PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1877551
PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1877551
Biodegradable fabrics are materials created from natural fibers that can decompose over time through the activity of microorganisms. They return to the environment without leaving harmful residues or pollutants. These fabrics come from renewable and sustainable sources, allowing them to naturally reintegrate into soil or compost while reducing waste, conserving resources, and promoting overall environmental health.
The primary categories of biodegradable fabrics include natural fibers, regenerated fibers, and synthetic fibers. Natural fibers are organic materials obtained from plants or animals and processed physically into biodegradable fabrics. These fabrics are produced using techniques such as weaving, knitting, non-woven methods, and dyeing and finishing, providing features such as moisture absorption, antimicrobial effects, ultraviolet resistance, thermal regulation, and biodegradability. They are applied in areas such as apparel, home textiles, medical textiles, industrial and agricultural textiles, and packaging, and are utilized by end-users including retailers, textile manufacturers, fashion designers, automobile manufacturers, and healthcare providers.
Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report's Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.
The quick escalation of U.S. tariffs and the resulting strain in trade relations in spring 2025 are considerably influencing the Paper, Plastics, Rubber, Wood And Textile sector by inflating costs for imported pulp, resin, synthetic rubber, lumber, and cotton key inputs with limited domestic substitutes. Packaging manufacturers, for example, now pay more for plastic films and corrugated materials, squeezing margins in an already price-sensitive market. Textile producers face similar challenges, as tariffs on imported yarns and dyes compound pressures from rising labor costs. Some firms are shifting to recycled materials or biodegradable alternatives, while others consolidate suppliers to negotiate bulk discounts.
The biodegradable fabric market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides biodegradable fabric market statistics, including biodegradable fabric industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with the biodegradable fabric market share, biodegradable fabric market segments, market trends, and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the biodegradable fabric industry. This biodegradable fabric market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.
The biodegradable fabrics market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $7.12 billion in 2024 to $7.99 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.3%. The growth during the historic period can be credited to rising consumer awareness of environmental sustainability, increased adoption of biodegradable materials across industries, a growing preference for natural fibers instead of synthetic options, enhanced support from governments and organizations for sustainable practices, and mounting concerns about plastic pollution and microplastics.
The biodegradable fabrics market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $12.55 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.9%. The growth during the forecast period can be attributed to rising eco-consciousness, stricter environmental regulations, increased demand for sustainable fashion, expansion in medical and hygiene applications, and the emergence of biodegradable polymers. Key trends in the forecast period include the combination of natural and synthetic biodegradable fibers, innovation in textile applications across multiple sectors, advancements in manufacturing technologies, development of sustainable end-use industries, and the growth of circular economy models.
The increasing use of sustainable materials in the fashion industry is expected to drive the growth of the biodegradable fabrics market. Rising environmental concerns over textile waste are fueling this adoption, as fast fashion generates large volumes of discarded clothing that end up in landfills, releasing harmful greenhouse gases and contaminants. Using sustainable materials encourages the demand for biodegradable fabrics, which naturally decompose without leaving harmful residues. As fashion brands and manufacturers replace conventional synthetic materials with biodegradable alternatives, they reduce environmental impact while addressing growing consumer demand for sustainable products. For example, in December 2023, a US-based non-profit reported that the share of natural fibers produced through sustainability programs increased in 2022, with cotton rising from 25% in 2021 to 27% in 2022, and wool increasing from 3% to 4.3% over the same period. This trend highlights how the adoption of sustainable materials in fashion is boosting the biodegradable fabrics market.
Leading companies in the biodegradable fabrics market are leveraging innovative technologies to promote environmental responsibility. Biodegradable synthetic yarn technology enables the production of synthetic fibers, such as polyester and nylon, with additives that allow them to naturally break down in soil or water, reducing microplastic pollution and minimizing the environmental impact of synthetic textiles. For instance, in April 2025, US-based manufacturer Unifi Inc. launched Repreve with Ciclo technology, a line of recycled polyester and nylon fibers enhanced with a biodegradable additive that allows fabrics to degrade naturally in soil and seawater. This innovation reduces microplastic pollution while maintaining durability, performance, and dyeability. By combining recycled content with biodegradable technology, Repreve with Ciclo enables brands, mills, and retailers to provide high-performance, eco-friendly textiles for applications ranging from sportswear and fashion to home textiles and outdoor gear, reflecting the industry's focus on circular economy principles and sustainable production.
In December 2023, Israel-based textile manufacturer Algaeing partnered with Birla Cellulose to develop sustainable algae-powered cellulosic fibers. The collaboration integrates Birla Cellulose's expertise in man-made cellulosic fibers with Algaeing's algae-based fiber technology to create biodegradable, eco-friendly fibers that reduce environmental impact and offer innovative solutions for the textile industry. Birla Cellulose, an India-based company, specializes in producing sustainable, biodegradable man-made cellulosic fibers.
Major players in the biodegradable fabrics market are H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB, Eastman Chemical Company, Teijin Limited, Lenzing AG, Sateri Holdings Limited, PANGAIA Materials Science Ltd., Sinosilk Co. Ltd., Ecovative Design LLC, Renewcell AB, Kelheim Fibres GmbH, Amour Vert Inc., Apex Mills Inc., David C. Poole Company Inc., Greenfibres Ltd., EnviroTextiles LLC, Bast Fibre Technologies Inc., Orange Fiber S.r.l., FlexForm Technologies Inc., Toad & Co. Inc., Bolt Threads Inc., and Ananas Anam Ltd.
North America was the largest region in the biodegradable fabrics market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in biodegradable fabrics report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa.
The countries covered in the biodegradable fabrics market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.
The biodegradable fabrics market consists of sales of linen, hemp, jute, ramie, kapok, coir, lyocell (tencel), modal, viscose, and rayon. Values in this market are 'factory gate' values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.
The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).
The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.
Biodegradable Fabrics Global Market Report 2025 from The Business Research Company provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.
This report focuses on biodegradable fabrics market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.
Where is the largest and fastest growing market for biodegradable fabrics ? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward, including technological disruption, regulatory shifts, and changing consumer preferences? The biodegradable fabrics market global report from the Business Research Company answers all these questions and many more.
The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography.
The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the technological advancements such as AI and automation, Russia-Ukraine war, trade tariffs (government-imposed import/export duties), elevated inflation and interest rates.