Anti-Viral Fabric Market

Market Overview

The global anti-viral fabric market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 16.05% during the forecast period (2023–2031).

Numerous people have died due to frequent epidemic outbreaks in recent years, particularly the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which has killed many people worldwide. These epidemic outbreaks have included influenza, gastroenteritis, tuberculosis, pneumonia, and more. Clothing and other textiles are the primary vectors for the culture and transfer of viral and bacterial species, which means that human activities can cause these diseases to spread. Due to its widespread application, fabric has been the subject of many recent studies examining various techniques for imbuing it with anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties.

Anti-viral textiles can efficiently inhibit the spread of viruses and reduce the risk of cross-infection and re-infection to safeguard the health and safety of individuals. In recent years, scientists have studied a variety of anti-viral materials which can prevent the spread and reproduction of viruses by reducing their attachment and preventing their replication. Various finishing and spinning processes can incorporate these substances into anti-viral textiles. The textile materials should be treated with chemicals such as Sodium Pentaborate Pentahydrate (NaB5O8·5H2O), Triclosan, Glucopon, several metal ions, etc., to protect against viruses. These substances ought to be safe for users and not have any adverse side effects.

Highlights

• Face masks segment dominate the product segment
• Asia-Pacific is the highest shareholder in the global market

Market Dynamics

Global Anti-Viral Fabric Market Drivers:

Advancement in the Field of Advanced Materials

Nanoparticles are one of the advanced materials showing anti-microbial effects. All nanoparticles have gained traction due to their anti-microbial mechanisms and are used in the textile industry. One of the nanoparticles' effective and impressive mechanisms is that they can inhibit viruses by directly penetrating the viral coronae. Secondly, the mechanism also shows that these nanoparticles can bind to coronavirus and prevent them from entering the host body and attaching to host cells. Another central mechanism of nanoparticles is that they can also prevent virus replication. These features can be proved as a breakthrough for the whole textile industry in the world.

Cationic polymers are another type of anti-microbial polymer that has anti-viral properties and can be used for the production of advanced face masks. Cationic polymers operate in a two-step mechanism by binding cationic chitosan binds with silicic acid in phospholipids, which prohibits the movement of microbial substances on the organic material. The second step of the mechanism is the penetration of chitosan molecules into the coronavirus cell wall. It inhibits its growth by preventing deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA) transformation. These fabrics and advanced materials can produce medical protective clothing and advanced reverse osmosis (RO) face masks, driving the market's growth.

Widespread Adoption and Development of Next-Generation Anti-Viral Fabric Technologies

The coronavirus outbreak has disrupted the world and various industries operating. The healthcare and textile industry is among the leading growth pertaining industries due to the outbreak of COVID-19. The development and advancements of the healthcare industry have accelerated the scope of innovation and demand in the global industry. The textile industry is actively supporting and working on advanced materials to combat the pandemic in the world.

Furthermore, India has the world's second-highest population. Various Indian textile players are investing in anti-viral fabrics and technologies to cater to the growing demand for anti-viral masks and protective wear. For instance, Donear Group collaborates closely with HeiQ Viroblock and NANO TECH to launch anti-corona fabric. The product promises to kill the COVID-19 virus in a few minutes, and the company plans to use this technology in various garments such as suits, jackets, and trousers. Thus, such factors drive the market's growth.

Global Anti-Viral Fabric Market Restraint:

Health Concerns Lead to Slow Adoption Rate of Anti-Viral Fabric in the Market

Various health safety authorities and bodies are raising concerns over the incorporation of anti-microbial nanomaterials for the health of people. In April 2020, the Health Canada advisory stated that face masks containing graphene might pose health risks to the general public. After investigation, the Belgian authorities found traces of nano-scale titanium dioxide and silver particles in masks. In addition, authorities have found graphene-based masks being supplied in the ecosystem developed via nano-VTS technology of SG Group in China.

Another technology that raised health concerns was HeiQ's products that contain one nano-silver as a textile preservative, which was earlier approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) but is now under investigation. The nano-silver anti-viral technology is no longer supported for face masks for medical or personal use. Also, FDA rejected several types of N95 masks for not meeting health safety standards. FDA reduced 80 operating companies' permits to 14 to import and export face masks. Due to new, unused, and emerging advanced materials technologies, these health-related safety issues restrict the growth perspective of anti-viral fabrics in the global ecosystem.

Global Anti-Viral Fabric Market Opportunities:

Adoption of Anti-Viral Fabric Technologies in Consumer and Commercial Industries

The requirement to implement anti-viral technologies and products is growing along with the number of COVID-19 pandemic cases. In 2020, significant bedding, garments, hospitality, and fabric brands collaborated with anti-viral technology providers to test and develop new products to serve these cautious years. Giant companies such as D'décor, Hollander Sleep Products, and KARMAN have partnered with an anti-viral technology provider called HeiQ and have been planning and launching their anti-viral garments, bedsheets, curtains, and household items.

Several brands have been actively collaborating and proofing their complete buildings with anti-viral products and fabrics. For instance, Golds Gym, one of North America's most prominent fitness gym brands, has successfully implemented anti-viral technology on their equipment, mattresses, and even walls to make it a safe area for customers and avoid frequent disinfecting with harsh chemicals. Thus, with the growth and availability of anti-viral technologies, various public, semi-public, and private places will be fully equipped with anti-viral technology in the coming years, creating tremendous market growth opportunities.

Regional Analysis

Asia-Pacific Dominates the Global Market

Based on region, the global anti-viral fabric market is bifurcated into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest-of-the-World.

Asia-Pacific is the most significant global anti-viral fabric market shareholder and is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 17.31% during the forecast period. The Asia-Pacific region is the largest and most prominent developer, manufacturer, and exporter of textiles across the globe. The region has the largest market share of more than 50% of the textile industry. There is massive scope for growth and innovation in the regional textile industry of various countries such as India, China, and Thailand. The region's hospitality industry is one of these countries' primary income sources. The application of anti-viral technology on hotel bedding, curtains, and carpets can be a significant attraction for tourists over regular hotels who do not opt for these new anti-viral products in the COVID-19 era or the new normal of the 21st century. In addition, China and India-based home textile manufacturers collaborate with anti-viral technology providers to implement anti-viral technology on their fabric brands. For instance, D'Decor Home Fabrics Pvt. Ltd. and Welspun of India have introduced a wide range of home textile anti-viral fabric products for customers by collaborating with HeiQ Materials Ltd. and HealthGuard Corporation Pty. Ltd., respectively.

North America is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 15.41% over the forecast period. The North American region is one of the largest markets for anti-viral face masks due to the vast demand generated by U.S. and Canadian healthcare workers. The countries have been actively combating the COVID-19 virus since 2020 and have vaccinated their entire population. This gives innovation room for apparel and home textile players to introduce new technology fabrics. These companies actively collaborate with companies offering anti-viral technology to incorporate it into their new anti-viral products. For instance, in August 2020, Hollander Sleep collaborated with HeiQ to use Viroblock technology in their anti-viral bedding applications for North American consumer and hospitality markets. In 2020, Bedgear collaborated with Polygiene to develop and manufacture anti-viral feature bedsheets and mattresses using ViralOff technology. In June 2020, Noble Biometrics launched a new laboratory-tested fabric suitable for killing the SARS-COV2 virus. It can manufacture PPE apparel and face masks for healthcare workers in the region. Such factors drive market expansion in the region.

Amongst the European countries, Spain, Italy, and France are the top three countries that wore face masks outside their home throughout the pandemic. This habit of living has uplifted the demand for anti-viral masks in the countries. The tourism industry is one of the giant economies-supporting industries of the region, and hotels are ramping up their business activities, making it safer for travelers. Various hotels have collaborated with anti-viral fabric technology providers to safeguard their properties using anti-viral fabric technology on bedding, carpets, curtains, and flooring. The United Kingdom faced the third wave of the pandemic in 2021 and continues to employ stringent measures to prevent the spread of the deadly virus. This situation created awareness among common people and the medical industry for switching from traditional fabrics to new anti-viral ones.

Countries such as Brazil, Africa, and U.A.E. generated significant demand for face masks in 2020 and 2021. New anti-viral technology providers can collaborate with local mask manufacturers and textile manufacturers to incorporate anti-viral technologies into home textiles and medical wear to provide better safety in the new normal era. In June 2020, a U.A.E.-based mask manufacturer collaborated with HeiQ Materials AG to develop anti-viral face masks that can inactivate/kill viruses within 30 minutes. Viromasks manufacturers are the first in the U.A.E. market to launch an anti-viral mask product. In August 2020, Taf-he launched anti-viral and anti-bacterial fabric masks that meet the region's new standards set by the Dubai Municipality laboratory. The company also provides these masks for usage in schools, universities, and private and public sectors.

Segmental Analysis

The global anti-viral fabric market is segmented by product.

Based on product, the global anti-viral fabric market is divided into face masks, bed linen and spreads, PPE, bath/toilet linen, kitchen linen, upholstery, and flooring linen. 

Face masks have been one of the essential items of the new normal lifestyle since 2020. Various companies are developing new anti-viral technologies using multiple types of advanced materials and technologies to create anti-viral fabrics or technology to be incorporated into face mask fabrics. Some key players involved in developing new anti-viral technologies and using them for testing and developing face masks are HeiQ, Polygiene, and SQ Group. These companies have invested millions in research and development activities of developing anti-viral technologies and have successfully incorporated these technologies in face masks. These companies have manufactured over one billion anti-viral face masks using their technologies and have exported them to various countries such as the U.S., Canada, and European Union.

Bedsheets and covers are among the most common textiles used in homes, hotels, and hospitals. Companies are collaborating with anti-viral technology providers in these pandemic years to incorporate anti-viral technology into their bedsheet brands and attract more customers. Hotel and medical industry players generate the most significant demand for anti-viral beddings. They are expected to act as leading and frontrunner customers or partners of anti-viral bedsheet brands. Various leading companies have introduced their anti-viral beddings. For instance, Hollander Sleep Products collaborated with HeiQ Materials AG in August 2020 to test and develop anti-viral bedding applications. Hollander will have exclusive rights to sell essential bedding items with HeiQ Viroblock technology finish in North American countries' hospitality and consumer market.

Flooring textiles include carpets and floor rugs. Textile manufacturers introducing new anti-viral fabrics have launched anti-viral flooring that curbs bacteria and viruses. Some key companies introducing anti-viral flooring products include Danfloor's BI-OME technology, Microban International, Gerflor Group, and Welspun. These companies have launched anti-viral flooring solutions for home usage, hospitals, laboratories, hotels, restaurants, gyms, and offices. Some of the key companies are launching new anti-viral flooring solutions. For instance, In July 2020, Gerflor Floors launched new flooring products with Evercare and Protecsol surface treatment. The company collaborated with Virhealth, an independent virology laboratory. Their anti-viral treatment can kill the COVID-19 virus by 99.7% in two hours.

Upholstery fabric is one of the primary and front-line anti-viral application areas of the COVID-19 era. Upholstery fabrics are used for furniture covers, seats, paddings, and cushion covers. Upholstery fabric or seating furniture is applied in various places such as homes, offices, cafes, hotels, and hospitals. Anti-viral upholstery fabrics can be a perfect solution for furniture companies and fabric companies to advertise their fabric and products with an anti-viral tag. Public gathering places such as offices, hotels, and cafes/restaurants can benefit from adopting anti-viral upholstery fabric furniture in the COVID-19 era or the upcoming new normal. This adoption will give customers and employees a safer outlook and contribute to their business segments' growth and progress. D'décor Home Fabrics Pvt, Ltd. has launched its new products under ViroGuard. It will use HeiQ Viroblock technology to manufacture anti-viral fabrics in upholstery and bedding applications.

Recent Developments

• March 2023- Noble Biomaterials announced the EPA registration of its latest antimicrobial technology. Ionic+® Botanical uses a bio-based citric acid formula that is registered to prevent the development of microbes and reduce odor on fabric and other soft surfaces.

• January 2023- Shineco, Inc. entered into a non-binding framework agreement with certain shareholders of Dream Partner Limited to acquire 80% equity interests of Dream Ltd., which indirectly owns 100% equity interests of Chongqing Wintus Group ("Wintu"), which is a China-based private company that manufactures antiviral silk fabrics with diverse applications in the medical, hygiene, pharmaceutical, and personal health areas.