Fire-Resistant Fabrics Market Size and Share Analysis by Type (Treated Fire Resistant Fabrics, Inherent Fire Resistant Fabrics), Application (Apparel, Non-Apparel), End-User (Industrial, Defense & Public Safety Services, Transport) - Global Industry Trends and Growth Forecast to 2030

Market Overview

The global fire-resistant fabrics market size was $3.04 billion in 2021, and it is projected to reach $5.09 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.90% during 2021–2030. This can be ascribed to the rise in the demand for these materials from the oil & gas, construction, mining, and chemical industries, owing to the strict regulations for workplace safety in developed nations.

Fire-resistant fabrics serve as a protective barrier in the event of an explosion or direct fire exposure. Because of their chemical structure, they are more resistant as compared to conventional clothing and, hence, do not burn readily. Such fabrics are often made of carbon-based textiles, which lessen the risk of a fire. These textiles are known to have a greater natural resistance than fireproof fibers and those on which other conventional chemical treatments are done. Fabrics that are flammable can also be treated with fire-retardant chemicals, to significantly increase their flame retardation ability.

Additionally, the growing demand for fire-resistant textiles in residential and commercial furnishings, as well as the increasing government investment in safety enhancements, is driving the market growth.

Treated Fire-Resistant Fabrics Are Major Revenue Contributors

Based on type, the market is bifurcated into treated and inherent fire-resistant fabrics. Of these two types, treated variants held the larger market share, with revenue of around $1.8 billion in 2021, due to their low cost.

The fabric becomes fire resistant because of its chemical treatment with additives such as organohalogen and organophosphorus compounds. When exposed to fire, they extinguish the flames by a chemical reaction.

Apparel Category Holds Larger Market Share

Based on type, the market is bifurcated into apparel and non-apparel. Of these, the apparel bifurcation held the larger market share, of more than 70%, in 2021, owing to a rise in the demand for protective clothing. Fire-resistant apparel is utilized in hazardous and dangerous work locations, such as mining sites, battlefields, and E&P facilities.

Additionally, fire-resistant suits are imperative for firefighters, to protect them from fire and provide comfort, by allowing free movement and enough air circulation inside. This clothing also allows users in the oil & gas and metals & mining sectors to minimize the risk of workplace accidents.

Major Revenue Share Is Held by Transportation Industry

Based on end user, the market is categorized into industrial, defense & public safety services, transportation, and others.

Among these, transportation held the largest share, of more than 40.0%, in 2021, and this category is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. Fire-resistant fabrics are used during the manufacturing of automobile, railway, marine, and aviation components. The interiors of cars, ships (especially crude carriers and naval vessels), trainsets, and military and civilian aircraft are increasingly being lined with fabrics that reduce the risk of a raging fire as the regulations on passenger & personnel safety tighten around the world.

Increasing Product Use in Oil & Gas Industry

The growth in the usage of fire-resistant fabrics in the oil & gas industry is one of the key factors driving the demand for this material. Here, such gear is worn to protect the user from the stifling heat and demanding working conditions at exploration sites and refineries.

Moreover, the current government regulations and the direct and indirect expenses related to the workplace accidents in the oil & gas industry have significantly raised the demand for fire-resistant fabrics among conventional energy firms.

Moreover, oil & gas is one of the most-hazardous industries for employees. Inherent flash fire hazards are associated with refining, servicing, well drilling, and production-related operations. Exposure to these flash fires can result in third-degree burn injuries and death. The adoption of fire-resistant fabrics is essentially aimed at reducing the severity of burn injuries, as well as providing the time for the wearer to get away from the burning environment.

Stringent Workplace Safety Regulations in Developed Countries

The stringent workplace safety regulations in developed nations are another major factor driving the market growth. The main use of fire-resistant materials is in industrial safety apparel at chemical, construction, and oil & gas sites. Companies must employ such materials because of the risky working circumstances. These factors have significantly raised the demand for fire-resistant fabrics as developing nations begin to mandate protective equipment in their industrial sector.

Technological Innovations in Products Drive Market Growth

The product need has mostly been focused on affordable, fire-resistant textiles that comply with the national minimum criteria or laws. Customers now want other features in addition to fire resistance, due to the changing nature of applications. Customers are increasingly focusing on flame retardation protective apparel that serves several purposes. For instance, higher flexibility, lower weight, and the use of cooling technologies, such as phase-change materials (PCM), in protective suits are growing in requirement due to the changing circumstances in the military sector.

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Asia-Pacific Is Leader of Market

Asia-Pacific dominated the market, with a share of more than 35.0%, in 2021, due to the rapid economic growth in developing countries, such as China and India.

As the strongest regional market for a variety of products and services, including industrial protective gear, defense & public safety services, and transportation, this region is being targeted by the manufacturers of fire-resistant fabrics. The fact that production costs are low in Asia is an added benefit of moving manufacturing operations here.

On the other hand, North America stood second in 2021, owing to the increasing demand for these materials in the oil & gas industry, in part, due to the strict safety requirements imposed by the governments in this region. Additionally, the region's expanding research and development efforts to produce ecologically friendly fire-resistant textiles are expected to fuel the market growth in the coming years.

Moreover, with the economic downturn and saturation in Europe and North America, the product demand is migrating to the Asia-Pacific region.

Top Players in Fire-Resistant Fabrics Market Are:

• DuPont de Nemours Inc.
• Kaneka Corporation
• PBI Performance Products Inc.
• TenCate Protective Fabrics
• Teijin Ltd.
• Indorama Corporation
• Gun EI Chemical Industry Co. Ltd.
• Huntsman Corporation
• Lenzing AG
• Solvay S.A.

Global Fire-Resistant Fabrics Market Size Breakdown by Segment

The study offers a comprehensive market segmentation analysis along with market estimation for the period 2017-2030.

Based on Type

• Treated Fire Resistant Fabrics
  • Fire Resistant Cotton
  • Fire Resistant Viscose
• Inherent Fire Resistant Fabrics
  • Aramid
  • PBI

Based on Application

• Apparel
  • Protective Clothing
• Non-Apparel
  • Interior Fabric for Transportation
  • Household & Industrial

Based on End-User

• Industrial
  • Construction & Manufacturing
  • Oil & Gas
• Defense & Public Safety Services
  • Military
  • Firefighting & Law Enforcement
• Transport
  • Railway
  • Aerospace
  • Marine
  • Automotive

Geographical Analysis

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • U.K.
  • Germany
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Australia
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
• Middle East and Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa