PUBLISHER: Verified Market Research | PRODUCT CODE: 1846128
				PUBLISHER: Verified Market Research | PRODUCT CODE: 1846128
The increasing demand for eco-friendly and sustainable textiles is driving the expansion of the lyocell fiber market, as lyocell fibers are obtained from renewable wood pulp and manufactured utilizing a closed-loop solvent spinning method that reduces environmental impact. According to the analyst from Verified Market Research, the lyocell fiber market is estimated to reach a valuation of USD 2504.11 Million by 2031 over the forecast subjugating around USD 1367.01 Million valued in 2024.
The growing consumer awareness of sustainable fashion and the move toward biodegradable materials are driving the lyocell fiber market since it provides a soft, breathable substitute for synthetic fibers while consuming a remarkably small amount of water and energy during production. It enables the market to grow at a CAGR of 7.86% from 2024 to 2031.
Lyocell Fiber Market: Definition/ Overview
Lyocell fiber is a form of regenerated cellulose fiber made from wood pulp, usually from fast-growing trees such as eucalyptus, and produced in an environmentally beneficial closed-loop method. It is renowned for its remarkable softness, breathability, moisture-wicking capabilities, and durability. Lyocell fibers are utilized in a wide range of applications, including clothes (denim, shirts, dresses, and undergarments), household textiles (towels and bedding), medical and hygiene products (diapers and surgical gowns), filtration, footwear, and more. The fiber can be combined with other materials such as cotton, silk, polyester, and wool to improve certain qualities.
The growing consumer awareness and preference for ecologically friendly products has increased demand for lyocell fiber, which is regarded as a sustainable alternative to traditional cotton and synthetic fibers. According to a Global Fashion Agenda research, 75% of consumers expect the fashion industry to address sustainability, which has increased the use of eco-friendly materials such as lyocell.
Improvements in lyocell production techniques, such as the closed-loop system for recycling and reusing solvent, have boosted the cost-effectiveness and environmental benefits of lyocell fibers. According to the European Commission's Joint Research Centre, closed-loop lyocell manufacturing can save up to 99% of water and 50% of energy when compared to traditional cotton production.
Furthermore, lyocell fibers have become increasingly popular in the garment and home textile industries due to their desirable qualities such as softness, breathability, and durability.
High production costs are a significant restraint on the lyocell fiber market. Lyocell manufacture entails complex operations such as solvent spinning and chemical treatments, which necessitate significant technological and infrastructure investments. This leads to greater production costs than traditional fibers such as cotton or polyester. As a result, the high cost of lyocell fibers deters potential customers, especially in price-sensitive regions, restricting overall market penetration.
Furthermore, competition from alternative fibers is also a constraint on the lyocell fiber market. Sustainable choices including organic cotton, bamboo, and recycled polyester are gaining appeal among eco-conscious shoppers. The growing desire for alternative fibers limits lyocell's market share, as consumers opt for these substitutes that are thought to be equally sustainable or more cost-effective, which limits the market growth.
According to VMR analysis, the staple fiber segment is estimated to hold the largest market share during the forecast period. The increased need for sustainable textiles is a major factor for staple fibers' supremacy. Consumers are increasingly prioritizing eco-friendly products, and staple fibers, which are biodegradable and sourced from renewable resources, fit well with sustainability trends. As customer preferences alter, manufacturers are focusing on staple fibers for a variety of uses, particularly in garments and home textiles.
The versatility in applications adds to the attraction of staple fibers. They have a wide range of applications, including garments, household textiles, and nonwoven fabrics. This versatility allows manufacturers to serve to a wide range of consumer groups, increasing demand for staple fibers. Their propensity to blend nicely with different fibers helps explain their widespread use in the textile industry.
Furthermore, the cost-effectiveness of staple fibers relative to other fiber types has a considerable impact on their market share. The production method for staple fibers is often simpler and more established, resulting in cheaper manufacturing costs. This low cost makes staple fibers an appealing alternative for manufacturers, particularly in price-sensitive regions, allowing them to retain competitive pricing while meeting consumer demands for quality and sustainability.
The apparel segment is estimated to dominate the lyocell fiber market during the forecast period owing to rising customer demand for sustainable and eco-friendly clothing options. As awareness of environmental issues grows, more manufacturers are incorporating lyocell into their collections, appealing to ecologically conscious customers. This trend is bolstered by the rise of the fast fashion business, which is increasingly focusing on sustainable materials to improve brand image and suit client demands.
The adaptability of lyocell fibers, which may be combined with other materials to make high-quality fabrics appropriate for a variety of clothing kinds, is another factor contributing to the apparel segment's dominance. The fiber's outstanding qualities, like as softness, breathability, and moisture-wicking capabilities, make it suitable for a variety of garments, including activewear, casual wear, and formal wear. This adaptability enables producers to meet a wide range of consumer wants and tastes, hence driving up demand in the segment.
Furthermore, rising disposable income and changing lifestyles have a substantial impact on the growth of the apparel segment in the lyocell fiber market. As consumers become more ready to invest in high-quality, ecological apparel, the demand for lyocell-based clothes rises. This trend is especially obvious among millennials and Gen Z consumers, who prioritize ethical and sustainable fashion choices, thereby reinforcing the segment's leading position in the market.
According to VMR analyst, the Asia Pacific region is estimated to dominate the lyocell fiber market during the forecast period. The Asia-Pacific region, particularly China, India, and Vietnam, has seen tremendous industrialization and expansion in their textile manufacturing sectors. According to a World Bank analysis, Asia's textile and clothing industries account for more than 60% of worldwide textile exports, with China and India being the two major exporters. This spike in textile production has increased demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly fibers such as lyocell.
The Asia Pacific region has experienced an increase in consumer knowledge and demand for sustainable fashion items. According to a McKinsey & Company survey, 67% of Asian consumers are willing to spend more for sustainable fashion, versus 45% in Europe and 41% in North America. This shift in consumer behavior has propelled the apparel and textile industries in the region to adopt more environmentally friendly materials like lyocell.
Furthermore, governments in the Asia-Pacific region have established a variety of laws and efforts to encourage the use of sustainable and environmentally friendly textiles. For example, the Chinese government's "China Textile 2025" strategy seeks to raise the use of sustainable and biodegradable fibers, such as lyocell, to 30% of total fiber consumption by 2025. Similarly, the Indian government's "National Fibre Policy" promotes the development and usage of environmentally benign fibers such as lyocell.
North America is estimated to exhibit substantial growth within the lyocell fiber market during the forecast period. Demand for eco-friendly and sustainable fashion products has increased in the North American market. According to research by the Council for Textile Recycling, the United States generated approximately 17 million tons of textile waste in 2018, with just 15% recycled or reused. This has prompted clothmakers and merchants in the region to look at sustainable fiber alternatives such as lyocell, which can help minimize textile waste.
Consumers in North America are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of textile production, especially the water-intensive character of traditional cotton farming. According to a poll conducted by the Organic Trade Association, 73% of US shoppers consider the environmental impact of apparel purchases. This increased awareness has contributed to the rising adoption of lyocell, a water-efficient fiber, in the North American market.
Furthermore, to fulfill the increased demand for lyocell fibers in North America, various producers have set up or expanded production facilities in the region. For example, Lenzing, a major producer of lyocell fibers, constructed a new production plant in Mobile, Alabama, in 2019 with an annual capacity of 100,000 metric tons. The improved local availability and accessibility of lyocell fibers have fueled market growth in North America.
The competitive landscape of the lyocell fiber market is characterized by a dynamic interplay between innovation, sustainability, and market demand. A few large-scale manufacturers dominate the industry, investing extensively in research and development to improve the eco-friendliness and performance of their offerings. Companies are increasingly expanding their product portfolios and pursuing smart mergers and acquisitions to boost their market position.
Some of the prominent players operating in the lyocell fiber market include:
Eli Lilly and Company
Pfizer, Inc.
Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc.
Lupin
Novartis AG
Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited
Mallinckrodt plc.
Purdue Pharma LP
NEOS Therapeutics, Inc.
Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
In June 2023, Acegreen Eco-Material Technology Co. Ltd. partnered with Circ to produce filament lyocell using cotton pulp. Cotton pulp is widely regarded as an eco-friendly raw resource, making this move a significant step towards sustainable fiber development and commercialization. Filament lyocell manufactured from cotton pulp has resilience, moisture-wicking capabilities, and a soft texture, making it suitable for a variety of industries.