Coated Fabrics

As Quoted In Technical Textiles International

Growth in manufacturing will boost sales as coated fabrics are used in a number of durable goods produced in the US, including motor vehicles, industrial machinery and marine equipment.

US demand to rise 3.2% annually through 2018

Demand for coated fabrics in the US is projected to advance 3.2 percent per year to 680 million square yards in 2018, an acceleration from sluggish gains posted between 2008 and 2013. Growth in the manufacturing sector will provide opportunities as coated fabrics are used in a number of durable goods produced in the US, including motor vehicles, industrial machinery, and marine equipment. Additional growth will be derived from a turnaround in nonresidential construction spending.

Motor vehicles to account for largest share of gains

Advances will be propelled by the large motor vehicle market, which will account for 29 percent of additional area demand through 2018. Going forward, coated fabric demand will grow from a high 2013 base that reflects the recovery in vehicle production from 2009 lows. Gains will be promoted by a higher number of airbags -- usually employing silicone-coated nylon -- per light vehicle. Advances will also benefit from the increased incorporation of polyurethane-coated fabrics in upholstery and interior trim in light vehicles. In these applications, demand for polyurethane-coated fabrics will be aided by continued improvements in appearance and feel, placing further competitive pressures on alternative materials.

Smaller markets to be fastest growing

Coated fabric use in the production of awnings, canopies, and wallcoverings is expected to post the fastest gains through 2018, benefiting from increased spending on construction and remodeling. Although these markets are much smaller than motor vehicles, together accounting for only six percent of coated fabric demand in 2013, sales are expected to grow more than twice as fast as the total market. In these settings, coated fabrics are primarily valued for their durability. Demand for awnings, canopies, and wallcoverings is tied to remodeling and building activity, both of which will rebound from recent declines.

Unlike motor vehicle production, most manufacturing activity had not experienced a significant post-recession recovery by 2013. Spurred by a continued improvement in manufacturing activity, coated fabrics will find opportunities in the production of furniture, industrial machinery, marine equipment, and protective clothing, among others. Protective clothing, for example, will benefit from increased activity in manufacturing processes that require workers to wear protective safety gear (e.g., chemical, pharmaceutical, and electronics production), as well as from steady use by medical, military, and emergency responder personnel.

Study coverage

This study analyzes the 580 million square yard US coated fabric industry. It presents historical demand data for 2003, 2008 and 2013, and forecasts for 2018 and 2023 by product (e.g., polymer-coated fabrics, rubber-coated fabrics, fabric-backed wallcoverings), substrate (e.g., polyester, nylon, cotton) and market (e.g., motor vehicles, marine, protective clothing, industrial, furniture, commercial and rental tents, wallcoverings, books, awnings and canopies).

The study also considers market environment factors, details industry structure, evaluates company market share and profiles 42 industry players, including Saint-Gobain, Canadian General-Tower and Takata.

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Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

MARKET ENVIRONMENT

General

Macroeconomic Environment

Demographic Trends

Consumer Spending Environment

Manufacturing Outlook

Textiles Outlook

Environmental & Regulatory Considerations

OVERVIEW

General

Supply & Demand

Historical Market Trends

Pricing Patterns

International Environment

World Supply & Demand

US Foreign Trade

Coating Processes

Competitive Products

Technological Developments

Raw Materials

PRODUCTS

General

Polymer-Coated Fabrics

Vinyl-Coated Fabrics