Synthetics Dominate as Global Fibre Production Climbs in 2024

Global fibre production is projected to maintain its upward trajectory in 2024, with synthetic fibres continuing to widen their lead over natural materials. Cellulosic (wood-pulp-based) fibres are expected to remain stable, while the overall share of recycled fibres has not increased significantly, with the notable exception of the wool market. The latest data from Textile Exchange's annual report indicates a continued shift in the fibre landscape.

In 2024, the worldwide volume of fibre produced saw a 6.5% increase, reaching a substantial 132 million tonnes. Synthetic fibres constituted a dominant 69% of this total, marking a nine-point rise from 2020 levels. Polyester alone accounted for a significant 59% of all fibre production, having already achieved a 57% share in 2023. Its production reached 78 million tonnes in 2024, with recycled polyester production also rising from 8.9 to 9.3 million tonnes. Polyamide (nylon), the second most-produced synthetic fibre, held a 5% share of global fibre production.

Conversely, cotton’s share of fibre production experienced a slight decline, falling from 20% in 2023 to 19% in 2024, representing 24.1 million tonnes of virgin cotton. Despite this, Textile Exchange highlighted positive developments in sustainability, noting that 34% of cotton produced is now certified to sustainability standards, up from 28% in the previous year. The contribution of recycled cotton remained steady at 1%, accounting for 300,000 tonnes.

Other plant-based fibres collectively contributed 6.9 million tonnes to production. This segment is primarily led by jute, which represents 54% of these fibres, followed by cotton fibre at 26%, flax at 5%, and hemp also at 5%. When viewed against total global fibre production, flax and hemp, both bast fibres, accounted for 0.3% and 0.2% respectively.

Cellulosics, forming the third major fibre family derived from the chemical transformation of plant-based raw materials, successfully maintained their market share. Varieties such as viscose, acetate, lyocell, modal, and cupro collectively accounted for 6% of global fibre production, reaching 8.4 million tonnes—a 6.4% increase. Encouragingly, the market share of recycled cellulosics saw a notable rise over the past year, from 0.7% to 1.1%, equivalent to 90,000 tonnes. Furthermore, nearly 70% of production in this sector is now covered by robust forest certification programmes, specifically the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification).

Animal fibres continue to represent a minor segment, accounting for only 1% of global fibre production. Within this category, wool captured 0.9%, with 1.98 million tonnes of virgin wool. The share of recycled wool within its market segment showed positive growth, increasing from 6% to 7%, or 83,000 tonnes. Other specialty animal fibres like cashmere (0.02%), mohair (0.004%), and alpaca (0.005%) sustained their respective market shares in global fibre production.

Still within animal-derived materials, global down production expanded from 626,000 to 659,000 tonnes, with ducks contributing nearly 90% of this volume. The share of recycled down in this particular market remains low, at just 1%. While not a fibre, Textile Exchange also reported on leather production, which amounted to approximately 13.8 million tonnes last year, sourced from about 1.6 million animals. Global production included 9.4 million tonnes of cattle hides, 2.2 million tonnes of sheepskins, 11.5 million tonnes of goat skins, and 800,000 tonnes of buffalo skins.

Beyond fibres, the report estimates global rubber production at 15 million tonnes in 2024. The proportion of this production certified under the FSC and PEFC forest certification programmes also increased over the year, rising from 2.9% to 3.2%, indicating a growing emphasis on sustainable sourcing across various raw material industries.