The textile industry is one of the major industrial sectors across the globe. It has been continuously evolving over the decades to meet the growing demand for textile products from consumers. One key development that has helped transform the textile processing industry is the integration of enzymes. Enzymes have enabled eco-friendly and sustainable textile processing methods.
Types of Textile Enzymes

There are various types of enzymes used in different textile processing steps like pre-treatment, dyeing, finishing etc. Some of the major textile enzymes include:

– Cellulases: These enzymes are used for biopolishing and stonewashing of denim fabrics to give a worn-out look. Cellulases help in the removal of surface fibers.

– Amylases: Amylases find application in the desizing process where they help in the removal of starch from fabrics after weaving. This makes the fabric softer.

– Proteases: Proteases assist in improving the absorbency of fabrics by partially hydrolyzing proteins. They aid in fabric bleaching as well.

– Pectinases: During the retting process of bast fibers like jute and flax, pectinases help in separating cellulose fiber bundles from the woody tissues.

– Catalases and peroxidases: These oxidative enzymes are employed as additives for bleaching and functional finishing of various fabric types.

Textile Enzymes Market Size

According to a recent report by Industry Research, the Global Textile Enzymes Market was valued at around $275 million in 2019 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of more than 5% between 2020-2026.

– Asia Pacific dominated the market with a share of over 35% in 2019 owing to large textile industries in China, India, and other Asian countries.

– North America and Europe together held about 30-35% share based on the presence of leading global enzyme manufacturers in these regions and stringent environmental regulations for textile processing.

– In terms of product type, proteases accounted for the highest demand followed by amylases and cellulases. This is because of their wide applications in different processes.

– Liquid formulation of textile enzymes has gained higher preference over powders due to ease of handling and better efficacy.

Driving Factors for Textile Enzymes Market Growth

– Stringent environmental norms: Enzyme-based textile processing helps in achieving eco-friendliness by reducing water, energy usage and waste generation. This drives their increased adoption.

– Cost-efficiency: Using enzymes leads to cost-savings for textile companies from lower electricity and chemicals consumption in processes like desizing. This improves margins.

– Innovation in product development: Continuous R&D is expanding use of newer enzymes like ligninases, xylanases in technical textiles and other specialty fabrics.

– Focus on sustainability: Leading brands are opting for enzymatic treatments to gain an edge in the competitive market through sustainable credentials of their textiles.

However, high production costs of enzymes compared to chemicals and availability of cheaper alternatives in developing countries inhibit the market to a certain extent.

Opportunities and Future Prospects

The textile enzymes market is forecast to grow steadily supported by following factors:

– Growing technical textiles segment: Advancement of enzymes for applications in geotextiles, medical textiles, agrotextiles will present lucrative opportunities.

– Synthetic biology applications: Development of genetically engineered enzyme formulations tailored for specific fabric types will drive innovation.

– Emerging economies: Set up of textile hubs in countries like India, Bangladesh, Vietnam will spur demand for textile enzymes to meet environmental mandates.

– R&D collaborations: Partnerships between enzyme producers and textile firms will help address industry challenges through new product discoveries.

– Bio-engineering technologies: Integration of enzyme engineering with other technologies like biotechnology, nanotechnology and process optimization will expand prospects.

To retain dominance, key players are investing heavily in developing novel textile enzyme variants with enhanced stability, activity and broader substrate specificity. This will help companies fortify their market position globally.

The textile enzymes market promises sustainable growth supported by changing processing trends, emerging applications and innovation. Adoption in major textile manufacturing regions will gain momentum propelled by environmental regulations. Ongoing research also holds immense potential for commercialization of path-breaking products. Overall, the future of textile enzymes looks bright on the backdrop of a flourishing textile industry worldwide.

*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it