Competitor Trends in 2029

Product Information

This briefing provides a glimpse into the evolution of fibre dynamics and volumetrics over the next two and a half decades. Relative fibre prices, regional fibre availability, economic development and industrial and trade policies, lifestyles, consumer / cultural fibre preferences, fibre performance, fibre and textile engineering, environmental constraints and fibre / brand marketing; these are just some of the factors that shape supply and demand for all fibres and influence choice between fibres from the textile processor to the end-consumer.

The purpose of this briefing is to set out PCI Fibres’ view of the market for textile fibres over the next two and a half decades.  Key points that emerge relative to wool are mainly threats to its competitiveness: 

• From an increasingly versatile but low cost polyester fibre. 
• From new fibres seeking a foothold in niche end uses at the upper end of the market. 
• From trends in textile machinery that address the man-made fibre industry’s requirements. 
• From consumer trends that appear to require an integrated textile pipeline delivering choice, comfort and function. 
• From shifts away from a consumer culture that favours natural fibres to one that is not prejudiced against man-made fibers. 

In comparison with the past, wool is therefore facing increasing competition and a loss of competitiveness at least compared with polyester.  Whether wool can defend some of its traditional markets and expand into new products and populations will depend very much on the wool industry delivering innovation rapidly through an integrated pipeline. 

It will also require greater focus on achieving successful product innovation than in the past.  With current small volumes the loss / closure of a few key processors at any point in the textile pipeline is likely to have a significant impact on the rest of the industry.  This is in contrast with polyester where huge volumes and extensive product ranges allow more of a scatter gun approach to innovation.  The failure of a few businesses is unlikely to compromise the industry as a whole.