Sales of conductive fibers reached $1.2 billion in 2018 and will grow about 11% annually through 2029, according to a study by Future Market Insights.
The growth can be attributed to increasing use of conductive fibers in shielding electromagnetic energy from smartphones, smart watches and other electronics, the firm said.
Conductive fibers are usually materials like cotton, wool, nylon or polyester combined with conductive silver or copper. Graphene has emerged as a cost-effective coating for fibers as well.
Athletic togs and military gear are prime markets for e-textiles. Future Markets tracked several leading companies in the conductive fibers market: Toray Industries, Kuraray Co., NV Bekaert SA, Seiren Co., William Barnet & Son, Ascend Performance Materials, Perlon Group, Ronda Industrial Belts Technology, Swicofil and Syscom Advanced Materials.
The market is fragmented so many of the leaders are focused on expanding their business by finding buyers overseas, Future Markets said. Manufacturers are seeking to establish production facilities primarily in India and China, the company said.
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