The Global Market for Natural Fibers

Published August 2021 | 251 pages, 55 tables, 101 figures | Table of contents

An updated version of this report is available here

There are global concerns regarding the use of non-renewable materials in manufacturing, and increasing environmental legislation. There is pressure, both consumer and regulatory, for products that are more environmentally friendly and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. As a result, the use of natural fibers in products and composites will continue to grow as major contributors towards a biobased economy.

Fibers derived from bio-based sources such as plant-based (ligno) cellulosics and animal-based protein are termed natural fibers. This includes natural cellulosic fibers such as cotton, jute, sisal, coir, flax, hemp, abaca, ramie, etc.) and protein-based fibers such as wool and silk.

They possess advantages over synthetic fibres including widespread availability, low cost, low density, acceptable modulus-weight ratio, high acoustic damping, low manufacturing energy consumption, low carbon footprint and biodegradability.

Report contents include:

Market drivers for natural fibers.
Market trends.
Global revenues for natural fibers 2021-2031, by fiber types, market and region.
Technology challenges.
Covid-19 market impact.
Analysis of types of natural fibers including plant fibers, animal fibers including alternative leather, wool, silk fiber and down and polysaccharides.
Markets for natural fibers, including composites, aerospace, automotive, construction & building, sports & leisure, textiles, consumer products and packaging.
Profiles of 143 natural fiber companies. Companies profiled include Ananas Anam, BASF, Bast Fiber Technologies Inc., Kelheim Fibres GmbH, BComp, Circular Systems, Evrnu, Natural Fiber Welding, Icytos and many more.

1 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY 20

2 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 21

3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 22

3.1 What are natural fibers? 22
3.2 Benefits of natural fibers over synthetic 25
3.3 Markets and applications for natural fibers 26
3.4 Market drivers for natural fibers 28
3.5 Challenges 29
3.6 Covid-19 impact 30

4 NATURAL FIBER TYPES 31

4.1 Manufacturing method, matrix materials and applications of natural fibers 32
4.2 Advantages of natural fibers 33
4.3 Plants (cellulose, lignocellulose) 34
- 4.3.1 Seed fibers 34
  - 4.3.1.1 Cotton 34
  - 4.3.1.2 Kapok 35
  - 4.3.1.3 Luffa 36
- 4.3.2 Bast fibers 38
  - 4.3.2.1 Jute 38
  - 4.3.2.2 Hemp 40
  - 4.3.2.3 Flax 41
  - 4.3.2.4 Ramie 43
  - 4.3.2.5 Kenaf 44
- 4.3.3 Leaf fibers 46
  - 4.3.3.1 Sisal 46
  - 4.3.3.2 Abaca 47
- 4.3.4 Fruit fibers 49
  - 4.3.4.1 Coir 49
  - 4.3.4.2 Banana 50
  - 4.3.4.3 Pineapple 52
- 4.3.5 Stalk fibers from agricultural residues 53
  - 4.3.5.1 Rice fiber 53
  - 4.3.5.2 Corn 53
- 4.3.6 Cane, grasses and reed 54
  - 4.3.6.1 Switch grass 54
  - 4.3.6.2 Sugarcane (agricultural residues) 55
  - 4.3.6.3 Bamboo 56
  - 4.3.6.4 Fresh grass (green biorefinery) 57
- 4.3.7 Modified natural polymers 57
  - 4.3.7.1 Mycelium 57
  - 4.3.7.2 Chitosan 60
  - 4.3.7.3 Alginate 60
4.4 Animal (fibrous protein) 62
- 4.4.1 Wool 62
  - 4.4.1.1 Alternative wool materials 63
- 4.4.2 Silk fiber 63
  - 4.4.2.1 Alternative silk materials 64
- 4.4.3 Leather 64
  - 4.4.3.1 Alternative leather materials 65
- 4.4.4 Down 66
  - 4.4.4.1 Alternative down materials 66
4.5 Polysaccharides 67
- 4.5.1 Microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) 67
  - 4.5.1.1 Market analysis 67
  - 4.5.1.2 Producers 68
- 4.5.2 Cellulose nanocrystals 68
  - 4.5.2.1 Market analysis 68
  - 4.5.2.2 Producers 70
- 4.5.3 Cellulose nanofibers 70
  - 4.5.3.1 Market analysis 70
  - 4.5.3.2 Producers 72

5 MARKETS FOR NATURAL FIBERS 73

5.1 Composites 73
- 5.1.1 Applications 73
- 5.1.2 Natural fiber injection moulding compounds 75
  - 5.1.2.1 Properties 75
  - 5.1.2.2 Applications 75
- 5.1.3 Non-woven natural fiber mat composites 76
  - 5.1.3.1 Automotive 76
  - 5.1.3.2 Applications 76
- 5.1.4 Aligned natural fiber-reinforced composites 77
- 5.1.5 Natural fiber biobased polymer compounds 77
- 5.1.6 Natural fiber biobased polymer non-woven mats 78
  - 5.1.6.1 Flax 78
  - 5.1.6.2 Kenaf 78
- 5.1.7 Natural fiber thermoset bioresin composites 79
5.2 Aerospace 79
- 5.2.1 Market overview 79
5.3 Automotive 80
- 5.3.1 Market overview 80
- 5.3.2 Applications of natural fibers 84
5.4 Building/construction 85
- 5.4.1 Market overview 85
- 5.4.2 Applications of natural fibers 85
5.5 Sports and leisure 86
- 5.5.1 Market overview 86
5.6 Textiles 87
- 5.6.1 Market overview 87
- 5.6.2 Consumer apparel 88
- 5.6.3 Geotextiles 89
5.7 Packaging 89
- 5.7.1 Market overview 90

6 GLOBAL NATURAL FIBERS MARKET 92

6.1 Overall global fibers market 92
6.2 Plant-based fiber production 94
6.3 Animal-based natural fiber production 95

7 NATURAL FIBER PRODUCERS AND PRODUCT DEVELOPER PROFILES 96 (143 COMPANY PROFILES)

8 REFERENCES 251

TABLES

Table 1. Types of natural fibers. 22
Table 2. Markets and applications for natural fibers. 26
Table 3. Market drivers for natural fibers. 28
Table 4. Application, manufacturing method, and matrix materials of natural fibers. 32
Table 5. Typical properties of natural fibers. 33
Table 6. Overview of cotton fibers-description, properties, drawbacks and applications. 34
Table 7. Overview of kapok fibers-description, properties, drawbacks and applications. 35
Table 8. Overview of luffa fibers-description, properties, drawbacks and applications. 36
Table 9. Overview of jute fibers-description, properties, drawbacks and applications. 38
Table 10. Overview of hemp fibers-description, properties, drawbacks and applications. 40
Table 11. Overview of flax fibers-description, properties, drawbacks and applications. 41
Table 12. Overview of ramie fibers- description, properties, drawbacks and applications. 43
Table 13. Overview of kenaf fibers-description, properties, drawbacks and applications. 44
Table 14. Overview of sisal fibers-description, properties, drawbacks and applications. 46
Table 15. Overview of abaca fibers-description, properties, drawbacks and applications. 47
Table 16. Overview of coir fibers-description, properties, drawbacks and applications. 49
Table 17. Overview of banana fibers-description, properties, drawbacks and applications. 50
Table 18. Overview of pineapple fibers-description, properties, drawbacks and applications. 52
Table 19. Overview of rice fibers-description, properties, drawbacks and applications. 53
Table 20. Overview of corn fibers-description, properties, drawbacks and applications. 53
Table 21. Overview of switch grass fibers-description, properties and applications. 54
Table 22. Overview of sugarcane fibers-description, properties, drawbacks and application and market size. 55
Table 23. Overview of bamboo fibers-description, properties, drawbacks and applications. 56
Table 24. Overview of mycelium fibers-description, properties, drawbacks and applications. 59
Table 25. Overview of chitosan fibers-description, properties, drawbacks and applications. 60
Table 26. Overview of alginate-description, properties, application and market size. 60
Table 27. Overview of wool fibers-description, properties, drawbacks and applications. 62
Table 28. Alternative wool materials producers. 63
Table 29. Overview of silk fibers-description, properties, application and market size. 63
Table 30. Alternative silk materials producers. 64
Table 31. Alternative leather materials producers. 65
Table 32. Alternative down materials producers. 66
Table 33. Microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) market analysis. 67
Table 34. Leading MFC producers and capacities. 68
Table 35. Cellulose nanocrystals analysis. 68
Table 36. Cellulose nanocrystal production capacities and production process, by producer. 70
Table 37. Cellulose nanofibers market analysis. 70
Table 38. CNF production capacities and production process, by producer. 72
Table 39. Applications of natural fiber composites. 73
Table 40. Typical properties of short natural fiber-thermoplastic composites. 75
Table 41. Properties of non-woven natural fiber mat composites. 76
Table 42. Properties of aligned natural fiber composites. 77
Table 43. Properties of natural fiber-bio-based polymer compounds. 78
Table 44. Properties of natural fiber-bio-based polymer non-woven mats. 78
Table 45. Natural fibers in the aerospace sector-market drivers, applications and challenges for NF use. 79
Table 46. Natural fiber-reinforced polymer composite in the automotive market. 81
Table 47. Natural fibers in the aerospace sector- market drivers, applications and challenges for NF use. 82
Table 48. Applications of natural fibers in the automotive industry. 84
Table 49. Natural fibers in the building/construction sector- market drivers, applications and challenges for NF use. 85
Table 50. Applications of natural fibers in the building/construction sector. 85
Table 51. Natural fibers in the sports and leisure sector-market drivers, applications and challenges for NF use. 86
Table 52. Natural fibers in the textiles sector- market drivers, applications and challenges for NF use. 87
Table 53. Natural fibers in the packaging sector-market drivers, applications and challenges for NF use. 90
Table 54. Granbio Nanocellulose Processes. 159
Table 55. Oji Holdings CNF products. 205

FIGURES

Figure 1. Types of natural fibers. 31
Figure 2. Cotton production volume 2018-2030 (Million MT). 35
Figure 3. Kapok production volume 2018-2030 (MT). 36
Figure 4. Luffa cylindrica fiber. 37
Figure 5. Jute production volume 2018-2030 (Million MT). 39
Figure 6. Hemp fiber production volume 2018-2030 (Million MT). 41
Figure 7. Flax fiber production volume 2018-2030 (MT). 43
Figure 8. Ramie fiber production volume 2018-2030 (MT). 44
Figure 9. Kenaf fiber production volume 2018-2030 (MT). 45
Figure 10. Sisal fiber production volume 2018-2030 (MT). 47
Figure 11. Abaca fiber production volume 2018-2030 (MT). 48
Figure 12. Coir fiber production volume 2018-2030 (MILLION MT). 50
Figure 13. Banana fiber production volume 2018-2030 (MT). 51
Figure 14. Pineapple fiber. 53
Figure 15. Bamboo fiber production volume 2018-2030 (MILLION MT). 57
Figure 16. Typical structure of mycelium-based foam. 58
Figure 17. Commercial mycelium composite construction materials. 59
Figure 18. BLOOM masterbatch from Algix. 61
Figure 19. Hemp fibers combined with PP in car door panel. 79
Figure 20. Car door produced from Hemp fiber. 80
Figure 21. Mercedes-Benz components containing natural fibers. 81
Figure 22. AlgiKicks sneaker, made with the Algiknit biopolymer gel. 88
Figure 23. Coir mats for erosion control. 89
Figure 24. Global fiber production in 2019, by fiber type, million MT and %. 92
Figure 25. Global fiber production (million MT) to 2020-2030. 93
Figure 26. Plant-based fiber production 2018-2030, by fiber type, MT. 95
Figure 27. Animal based fiber production 2018-2030, by fiber type, million MT. 95
Figure 28. Pluumo. 98
Figure 29. Algiknit yarn. 101
Figure 30. Amadou leather shoes. 102
Figure 31. Anpoly cellulose nanofiber hydrogel. 105
Figure 32. MEDICELLU™. 105
Figure 33. Asahi Kasei CNF fabric sheet. 107
Figure 34. Properties of Asahi Kasei cellulose nanofiber nonwoven fabric. 107
Figure 35. CNF nonwoven fabric. 108
Figure 36. Roof frame made of natural fiber. 111
Figure 37. Beyond Leather Materials product. 114
Figure 38. Natural fibres racing seat. 119
Figure 39. Cellugy materials. 125
Figure 40. nanoforest-S. 129
Figure 41. nanoforest-PDP. 129
Figure 42. nanoforest-MB. 129
Figure 37. CuanSave film. 133
Figure 43. Celish. 134
Figure 44. Trunk lid incorporating CNF. 135
Figure 45. ELLEX products. 137
Figure 46. CNF-reinforced PP compounds. 137
Figure 47. Kirekira! toilet wipes. 138
Figure 48. Color CNF. 139
Figure 49. Rheocrysta spray. 143
Figure 50. DKS CNF products. 143
Figure 51. Mushroom leather. 147
Figure 52. CNF based on citrus peel. 148
Figure 53. Citrus cellulose nanofiber. 148
Figure 54. Filler Bank CNC products. 152
Figure 55. Fibers on kapok tree and after processing. 153
Figure 56. Cellulose Nanofiber (CNF) composite with polyethylene (PE). 155
Figure 57. CNF products from Furukawa Electric. 156
Figure 58. Cutlery samples (spoon, knife, fork) made of nano cellulose and biodegradable plastic composite materials. 161
Figure 59. Non-aqueous CNF dispersion "Senaf" (Photo shows 5% of plasticizer). 162
Figure 60. CNF gel. 164
Figure 61. Block nanocellulose material. 164
Figure 62. CNF products developed by Hokuetsu. 165
Figure 63. Marine leather products. 166
Figure 64. Dual Graft System. 169
Figure 65. Engine cover utilizing Kao CNF composite resins. 170
Figure 66. Acrylic resin blended with modified CNF (fluid) and its molded product (transparent film), and image obtained with AFM (CNF 10wt% blended). 171
Figure 67. Kami Shoji CNF products. 172
Figure 68. 0.3% aqueous dispersion of sulfated esterified CNF and dried transparent film (front side). 174
Figure 69. BioFlex process. 180
Figure 70. Chitin nanofiber product. 183
Figure 71. Marusumi Paper cellulose nanofiber products. 185
Figure 72. FibriMa cellulose nanofiber powder. 186
Figure 73. Cellulomix production process. 187
Figure 74. Nanobase versus conventional products. 188
Figure 75. MOGU-Wave panels. 190
Figure 76. CNF slurries. 191
Figure 77. Range of CNF products. 192
Figure 78. Reishi. 194
Figure 79. Nippon Paper Industries’ adult diapers. 200
Figure 80. Leather made from leaves. 201
Figure 81. Nike shoe with beLEAF™. 202
Figure 82. CNF clear sheets. 205
Figure 83. Oji Holdings CNF polycarbonate product. 207
Figure 84. XCNF. 212
Figure 85. CNF insulation flat plates. 215
Figure 86. Manufacturing process for STARCEL. 218
Figure 87. Lyocell process. 220
Figure 88. North Face Spiber Moon Parka. 223
Figure 89. Spider silk production. 224
Figure 90. 2 wt.％ CNF suspension. 227
Figure 91. BiNFi-s Dry Powder. 228
Figure 92. BiNFi-s Dry Powder and Propylene (PP) Complex Pellet. 228
Figure 93. Silk nanofiber (right) and cocoon of raw material. 229
Figure 94. Sulapac cosmetics containers. 231
Figure 95. Comparison of weight reduction effect using CNF. 235
Figure 96. CNF resin products. 238
Figure 97. Vegea production process. 240
Figure 98. HefCel-coated wood (left) and untreated wood (right) after 30 seconds flame test. 243
Figure 99. Bio-based barrier bags prepared from Tempo-CNF coated bio-HDPE film. 244
Figure 100. Worn Again products. 247
Figure 101. Zelfo Technology GmbH CNF production process. 249

The Global Market for Natural Fibers 2021

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<img decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-7011 alignright" src="https://www.futuremarketsinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/cover-8.jpeg" alt="" width="199" height="280" />Published August 2021 | 251 pages, 55 tables, 101 figures | Table of contents

An updated version of this report is available here

1 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY 20

2 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 21

3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 22

4 NATURAL FIBER TYPES 31

5 MARKETS FOR NATURAL FIBERS 73

6 GLOBAL NATURAL FIBERS MARKET 92

7 NATURAL FIBER PRODUCERS AND PRODUCT DEVELOPER PROFILES 96 (143 COMPANY PROFILES)

8 REFERENCES 251

TABLES

FIGURES

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Published August 2021 | 251 pages, 55 tables, 101 figures | Table of contents