Waterproof Breathable Textiles Market - Forecast(2023 - 2028)

Waterproof Breathable Textiles Market Overview

Waterproof Breathable Textiles market size is forecast to reach US$2.7 billion by 2026, after growing at a CAGR of 5.9% during 2021-2026 due to the growing fitness consciousness and the increasing popularity of stylish and comfortable sports apparel. Waterproof breathable fabrics are designed for use in garments that provide protection from the weather i.e., wind, rain, snow, and also loss of body heat. Waterproof Breathable fabrics show the property of waterproofness while also allowing the water vapor to diffuse to the environment. There is a large variety of waterproof breathable fabrics which includes densely woven fabrics, microporous and hydrophilic membranes and coatings, their combinations, etc. Multilayered breathable fabrics are also being developed in recent times to enhance the functional characteristic of the fabric. The area has experienced huge growth in the past few years as the waterproof-breathable fabrics proved very effective in a number of fields such as active sportswear, mountaineering, military, and various other applications. The outer layer of waterproof breathable textiles comprises of membranes and water repellent solutions or laminates, which are usually made of Polytetrafluoroethylene, Polyvinylidene Fluoride, Fluoropolymers, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), polyester or polyurethane. The rapid growth of the sportswear industry has increased the demand for waterproof breathable textiles; thereby, fueling the market growth. Furthermore, the trend of going green is also expected to drive the waterproof breathable textiles industry substantially during the forecast period.

Waterproof Breathable Textiles Market COVID-19 Impact

The pandemic has shaken up global economies and has impacted every sphere of life. The textile industry is no exception. Due to lockdown, all kinds of textile-related factories were shut due to government mandates and also fear of infection. Workers were left with no choice but to return to their houses. Travel bans and border closures led to supply chain disruptions and delays in procuring raw material. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), imports by major buying countries from garment-exporting countries in Asia dropped by up to 70% in the first half of 2020 due to collapsing consumer demand, government lockdown measures and disruptions to raw material imports. However, to mitigate losses to some extent, many textile companies contributed to reducing the pandemic impact by shifting their productions to masks and protective gowns providing immediate help for many medical professionals and civilians. According to an article in The Times of India, about 40 textile companies in and around Surat, India’s largest polyester fabric hub, have been manufacturing fashion masks. These masks have turned the fortunes of textile entrepreneurs since the government banned the export of N95 masks in February. Hence, COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the waterproof breathable textiles industry in 2020.

Report Coverage

The report: “Waterproof Breathable Textiles Market – Forecast (2021-2026)”, by IndustryARC, covers an in-depth analysis of the following segments of the Waterproof Breathable Textiles Market.

By Raw Material: Polyurethane, Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), Polyvinylidene Fluoride, Fluoropolymers, Polyester Microfilament Yarn and Others.
By Textile: Densely Woven Fabrics, Membranes (Microporous Membranes and Hydrophilic Membranes), Coatings (Microporous Coatings and Hydrophilic Coatings), Retroreflective Microbeads, Smart Breathable Fabrics and Others.
By Application: Clothing (Sportswear- Activewear, Swimwear, Mountaineering Garments, Trekking Garments, Skiwear and Others, Leisurewear- Jackets, Trousers, Coats, Gaiters and Others, Workwear- Military Clothing, Fireman Clothing, Functional Workwear, Survival Suits and Others, General- Umbrella Cloth, Interlinings, Socks, Footwear Inserts and Linings, and Others) Outdoor Gear (Tents, Sleeping Bags, Umbrellas, Hats, Gloves, Footwear Lining and Others), Medical (Surgical Garments, Modern Wound Dressing, Surgical Drapes, Hospital Bedding and Others), Home Use (Upholstery, Shower Curtains, Mattress Protectors, Outdoor Fabrics & Upholstery and Others), General Use (Tarpaulins, Car Covers, Seat Covers, Special Protective Covers, Sailcloth and Others), Agriculture (Groundcovers, Protective Covering and Others) and Others.
By Geography: North America (USA, Canada, and Mexico), Europe (UK, Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Russia, Belgium, and Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand, Indonesia, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Rest of APAC), South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, and Rest of South America), Rest of the World (Middle East, and Africa).

Key Takeaways

• Asia-Pacific is the fastest growing waterproof breathable textiles market, owing to the numerous textile industries in the region. According to India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), the Indian technical textiles market is expected to expand to US$23.3 billion by 2027. 
• Polyurethane waterproof breathable textile uses no solvents, so it doesn’t produce harmful toxins. This fabric will eventually deteriorate. Being a material that can withstand heat and moisture, there is less overall waste making it one of the most eco-friendly textile choices for sportswear. 
• In waterproof breathable textiles the formulation and application of microporous and hydrophilic membranes and coatings have been well researched in different fields of applications. Smart breathable fabrics and fabric based on biomimetics, which has recently gained popularity has started to show great potential. The use of polyester microfilaments in densely woven structure has also proved its worth in waterproof breathability, thermal insulation and windproof character of fabric. 
• The major opportunity for this market is high research spending. Among all the products being used in this field, biomimetic clothing is proving to have unlimited scope. Advancing technology and methods can lead to developments in the field of waterproof breathable fabrics which can be used effectively and efficiently in the near future.
  
  

Figure: Europe Waterproof Breathable Textiles Market Revenue, 2020-2026 (US$ Billion)

Waterproof Breathable Textiles Market Segment Analysis – By Raw Material

The polyurethane segment held the largest share in the Waterproof Breathable Textiles market and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.9% during the forecast period from 2021-2026 owing to its use in activewear. To make a fabric waterproof and breathable various synthetic polymers such as polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyurethane etc. can be used. Polyurethane coating makes the fabric useful for wind and waterproof outerwear, allowing water vapor to slowly diffuse through it. Being lightweight and breathable makes it an ideal activewear fabric for yoga, swimming, and various other sports activities. Polyurethane fabric holds its properties through at least 100 cycles in the washer and dryer without harm to the material. It is flexible and easy to work with when creating garments. The original use in hospitals is now the key factor of its popularity today, making it a reusable fabric that is strong and waterproof. In situations where fuel contact is likely, the polyurethane also acts as a fire-retardant. It is also airtight to resist water and humidity and is abrasion-resistant. This makes polyurethane-coated fabrics a staple in the high-tech swimsuit market. The coating enhances the performance abilities by adding buoyancy, especially for competitive swimmers. Therefore, the polyurethane segment is set to dominate the waterproof breathable textiles market during the forecast period.

Waterproof Breathable Textiles Market Segment Analysis – By Textile Type

The membrane segment held the largest share of more than 30% in the waterproof breathable textiles market in 2020 because of their excellent mechanical properties and water resistance. There are several methods that can be used to obtain fabrics that are both breathable and waterproof. By textile type, this market can be divided into densely woven fabrics, membranes, coatings, a combination of membranes and coatings, retroreflective microbeads in addition to others. Since of late, smart breathable fabrics and fabrics based on biomimetics also have been developed. Out of all these types, membranes are extensively used. Membranes are extremely thin films made from polymeric material and engineered in such a way that they have a very high resistance to liquid water penetration, yet allow the passage of water vapor. A typical membrane is only about 10 micrometers thick and, therefore, is laminated to a conventional textile fabric to provide the necessary mechanical strength. They are of two types, microporous and hydrophilic. Microporous membranes are thin films of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) polymer that contains about 1.4 billion tiny holes per sq.cm. Other manufacturers make similar membranes based on microporous polyvinylidene fluoride cast directly onto the fabric. Hydrophilic membranes are very thin films of chemically modified polyester or polyurethane containing no holes which, therefore, are sometimes referred to as non-poromeric. The polyester or polyurethane polymer is modified by incorporating up to 40% by weight of polyethylene oxide, which constitutes the hydrophilic part of the membrane by forming part of the amorphous regions of the polyurethane polymer system. It has a low energy affinity for water molecules which is essential for the rapid diffusion of water vapor. This allows water vapor molecules to pass through but prevents the penetration of liquid water owing to the solid nature of the membrane. These properties make membrane waterproof breathable textiles highly desirable in sportswear especially for mountaineering, trekking, hiking, and skiing as these require performance garments to protect wearers from extreme elements. With the growing demand for sportswear, membrane waterproof breathable textiles are expected to dominate the market over the forecast period.

Waterproof Breathable Textiles Market Segment Analysis – By Application

The clothing segment held the largest share of more than 25% in the waterproof breathable textiles market in 2020. Waterproof breathable textiles are used because of their myriad applications in sportswear, workwear, leisurewear, and general wear. Waterproof breathable textiles are designed to provide protection from the wind, rain, snow and loss of body heat. The breathable nature of the fabric passively allows water vapor and prevents the penetration of liquid water for comfort clothing. The breathable nature makes it much better than fabric coated with conventional waterproof materials, which have a higher resistance to vapor transport than ordinary woven and knitted apparel fabric. The desirable attributes of functional sportswear and leisurewear are as follows: optimum heat and moisture regulation, good air and water vapor permeability, rapid moisture absorption and conveyance capacity, absence of dampness, quick-drying, low water absorption of the layer of clothing just positioned to the skin, dimensionally stable even when wet, durable and lightweight. While it is difficult to achieve the ideal textile, waterproof breathable textiles check most boxes. Moisture handling properties of textiles during intense physical activities have been regarded as a major factor in comfort performance. Waterproof breathable fabrics help in this regard by causing sweat to diffuse into the environment. This is the reason it is highly sorted after for use in activewear and sportswear. These fabrics are also used in military & defense and medical applications to enhance overall performance in challenging environments. Manufacturers in this market offer products ideal for specific activities such as cycling, skiing, trekking, sailing, rainwear, golfing, and mountaineering. A few others offer products for medical and military & defense applications. As a result, the growing focus across these applications in the clothing segment is projected to fuel the growth of the global waterproof breathable textiles market over the forecast period.

Waterproof Breathable Textiles Market Segment Analysis – By Geography

Europe held the largest share in the waterproof breathable textiles market in 2020 up to 29%, owing to a well-developed sports culture. Europe is the world’s largest market for sportswear clothing and accessories as most of the people in this region are health conscious and maintains a regular fitness regime. European manufacturers are known for high-quality and advanced sportswear which is also fashionable yet comfortable. The most loved sport in Europe is football. There are various football leagues such as the English Premier League, German Bundesliga, Spanish La Liga, and so on with the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) that represents the national football associations of Europe and runs the UEFA Champions League. This is the second-most-watched football tournament in the world after the FIFA World Cup. According to BBC, the quarterfinals of UEFA 2020 became the most-watched live television event of the year so far with 20.9 million viewers. Other popular sports in the region include cricket, tennis, basketball, cycling among others. The rising demand for highly breathable and waterproof training gear and shoes from the outdoor sporting industry in this region is expected to favorably impact the market. Rising awareness pertaining to the positive benefits of various fitness activities such as yoga, aerobics, cycling, among consumers is expected to provide a significant boost to the activewear market growth. The APAC region is the fastest-growing market due to the presence of a large population with increasing per capita income. Additionally, the APAC region is witnessing rapid growth in the popularity of outdoor sports and activities. Nowadays the biggest players in the waterproof breathable textiles industry manufacture predominantly in Asian countries like China, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and Thailand. Especially in China, there is a boom in technical clothing manufacturing, which has led to a global decrease in fabric and finished garment prices due to the lower costs and rising competition This generates a huge demand for sports apparel thereby driving the demand for waterproof breathable textiles.

Waterproof Breathable Textiles Market Drivers

Growing Emphasis on Fitness & Health

Regular exercise and physical activity promote health. Research shows that staying active helps maintain a healthy weight and thereby, reduces the risk for type 2 diabetes and heart disease. In 2020 due to the pandemic, people were relegated to their homes after the government enforced lockdown restrictions. The guidelines stated that people should stay at home and only leave for activities such as grocery shopping. Everything else was shut including gyms and fitness centers due to fear of the spread of infection. As a result, people began converting their houses into gyms and began working out from home. According to the E-commerce Times, the sales of dumbbells during the 2020 lockdown period increased by 1,980% compared to March and April in 2019 on eBay, respectively. Researchers from the University of Virginia Health System suggested that regular exercise might significantly reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection. Hence, 2020 made people more fitness and health-conscious. Research from Mintel states that 80% of all online adults took some sort of exercise during the COVID-19 restrictions of the spring and summer last year, with 74% of those aged 16-24 exercising at home. Activewear is typically made from highly breathable, stretchy, and waterproof fabrics. Another fashion trend of 2020 was comfort with people opting for clothing that is comfortable. Activewear made from waterproof breathable fabrics are flattering, fashionable, practical, and comfortable. Thus, fitness and health consciousness acts as a driver for the waterproof breathable textiles market during the forecast period.

Recycled Plastics

Recycled polyester uses PET as raw material. The process of converting PET into recycled polyester uses 33-53% less energy than normal polyester. Using recycled polyester reduces the dependence on petroleum as petroleum is the raw material for polyester synthesis. The technology used to recycle plastic returns the fibers to their original state, according to the Ellen Macarthur Foundation. The activewear made from recycled plastics has the same qualities as garments made from virgin ones. For example, recycled polyester, which is the most common type of recycled material and is typically made from recycled PET bottles, dries faster and resists creases just like the regular polyester workout apparel. Waterproof, breathable, and 100% recyclable makes this a green product. Hence, this is also expected to drive the waterproof breathable textiles market. 

Waterproof Breathable Textiles Market Challenges

Decrease in Outdoor Activities

A lot of outdoor activities such as sports, fitness clubs, and gyms got put on hold during the pandemic with stay-at-home advisories and lockdowns. Schools and colleges also closed down. A lot of outdoor activities that kids engage in happen during school. According to a study from North Carolina State University, participation in outdoor play activities such as sports, biking, going for walks, runs or skating declined by 41.6%, nature-based activities such as camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, and paddling dropped by 39.7%, and outdoor family activities declined by 28.6%. With COVID-19 spreading rapidly in Nepal’s mountains, cases have been reported from even the Everest Base Camp consequentially the country’s multi-million-dollar mountain tourism industry has been hit hard. Expeditions have been called off, hitting the mountaineering and trekking industry hard. Tourism and mountaineering are among the man sources of revenue for the Nepal government. As waterproof breathable textiles are used to make outdoor gear including apparel and footwear, decline in activities such as mountaineering, hiking, trekking, skiing, etc. are expected to become a challenge for the waterproof breathable textiles market.

Waterproof Breathable Textiles Market Landscape

Technology launches, acquisitions, and R&D activities are key strategies adopted by players in the waterproof breathable textiles market. Waterproof breathable textiles market top companies are:

1. Toray Industries Inc.
2. W. L. Gore and Associates Inc.
3. SympaTex Technologies GmbH
4. AkzoNobel N.V.
5. Mountain Hardwear
6. Clariant, Polartec LLC
7. Finetex EnE
8. Marmot Mountain LLC
9. Stotz & Co. AG
10. The North Face
11. Teijin Limited
12. Schoeller Textil AG
13. Mitsui & Co. Ltd

Acquisitions/Technology Launches

• In December 2020, The North Face, an American outdoor recreation clothing company, collaborated with Gucci, Italian luxury brand, to create a fashionable line of hiking attire. The collection includes clothing and accessories that are equally as fashionable as they are practical, including climbing gear-inspired backpacks, belt bags, tents, sleeping bags, hiking boots, beanies, shirts, and coats. 
• In September 2020, Italy’s Altexa Srl and US based GHS Holdings announced the launch of the HDry brand in North America. HDry is an advanced technology for waterproofing outdoor products through direct (3D) lamination of waterproof breathable membranes. The HDry compound is made by a polyurethane ester-based waterproof breathable membrane combined with thin polyester knit. Material saving and lightness are said to be its greatest advantages. HDry is PTFE-free and no fluoropolymers are used in its production.

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