The scope of the new textile yearbook „The Fiber Year 2018“ was enriched by biopolymers thanks to support from the textile institute of RWTH Aachen University, Institute for Biobased Materials at the Maastricht University and nova-Institute in Germany. Biopolymers capture a niche market but are characterized by steady growth as they serve a variety of applications and industries. Their development is being supported by increasing demand for sustainable and biodegradable products.

The world fiber market has arrived at 103 million tonnes, equal to an expansion of almost 4%. The new all-time high was result of acceleration in demand after slowing growth rates in four consecutive years. Natural fibers grew almost 3% which was the fastest pace in eight years. The cellulosic business gained 3% in volume despite acetate tow suffering from its fourth annual drop in a row due to sustained decline of cigarette production and synthetic fibers rebounded more than 4%.

Global insights into the processing of fibers and yarns were presented in a follow-up event at Groz-Beckert headquarters on June 19.