Global fiber production reaches all-time high, preferred cotton share rises

Preferred fibers gain strength. Global fiber production has reached all-time high, reaching 107 million metric tons in 2018, and is expected to grow to 145 million metric tons by 2030 “if business-as-usual continues”, according to a report by Textile Exchange. In this growth, preferred fibers are gaining market share.

Global fiber production has doubled in the last 20 years. Including in this increase are more responsible options for almost fiber categories, although the volumes are still slow in comparison to the conventional counterparts.

Preferred cotton had a market share of 22% of the total global cotton production and was grown in 30 countries in 2018. It includes programs like Better Cotton Initiative (BCI), Fairtrade Organic, Iscc and Cleaner Cotton.

Recycled polyester reached a market share of 25% last year, two years earlier than planned

Wool is the most used animal-based fiber, with more than one million metric-tons produced globally. However, responsible wool is still paving its way and it’s estimated to be below 3% of the global market.

Manmade cellulosic fibers, including viscose, acetate, lyocell, modal and cupro, are increasing steadily with a market share of 6.2% of total fiber production volume, which is double what it was in 1990 and is expected to continue growing.

Finally, polyester remains as the king of fibers, with a market share of 52%. Textile Exchange initiated a commitment to a recycled polyester that encouraged brands to publicly commit to increasing their use of recycled polyester by 25% by 2020. This goal was achieved two years earlier, in 2018.