Higher demand for textile chemicals predicted
A new report available from Reportlinker.com entitled World Textile Chemicals Market claims that demand for textile chemicals will rise significantly in the coming years.
It projects that global demand for textile chemicals will rise 2.8% each year up to 2012, to a level of more than $19 billion. A major factor behind the growth is a rising level of personal income in both developed and developing countries.
It claims that, while colourants and auxiliaries will remain the biggest product segment, faster gains will be seen in finishing chemicals. Finishing chemicals allow garment makers and other textile manufacturers to differentiate their products. Key types of finishing chemicals include wrinkle resists, softeners, hand modifiers, flame retardants and water repellents, as well as soil release and non-slip finishes, and ultraviolet protection features. Global demand for finishing chemicals will be driven by a growing emphasis on product quality throughout the global textile industry, as well as wider consumer demand for comfortable and durable apparel. In addition, increasing production of industrial/technical textiles will boost demand for various functional finishes such as flame retardants and water repellents.
China and India, in particular, will continue to be the largest consumers of textile chemicals, and are also expected to experience the fastest growth. The Asia/Pacific region will increase its share of global textile chemical demand to more than 60% in 2012, up from 41% in 1997.
