Global Mobiltech Textile Market Assessment, By Material [Polyester, Nylon, Cotton, Vinyl, Velvet, Leather, Others], By Application [Seat Upholstery, Carpet, Seat Belts, Headliners, Airbags, Tire Cord, Others], By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, 2018-2

Global mobiltech textile market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.08% during the forecast period 2025-2032. The market size will grow from USD 44.89 billion in 2024 to USD 77.59 billion in 2032. The growing demand for advanced textile solutions in various applications is rapidly creating a much-needed market space for mobiltech textile, particularly in the automotive industry. Mobiltech textiles like nylon tire cords, seat belt webbing, and car upholstery fabrics play a vital role in the improvement of safety, comfort, and performance of vehicles. Thrust areas for growth in the market are on high-performance materials entering the automotive field to further enhance safety levels for occupants through innovation in the form of airbags and sophisticated seating structures. Advances in textile technology also resulted in lightweight, abrasion-resistant, and multi-functional types of fabrics which can meet future stringent requirements from new mobility applications.

Additionally, the mobiltech textile industries increasingly go for recyclable and environment-friendly materials for their products in keeping with their rising concern toward sustainability. The synergistic advantage of both technological progress and the ever-increasing demand from consumers will ensure yet another future growth for mobiltech textiles. The significant reason behind the mobiltech textiles market of the automobile segment is the increasing comfort and security expectations of customers towards automobiles. Rising hours of car utilization is becoming significant drivers towards getting comfort within automobile design. It increases the demand for higher value-adding textiles.

In September 2024, South Korea's Kolon Industries Inc. announced to buy out its affiliate Kolon Glotech's automotive parts and materials business. Kolon Glotech, established in 1987, produces fabrics for furniture and car interiors. The firm hopes to enhance its supply chain by consolidating Kolon Glotech’s operations.

Rising Demand for Advanced Safety Features Driving the Demand for Mobiltech Textile

Innovative textiles are being integrated into safety-critical applications such as airbags, seat belts, and interior cushioning in passenger protection and comfort by the automakers. The mobiltech textiles are designed to meet high safety standards with enhanced durability and performance. For example, in airbag deployment systems, the development of high-strength fabrics that may be used even in extreme conditions is important; these systems work correctly in such situations. The innovations in textile technologies make it possible to integrate smart functionalities into the developed materials, as sensors can sense the condition of the fabric, detect impacts, and hence trigger the related functions. Consumer awareness about road safety is increasing, with more expectations towards vehicles that come equipped with the latest safety technologies. Regulatory pressure also comes from governments that enact stricter safety standards that force automobile manufacturers to build safer vehicles. Hence, the mobiltech textile market is evolving rapidly, and its manufacturers are making investments in the research and development of innovative solutions that meet the safety concerns in the automotive sector. This pattern highlights the pivotal role of advanced textiles in creating a future for vehicle safety technology.

In February 2023, Uno Minda Limited, a global manufacturer of automotive solutions, partnered with Tokai Rika Co., Ltd. to establish a manufacturing facility in Rajasthan, India. The joint venture, which covers 20 acres and will require a capital expenditure of USD 24 million, will expand production of smart systems and seat belts. The facility, which will be the second Tokai Rika Minda India Private Limited (TRMN) plant in India, will contribute to the Aatmanirbhar initiative and support the Ministry for Road Transport and Highways' safety initiatives. Such activities will drive the demand of mobiltech textile.

Rising Demand for Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Materials in Tire Manufacturing Boosting the Demand for Mobiltech Textile

The growing need for environmentally friendly and sustainable materials in tire production is profoundly driving demand for mobiltech textiles, particularly nylon tire cord fabrics. Since the producers aim to fulfil the demands of consumers and regulatory demands for sustainability, this transition is not only focused on environmental issues but also enhances the performance of the tires and hence makes them compatible with electric cars, which demand low rolling resistance and high energy efficiency. The market should develop slowly, primarily driving the enthusiasm of the automobile industry in trying to cut greenhouse gas emissions and adopting the circular economy. Also, the need for materials such as tire cord fabric is increasing due to the increasing trend towards sustainability in the tire industry. Owing to its excellent strength, resistance to fatigue, and impact strength, nylon tire cable fabric, which is a 100% technical textile, substitutes polyester and rayon cords in truck and bus tires. It offers various fabric properties like ply-twists, adhesion, elongation, and breaking strength.

For instance, in January 2023, Century Enka Ltd, producer of nylon filament yarn & tire, developed a new sustainable material for Apollo Tyres for the selected range. The company has launched commercial production of nylon tire cord fabric from 100% recycled nylon waste. Nylon tire cord fabric was unveiled in November 2022 at the companies Bharuch facility in Gujarat India, when the consignment of the commercial supplies was dispatched to Apollo Tyres. The two companies have worked together on this project.

Tire Cord Fabric is the Fastest Growing Application for Mobiltech Textile

The tire cord fabric industry is the fastest growing application of mobiltech textile market, and its demand in automobile industry is increasing. This growth pattern has a strong relationship with production growth in vehicles, particularly in nations that are in an emerging state and where automobile industries are increasing. New technologies in the tire cord fabric technology make tires lighter and more durable, directly leading to improved fuel efficiency and vehicle performance. They are working to create sustainable materials that can compete with the increasing priority on environmentally friendly practice in vehicle production, particularly electric vehicle production. The Asia-Pacific region is leading the charge here with the tremendous progress and production capacity the nations of China and India have. With the auto industry moving forward on its trajectory, particularly in its path towards electric mobility, high-quality tire cord fabrics will continue to see demand, hence positioning this sector for further growth and innovation for the coming years.

For instance, in April 2023, Kordsa, Inc., a Turkey-based manufacturer specializing in industrial nylon and polyester yarn, tire cord fabric, and single-end cord, announced a significant investment in its U.S. operations. The company plans to inject USD 50 million to expand nylon production at its Chattanooga site in Tennessee. This expansion follows Kordsa Inc.'s (the U.S. division) acquisition of a portion of the former DuPont de Nemours, Inc. plant in Hixson. Kordsa Inc. aims to substantially increase its capacity to transform its nylon products into tire cord fabric at the Chattanooga facility. Currently, Nylon 66 yarn is produced at this site, then shipped to North Carolina, where it is converted into tire cord fabric before being supplied to tire manufacturers across the United States.

Asia-Pacific is the Largest and Fastest Growing Region for the Mobiltech Textile

Asia-Pacific is the largest and fastest-growing market for mobiltech textiles, though showing significant impact from the booming automotive and transport sectors in China, India, and Japan. This growth is largely based on rapid urbanisation, higher disposable incomes, and an increased demand for personal vehicles. As these economies continue to expand, vehicle manufacturing companies begin focusing more intently on using innovative textile solutions to enhance vehicle safety, comfort, and performance. In particular, the use of lightweight materials is revolutionizing the automobile world. mobiltech textiles, such as high-strength nylon or polyester fabrics, are used for the reduction of the overall weight of a vehicle while meeting the safety factors. This does not only result in fuel efficiency but also leads to the fulfilment of overall global sustainability targets. Moreover, textile technologies in the region are further developed using smart textiles that can monitor the conditions of a vehicle or improve passenger comfort.

For instance, in October 2022, Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited has completed a plant in Rayong, Thailand, to manufacture high-performance nylon yarn for automobile airbags. The plant, constructed by Toyobo Indorama Advanced Fibers Co., Ltd., will deliver 11,000 tons of high-performance yarn annually to meet global demand for airbags annually. Commercial production began in mid-2023.

Future Market Scenario (2025 – 2032F)

• Continued innovations in fiber technologies and manufacturing processes are expected to enhance the performance and functionality of mobiltech textiles, leading to the development of lightweight, durable, and multifunctional materials tailored for automotive applications.
• The increasing emphasis on eco-friendly practices will drive demand for sustainable mobiltech textiles made from renewable, biodegradable, or recycled materials, aligning with the automotive industry's shift towards greener solutions.
• The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) is anticipated to significantly influence the mobiltech textile market, as manufacturers seek advanced textile solutions that contribute to vehicle efficiency, safety, and passenger comfort.
• Asia-Pacific region is poised to maintain its leadership in the mobiltech textile market, fuelled by robust automotive manufacturing capabilities, rising consumer demand, and significant investments in transportation infrastructure across developing economies.

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

A highly competitive global mobiltech textile market is presented by established multinational corporations and emergent players. Key participants, therefore, focus on innovation, developing advanced materials to enhance performance, safety, comfort, and applications including protective gear and automotive interiors. These companies also invest heavily in research and development to create lightweight, durable, and multifunctional textiles responsive to changing mobility solutions. Strategic partnerships and collaborations are becoming more common than ever, which allows the companies to embrace technology and expand the market as much as they desire. More and more firms embrace a greener model through the implementation of eco-material to meet increased consumers' demand for an environmentally responsive product. Region-wise strengths by competitive dynamics across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific tend to drive up localized manufacturing capacity. The landscape is characterized by a constant move toward improving the functionality of the product and satisfying industry needs through specialized textile solutions.

For instance, in September 2022, Toray Industries, Inc expanded the Airlite automotive interior sound acoustic Insulation business in Europe with an annual production capacity of 1,200 metric tons. The new facility will expand its automotive materials business, bolstering its automotive interior sound-absorbing materials business. Airlite, a melt-blown non-woven sound-absorbing material, will be used to reduce energy consumption from driving. The new facilities complement Toray Textile Central Europe's airbag fabric operations and serve automakers and leading parts manufacturers as Europe's electric vehicle market grows.