TEXTILES.ORG
The coated fabrics for the defense market is growing at a significant pace, a recent report from Future Market Insights says. The market is expected to expand at a 2.9 percent CAGR between 2018 and 2028.
The growth is due in large part to the increase of coated fabrics in applications such as personnel-oriented objects and object-oriented coated fabrics for military sectors, automobiles, railways, aviation and marine. Other applications include bags, belts, parachutes and water tanks. The personnel clothing sector is expected to capture a significant market share, owing to the increasing number of military people around the globe.
Coated fabrics are an important part of the technology-driven aircraft and ship sector for use in ejector seat covers, parachute release bags, troop seating, anti-G trousers and suits, flight suits and aircraft flotation bags, as well as marine applications such as inflatable boats, rafts, life preservers, protective clothing, berth covers and fire-resistant artificial upholstery leather.
Rising demand for parachutes has also resulted in greater demand for coated fabrics. Growing violence across the globe is expected to force militaries to take part in paratrooping exercises, the report says.
Thermoplastic coatings
Thermoplastics are being given more preference in the global market over rubber because they tend to be lighter and more durable. They’re also considered more efficient due to properties such as chemical resistance, environment sustainability and convenience in opening and folding.
Smart textiles for military personnel
The report notes an uptick in innovations in electronic textiles used by military personnel, including textile that have ballistic protection, embedded sensors, etc. Innovation in military fabric technology is anticipated to boost the growth in demand for lightweight materials, eventually leading to a growth in revenue of the market.
Recyclability, feasibility, emissions
Recyclability issues at a global level continue to hamper market growth, the report says. The waste generated during the production and usage of coated fabrics is not recycled easily. Dissolving the waste in solvents does not work well, as the solvents cannot dissolve the coated fabric in its entirety. The only way to dispose of waste from coated fabrics is to burn it, but this also requires adhering to environmental regulations.
Varied testing standards introduced in the global market can make the process tougher for manufacturers who want to supply their products globally, which may affect market growth.
Stringent emission norms for coated fabrics are also expected to limit the growth of the global coated fabrics for the defense market. These norms have resulted in some plant closures, restructuring of ownerships, and other profitability ramifications.
Future Market Insights is a market intelligence and consulting firm. The full report can be found on its website.