. The region is projected to show the same growth trend over the forecasted period due to the rise in demand from industrial, textile, and other application segments in the region.

China, India, Japan, South Korea, Pakistan, Taiwan, and Indonesia are the major markets in the region. These countries are involved in the manufacturing and trade of fibers, which are used across various end-use industries. Vietnam and Bangladesh are the potential future market for the product. However, strict regulations regarding forestry are expected to hamper the growth of the product over the next nine years.

Europe accounted for around 31% of the total revenue share in 2015. Europe and North America are the mature markets for the product and are expected to grow at a relatively stagnant growth from 2016 to 2025.

Cellulose Fiber Market Share Insights

The overall industry is fragmented and competitive in nature with the presence of large as well as small players. Major participants include Lenzing AG, Sateri, Kelheim Fibres GmbH, Grasim Industries Limited, Fulida Group Holdings Co., Ltd, China Bambro Textile (Group) Co. Ltd, CFF GmbH & Co. KG, CreaFill Fibers Corporation, International Paper, and GrupoSniace.

The players in this industry are investing in R&D activates for new product development. In addition, through mergers and acquisitions, they are trying to expand their global presence and strengthen their presence.

Report Scope

Segments Covered in the Report

This report forecasts revenue growth and provides an analysis of the latest trends in each of the sub-segments from 2014 to 2025. For the purpose of this report, Grand View Research has segmented the global cellulose fiber market on the basis of product, application, and region:

• Product Type Outlook (Volume, Kilo Tons; Revenue, USD Million; 2014 - 2025)

  • Natural

  • Synthetic

• Application Outlook (Volume, Kilo Tons; Revenue, USD Million; 2014 - 2025)

  • Textile

  • Hygiene

  • Industrial

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Volume, Kilo Tons; Revenue, USD Million; 2014 - 2025)

  • North America

    • The U.S.

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • UK

    • France

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan

  • Central & South America

  • MEA