In 2004 the global market for electrically enabled smart fabrics and interactive textile (SFIT) technologies was worth US$248.0 mn. By 2008 it is expected to be worth US$485.6 mn, representing a compound annual growth rate of 18%. SFIT technology has advanced significantly in recent years. Novel polymers, when integrated into textiles, provide a range of interactive properties such as electrical conductivity, ballistic resistance and biological protection. In the future, there will be a need for even more materials whose properties alter in response to external stimuli.

So far, the number of applications for SFIT which have made a commercial impact is disappointingly few-apart from electrically heated seat kits, which have been a major success. End uses that have proved successful tend to be restricted to smaller markets such as luxury sportswear and novelty outerwear. However, growth in demand is expected in the case of clothing with built-in electronic storage and communication capabilities, and for fabrics which provide electromagnetic shielding.

Owing to the diverse nature of the technology employed, the industry has become characterised by a variety of strategic alliances and partnerships. Competition is therefore weak, and is likely to remain so in the short term. Factors inhibiting industry growth include the high price of finished articles-which is a consequence of the high cost of research and marketing-and a shortage of research funding. Research effort tends to be driven mainly by government and military interests and, to some extent, by the medical sector. Industrial growth is also being inhibited by a lack of industry standards, which is hampering communication and technological progress.

Product Overview

Four times a year, Technical Textile Markets provides an overview of the global man-made fibre, nonwoven and technical textile industries. It provides market data and analysis of new and established markets for technical textiles, and is essential reading for senior executives in (or supplying) the man-made fibre, nonwoven and technical textile sectors - as well as for those who are not involved in the industry on a day-to-day basis, but who need an authoritative source which helps them to quickly gain an understanding of the key issues facing the companies which are actively involved in this fast-growing sector.

Reports in Technical Textile Markets include:

Company and country profiles - giving you the opportunity to learn from strategies employed by others, in terms of production, sourcing, import/export, infrastructure and development, and plans for the future. Profiles of the world's top 40 producers of nonwovens - updated each year with details of developments from each of the leading leading producers, including acquisitions, investments and divestments, and analyses of trends which the "rising stars" are using to their advantage. Statistical reports - including consumption data, by fibre and end-use applications. Regular updates are published for fibre consumption in Japan, the rest of Asia, the USA, and Western Europe. Market sector information - analyses of important commercial end-user applications, and profiles of both established and emerging markets which take into account such innovations and developments as nanotechnology and intelligent textiles. Regular updates on innovations in fibres, technical textiles, apparel and machinery - including developments in the following categories: fibres and yarns; technical textile fabrics for industrial applications; machinery; technical textiles for apparel; composites; other technical textile products; and technical textile treatments and finishes. Reports on new technological developments and other topical issues - with clear, authoritative comments on their economic and commercial significance. The reports bring to your attention the key issues which you can use to develop your business, and provides contact details of useful organisations.

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