Cellulose Fibers Market Growth Drivers, Trends, and Forecast by 2031

MARKET ANALYSIS

Cellulose fibers are derived from cellulose, a naturally occurring polymer found in the cell wall of plants. Cellulose is a long chain of glucose molecules, and these chains form the basis of cellulose fibers. These fibers are widely used in various industries, including textile, paper, packaging, and nonwoven applications. Cellulose fibers can be obtained from different sources, such as wood pulp, cotton, hemp, flax, and bamboo. Wood pulp is the most common source of cellulose fibers and is derived from softwood or hardwood trees through the chemical pulping process.

GROWTH DRIVERS AND CHALLENGES

The growing environmental awareness and a shift towards sustainable materials are driving the cellulose fibers market growth. Cellulose fibers are derived from renewable sources and are biodegradable, making them an attractive choice for eco-conscious consumers and industries seeking more sustainable alternatives to synthetic fibers. Due to their unique properties and versatility, cellulose fibers find applications in various industries, such as textiles & apparel, nonwovens, paper & packaging, personal care products, filtration, building & construction materials, and automotive. With the strong growth of end-use industries, the demand for cellulose fibers is also increasing.  Cellulose fibers are the primary component used in paper manufacturing. They provide the necessary strength and durability to paper products. Thus, the growing paper manufacturing industry is bolstering the demand for cellulose fibers. Various countries in Asia Pacific, Europe, and North America are major pulp and paper producers. China is one of the major producers of paper and pulp. The use of paper is highest in China. According to the report published by the National Bureau of Statistics, manufacturers of paper and paper products in China generated a revenue of about US$ 201 billion in 2021, with a gross profit of about US$ 13 billion, at a 21.2% year-on-year growth. Further, cellulose fibers face competition from synthetic fibers with superior strength, such as polyester and nylon, which are often used as alternatives in various applications. While cellulose fibers are recyclable, there are limitations to the quality and number of times they can be recycled. Each recycling cycle can lead to a loss in fiber length and strength, reducing the quality of the recycled material. These limitations may affect the demand for cellulose fibers during the forecast period.

REPORT SEGMENTATION AND SCOPE

The "Global Cellulose Fibers Market Analysis to 2031" is a specialized and in-depth study with a major focus on the global cellulose fibers market trends and growth opportunities. The report aims to provide an overview of the global cellulose fibers market with detailed market segmentation by type, application, and geography. The global cellulose fibers market has been witnessing high growth over the recent past and is expected to continue this trend during the forecast period. The report provides key statistics on the consumption of cellulose fibers worldwide along with their demand in major regions and countries. In addition, the report provides the qualitative assessment of various factors affecting the cellulose fibers market performance in major regions and countries. The report also includes a comprehensive analysis of the leading players in the cellulose fibers market and their key strategic developments. Several analyses on the market dynamics are also included to help identify the key driving factors, market trends, and lucrative cellulose fibers market opportunities that would, in turn, aid in identifying the major revenue pockets.

Further, ecosystem analysis and Porter’s five forces analysis provide a 360-degree view of the global cellulose fibers market, which helps understand the entire supply chain and various factors affecting the cellulose fibers market growth.

SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS

The global cellulose fibers market is segmented on the basis of type and application. Based on type, the cellulose fibers market is segmented as, cotton, jute, viscose, lyocell, and others. The cellulose fibers market is categorized on the basis of application into, apparel, home textile, filtration, healthcare & hygiene products, and others.

Based on type, the cotton segment accounted for a significant cellulose fibers market share which can be attributed to the expansion of cotton cultivation and advancement in processing technologies. Cotton fibers are widely used in industries such as textile & apparel, nonwoven fabrics, paper & packaging, personal care products, and medical & healthcare. The viscose segment has been growing in popularity owing to its desirable properties, including softness, comfort, breathability, and excellent draping capabilities. Moreover, these fibers are derived from renewable plant sources, such as wood pulp or bamboo, making them a more sustainable alternative to synthetic fibers. Based on application, apparel accounted for a significant cellulose fibers market share owing to various factors such as versatility, comfort, breathability, and sustainability. Home textile has also been gaining immense popularity across the globe, which can be attributed to sustainable and eco-friendly properties. Home textiles including bedding & sheets, towels & bathrobes, curtains & drapes, upholstery & furniture, rugs & carpets, kitchen textiles, and table linen & napkins are primarily made of cellulose fibers. The desire for comfort and quality in home textiles has contributed to the demand for cellulose fibers.

REGIONAL ANALYSIS

The report provides a detailed overview of the global cellulose fibers market with respect to five major regions, namely; North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific (APAC), Middle East and Africa (MEA) and South & Central America. Asia Pacific is estimated to account for a significant cellulose fibers market share globally. The Asia Pacific region is home to a large and rapidly growing population. The increasing population, coupled with urbanization and rising disposable incomes, has led to an expansion of the consumer market for various products, including textiles and home furnishings. This has driven the demand for cellulose fibers in the region. North America is also expected to witness considerable growth with the growing textile and apparel industry, driven by factors such as domestic manufacturing, fashion trends, and consumer preferences. Moreover, the emphasis on health and wellness has influenced consumer choices in textile and home furnishings. Cellulose fibers, such as cotton are hypoallergenic and gentle on the skin, making them popular for products like bedding and towels.

INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS AND FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES

Partnership, acquisitions and new product launches were found to be the major strategies adopted by the players operating in the global cellulose fibers market.

In January, 2022, Bast Fibre Technologies acquired North Carolina-based Lumberton Cellulose LLC from Georgia-Pacific. This acquisition will help Bast Fibre Technologies to establish North American manufacturing operations to meet the rapidly growing demand for natural fibers.

In October, 2022, Lenzing Group announced the partnership with the CISUTAC (Circular and Sustainable Textile and Clothing) project that is co-funded by the EU to strengthen its commitment to the circular economy.

IMPACT OF COVID/IMPACT OF GEOPOLITICAL SCENARIO/IMPACT OF RECESSION

The covid-19 pandemic led to a decline in the progress of many industries across the globe. Shutdown of manufacturing plants and restricted trade across the globe led to supply chain constraints for manufacturers across the globe. The cellulose fibers market experienced a slump during the pandemic owing to the limited trade of cellulose fibers across the globe. Moreover, production activities of textile and apparel have also witnessed a decline during this period owing to the shortage of raw materials and limited supply of labor. All these factors affected the cellulose fibers market growth. However, the pandemic influenced consumer preferences, with an increased focus of health, hygiene, and sustainability. As a result of the properties of cellulose fibers, there has been a growing interest in sustainable and natural fibers, including cellulose fibers, in various applications such as clothing, home textile, and personal protection equipment (PPE). In addition, the shift towards online shopping during the pandemic has impacted the distribution channel for cellulose fibers and related products. The increased reliance on e-commerce platform for purchasing textiles and home furnishings has influenced the marketing and distribution strategies of cellulose fiber manufacturers and retailers. Therefore, the cellulose fibers market has recovered quite well from the aftermath of the pandemic and is expected to grow over the coming years.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE AND KEY COMPANIES

Some of the key players operating in the cellulose fibers market include, Celotech Chemical Co., Ltd.; Imerys S.A.; Skandinaviska Ifab Filtrering AB; Isocell Gmbh & Co KG; J. Rettenmaier & Söhne Gmbh + Co KG; Lenzing AG; Aditya Birla Group; Sateri; Kelheim Fibres GmbH; Fulida Group Holding Co., Ltd; Eastman Chemical Company; CFF GmbH & Co. KG; Jelu-Werk J. Ehrler GmbH & Co. KG; Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc; CreaFill Fibers Corporation; and Advanced Fiber Technology among others.

Cellulose Fibers Report Scope