Coated Fabrics

Competitive environment motivates players

Participants -- whether coated fabric producers or raw material suppliers -- continue to refine performance characteristics, such as increased durability and improved touchability, in order to remain competitive with alternative materials (e.g., uncoated textiles, chemically treated textiles, and leather). Additionally, improving the environmental profile of coated fabrics remains important. For instance, the polyurethane-coated fabric industry has been shifting from solvent-based to more environmentally friendly waterborne polyurethane coatings as availability grows and performance improves.

Sales determined by performance

According to Coated Fabrics, a new report from The Freedonia Group, coated fabrics are purchased when certain performance characteristics are required, such as durability, waterproofness, or a leather look. For instance, coated fabrics are chosen for protective apparel, outdoor upholstery, rainwear, or tents when a waterproof or water resistant surface is preferred. In another example, coated fabrics are the only choice for certain airbags -- such as frontal airbags -- where the durability of both the fabric and the coating is key due to rapid inflation rates. In other cases, such as indoor upholstery, and clothing and accessories, coated fabrics are chosen to provide a leather-like look and texture at a lower cost than leather.

Transportation is leading market

Freedonia analyzes how the significant size of the transportation (e.g., aerospace, motor vehicle, and marine) industry in the US supports coated fabric demand by enabling a high level of local production capacity for components that can be made from coated fabrics, including airbags, seating upholstery, covers, and trim. Increases in production levels of these items, as vehicle output continues to expand, will promote coated fabric demand. Furthermore, more coated fabrics are expected to be used on a per vehicle basis, particularly in airbags as more airbags are installed in each vehicle.

Demand driven by expected growth in industrial sector

Demand for coated fabrics will also be driven by an expected increase in the manufacture of industrial products, such as PTFE tape and conveyor belting, which can be made from coated fabrics. In many such industrial applications, coated fabrics are the only viable material due to the performance characteristics they exhibit. In addition, coated fabric demand will benefit from an increase in local production levels of protective clothing. Also, continued improved aesthetics will promote the greater use of coated fabrics as a low cost alternative to leather for upholstery and trim applications.

Study coverage

Coated Fabrics analyzes the US coated fabric market. It offers historical demand data (2005, 2010 and 2015) plus forecasts (2020 and 2025) by product, substrate and market. The study also considers key market environment factors, assesses the industry structure, analyzes company market share and profiles 42 US industry players such as Seaman, Saint-Gobain, Canadian General-Tower, Takata, OMNOVA Solutions, Spradling International and Trelleborg.

Freedonia's market research studies provide timely access to reliable, unbiased analysis from which to benchmark performance and answer critical questions: Is your business growing faster or slower than the overall market? Is your organization gaining or losing market share? Which products and markets are the most desirable to explore for expansion? Are there industry trends or competitor activities that present a threat or opportunity to your business?

Studies offer a great ROI and can help business leaders make informed, analytically driven decisions. When considering the time, effort, and expertise that goes into it, our off-the-shelf research saves our clients time and money.

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Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

MARKET ENVIRONMENT

General

Macroeconomic Environment

Demographic Trends

Consumer Spending Environment

Manufacturing Outlook

Motor Vehicle Outlook

Construction Outlook

Textiles Outlook

Environmental & Regulatory Considerations

OVERVIEW

General

Supply & Demand

Historical Market Trends

Pricing Trends

International Environment

World Supply & Demand

US Foreign Trade

Coating Processes

Competitive Products

Technological Developments

Raw Materials

PRODUCTS

General

Polymer-Coated Fabrics

Vinyl-Coated Fabrics