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Trends and opportunities shaping the textile and leather industry in 2025-26

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Key trends for textile and leather in 2025-26

Textile and leather coatings boost fabric durability and elevate leather style, stitching together the needs for fashion and function.

Discover what will shape the future of the textile and leather industry

The textile, leather, and clothing market is predicted to experience global growth of 2.5% over the next five years.1

India and China: the countries with the greatest growth 

The region with the greatest predicted growth is Asia Pacific, primarily in China, followed by India and Bangladesh. More than 40% of global textile production takes place in India and China. 

Home furnishing, apparel and technical textile are the industries growing the most  

There is growing demand for technical textiles in sectors like automotive, packaging, and industrial products, and for geotechnical textiles in the construction industry. Growth in real estate, as well as changing fashion and home decor trends, have increased demand for textiles for home furnishings and apparel. A rising interest in fashion and the influence of social media has expanded the customer base for leather footwear and luxury products.2 

Protective layers: anti-bacteria, water-repellant and flame-resistant 

New technologies are making an impact on the textile industry. For example, products with antimicrobial properties can offer a layer of protection.3 Ongoing research is exploring resistance to environmental conditions, including water-repellant and flame-resistant biopolymers.4 Scientists have even developed metallic coatings for wearable textiles that repair themselves, repel bacteria, and have special connectivity properties.5 

Sustainable style stands out with recyclability

Sustainability is especially important in consumer-driven end markets, such as apparel applications of textile and leather goods. More people are looking for more natural products, such as leather, which by nature is biodegradable, recyclable and repairable.6 Changing consumer preferences drive an increased demand for sustainable options. 

Sustainability trends in the textile and leather industry

More than 90% of the chemicals used in the pretreatment processes and dyeing operations are not retained by fibre but largely released into wastewater streams or the air.7 Stringent government regulations aim to limit the usage of harmful chemicals due to their effects on humans and the environment. 

This effort to reduce harmful chemicals has pushed manufacturers to innovate. They have developed biodegradable enzymes, halogen free flame retardants, non-fluoropolymer-based water repellents, low-foam surfactants and microencapsulated coatings, as well as wicking agents, softeners, and innovative fibres from renewable or natural sources. 

While textile coatings improve functionality and support circularity, the coatings also make it more difficult to recycle garments at the end of their life.8 Worldwide, 75% of textile waste is placed in landfills, while 25% is recycled or reused.9 The industry is working to design coatings for circularity, promote recycling solutions, and increase the use of recycled materials.

Q. What megatrends do you foresee shaping this market segment over the next two years?
A. Textiles are the world's largest contributor to microplastics. Microplastics are shed from textiles during production, wear, washing, and disposal. In an effort to reduce microplastics, the industry is shifting from synthetic to natural fibres, using techniques to limit shedding, and moving away from fast fashion towards high-quality performance and improved durability that extends the lifespan of textiles. We’ll also see more recycling and regenerating of textiles with enzymes as a part of the Green & Circular megatrend.

Q. What key formulation trends do you anticipate will dominate in the next two years?
A. The industry has experienced immense pressure regarding energy consumption and logistics in recent years, and this trend will continue. With the importance of the Green & Circular and Healthy Future megatrends, the focus on water consumption and reduction of harmful chemicals will increase. Across all regions, the demand for high-performance textiles will drive innovation in the industry.

Q. In your opinion, how significant will the impact of sustainability be over the next two years?
A. Textile production is responsible for 20% of industrial water pollution and consumes 79 trillion litres of water. Consumer demand and the commitment of regional governments to net zero have increased the need for more sustainable solutions. Reducing environmental impact while maintaining performance is very challenging, and in some cases, the consumer will have to compromise. The way forward will require significant technical resources and capital investment, but especially, an open mind and acceptance of change.

  1. Oxford Economics, data extract from platform, August 2023,  
  2. https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/leather-goods-market, 
  3.  https://www.farbeundlack.de/nachrichten/anwendungsgebiete/langlebigebeschichtungen- fuer-antimikrobielle-gewebe/,  
  4. https://coatings.specialchem.com/news/industry-news/bee-inspired-biopolymer-water-repellent-textile-coating-000227404,  
  5. https://coatings.specialchem.com/ news/industry-news/researchers-selfhealing-antimicrobial-metallic-coating-textiles-000230755,  
  6. https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/leather-goods-market 
  7. https://360.european-coatings.com/journals/pdf/european_coatings_journal--4.2024,  
  8.  https://www.pcimag.com/ articles/112142-waterborne-partly-bio-based-puds, 
  9. https://www.mdpi.com/2673-7248/2/1/10 
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