Development of innovative garments and moisture absorbent materials have stimulated waterproof breathable textiles (WBT) market share over the past few years. Products based on these textiles have become particularly common in various sports and are used by professionals during extreme sporting events.
Rise in the number of sports activities around the world will foster waterproof breathable textiles market outlook. Waterproof fabrics seemingly tend to resist water passing through but let the water vapor pass. Their ability to block rain and snow while allowing evaporation of sweat have helped increase product adoption across outdoor events. Waterproof breathable fabrics are highly utilized in snow sports with skiing as one of the most prominent examples.
European countries boast a high number of ski resorts with Germany entertaining 14.6 million people each year who participate in the sport. France and the UK also host millions of locals and tourists that are actively participating in the game. Gradually rising penchant for skiing as a holiday activity will certainly drive WBT industry trends.
Government initiatives worldwide for the growth of tourism sector has encouraged several sports activities in countries, influence demand for suitable apparel. Increasing outdoor activities have initiated product penetration among commodities like tents and rucksacks.
Listed below are some notable factors impacting WBT market size over the coming years:
Demand for polypropylene-based WBT products
Polypropylene fabric will experience a favorable consumption trend over the forecast period owing to the material’s oleophilic property to absorb oil. It claims to be a proven performer in the management of moisture due to its hydrophobic nature and also has excellent thermal characteristics, while enabling the production of lightweight products.
Activities that require flexibility and high strength can use the product due to its superlative tough and elastic properties. For instance, they can be used to make sportswear because of moisture transferring features. Polypropylene material is ideal for glove liners for protective gloves to tackle water, sweat and any other form of moisture.
Global polypropylene WBT market size is anticipated to surpass USD 210 million by 2025.
Rising consumption of footwear products
Increased health concerns have propelled consumers to indulge in fitness and exercise regimes, while fueling rapid growth of outdoor sports activities, which will drive waterproof footwear market share in the forthcoming years. Surge in the disposable income in hand has strengthened the purchasing power of consumers, driving footwear sales.
Constant change in fashion trends have widened the functions and styles of waterproof shoes that in turn has supported the development of effective materials, majorly impacting waterproof breathable textiles market share.
Military uses high performance footwear with efficiency, durability and comfort. Their physically demanding jobs in particularly harsh weathers demand waterproof footwear, which further drives the adoption of products made from WBT.
Growing importance of protective gear
Waterproof breathable protective garments will gain favorable traction in the next few years owing to key properties like maintaining moisture levels or letting the fabric heat or cool down depending on the conditions around them. Waterproof garments are extensive used in industries such as chemical, construction and healthcare, besides for leisure and sportswear.
In 2017, hand injuries accounted for a significant portion of the total non-fatal construction injuries in the U.S., suggesting a considerable need for protecting the hands of workers in the hazardous environment.
In the healthcare industry, protective equipment commonly used are gloves, gowns and medical masks, among others. Healthcare personnel regularly use efficient gloves for handling chemicals and medical apparatus, contributing notable towards waterproof breathable textile industry size.
Thriving snow sports industry in Europe
European countries are prime locations for winter sporting events due to the geographical location and immense volume of snowfall received every year, besides having numerous snow-caped peaks.
Germany waterproof breathable textiles market share will experience an unprecedented growth over the years owing to the increasing sports activities in the region. Germany witnesses a major chunk of population that participates in snow sports, which stimulates the demand for WBT-based equipment.
In fact, Germany WBT market is slated to exceed USD 160 million in annual revenues by 2025. Booming construction, oil & gas, automotive and healthcare sectors in the region will further expand the business outlook.
Global waterproof breathable textiles market size is anticipated to exceed USD 2.5 billion by 2025.