Textile Exchange
Textile Exchange 
The international non-profit organization Textile Exchange, O’Donnell, TX/USA, has published the Preferred Fiber and Materials Market Report (PFMR) 2019, which measures the production of fiber and materials with improved social and environmental impacts – known as Preferred. This in-depth report focuses on the industry’s supply side, analyzing production volumes, availability and emerging fiber trends.
The PFMR 2019 reveals that global fiber production has doubled in the last 20 years, reaching an all-time high of 107 million tons in 2018 and is expected to grow to 145 million tons by 2030 if business-as-usual continues. Included in this production increase from the 2018 reporting year are more responsible (preferred) options for almost all fiber categories.
The PFMR focuses on data in various fiber categories, including plant-based natural fibers, animal-based fibers and materials, man-made cellulosic fibers and synthetic fibers, as well as taking a look at sustainability standards, initiatives, and trends. The report finds that the Manmade Cellulosic Fibers category (MMCFs) is increasing steadily with a market share of approx. 6.2% of total fiber production volume, which is double what it was in 1990 and is expected to continue growing. MMCFs include viscose, acetate, lyocell, modal, and cupro.
In the Synthetic Fiber Category for 2018, polyester was reported to have a market share of around 52% of the global fiber production, making it the most widely used fiber worldwide.
In an effort to accelerate the industry’s use of preferred fibers, Textile Exchange initiated a commitment to recycled polyester, one type of preferred polyester that encouraged brands and retailers to publicly commit to increasing their use of recycled polyester by 25% by 2020. This goal was achieved in 2018 - 2 years early!
The PFMR focuses on data in various fiber categories, including plant-based natural fibers, animal-based fibers and materials, man-made cellulosic fibers and synthetic fibers, as well as taking a look at sustainability standards, initiatives, and trends. The report finds that the Manmade Cellulosic Fibers category (MMCFs) is increasing steadily with a market share of approx. 6.2% of total fiber production volume, which is double what it was in 1990 and is expected to continue growing. MMCFs include viscose, acetate, lyocell, modal, and cupro.
In the Synthetic Fiber Category for 2018, polyester was reported to have a market share of around 52% of the global fiber production, making it the most widely used fiber worldwide.
In an effort to accelerate the industry’s use of preferred fibers, Textile Exchange initiated a commitment to recycled polyester, one type of preferred polyester that encouraged brands and retailers to publicly commit to increasing their use of recycled polyester by 25% by 2020. This goal was achieved in 2018 - 2 years early!