Technical textile markets: stain protective apparel: consumers splash out on easy-care clothing, 1st quarter 2005

21 pages, published in Issue 60, 1st quarter 2005   Report price: Euro 395.00; US$ 520.00

Against the backdrop of rampant price deflation, the apparel industry is focusing more sharply on technology in an attempt to boost volumes and achieve premium prices, and thereby revitalise sales. High-tech fabric finishes have enabled companies to greatly differentiate their apparel lines and tap into the growth opportunities created by growing consumer demand for convenience and easy care.

Today?s consumers want their clothes not only to look good but also to feel comfortable, stay fresh and clean, and be easy to care for. And there is widespread evidence that consumers are willing to pay extra for the key consideration of easy care. Recent technological advances in fabric protection, such as stain repellency and release, have struck a chord with consumers who want to wear clothing requiring the minimum of care. Although stain protection technologies have been in existence for around 40 years, it is only in the past five years that they have made a significant impact in the marketplace. New technologies have been developed to create stain repellents which are more effective than conventional coatings and do not affect the characteristics of a fabric.

Stain protection is no longer confined to niche applications such as workwear and outdoor wear as it has expanded strongly in the market for casual wear. Like moisture management and wrinkle resistance, which were once considered a novelty, stain protection is set to become a standard performance feature of garments for everyday wear, such as shirts and trousers. Since 2002 a number of big apparel names, including Eddie Bauer, Lee Jeans and Dockers, have been offering casual trousers which are stain repellent, and which are reported to be selling extremely well. As the penetration of stain protection technologies has been gathering momentum, the cost of using them has been declining. This should translate into lower prices for consumers and, in turn, create further demand.

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Four times a year, Technical Textile Markets provides an overview of the global man-made fibre, nonwoven and technical textile industries. It provides market data and analysis of new and established markets for technical textiles, and is essential reading for senior executives in (or supplying) the man-made fibre, nonwoven and technical textile sectors ? as well as for those who are not involved in the industry on a day-to-day basis, but who need an authoritative source which helps them to quickly gain an understanding of the key issues facing the companies which are actively involved in this fast-growing sector.
Reports in Technical Textile Markets include:
	company and country profiles ? giving you the opportunity to learn from strategies employed by others, in terms of production, sourcing, import/export, infrastructure and development, and plans for the future.
	profiles of the world's top 40 producers of nonwovens ? updated each year with details of developments from each of the leading producers, including acquisitions, investments and divestments, and analyses of trends which the "rising stars" are using to their advantage.
	statistical reports ? including consumption data, by fibre and end-use applications. Regular updates are published for fibre consumption in Japan, the rest of Asia, the USA, and Western Europe.
	market sector information ? analyses of important commercial end-user applications, and profiles of both established and emerging markets which take into account such innovations and developments as nanotechnology and intelligent textiles.
	regular updates on innovations in fibres, technical textiles, apparel and machinery ? including developments in the following categories: fibres and yarns; technical textile fabrics for industrial applications; machinery; technical textiles for apparel; composites; other technical textile products; and technical textile treatments and finishes.
	reports on new technological developments and other topical issues ? with clear, authoritative comments on their economic and commercial significance. The reports bring to your attention the key issues which you can use to develop your business, and provides contact details of useful organisations.
So whether you are involved in man-made fibres, nonwovens or technical textiles ? in manufacturing, converting, import/export, or end use ? or if you are in education or consultancy or investment or finance ? a subscription to Technical Textile Markets will tell you what you need to know about the key trends in the industry.
Technical Textile Markets is available on subscription ? either in printed format only, or in printed and electronic format. If you choose the printed only option, you will receive 4 printed publications a year. Each issue contains five research-based reports (see above) and an editorial.
Electronic supplement If you choose the printed and electronic option, you will receive an extra service. You will still receive each issue in printed format, delivered to you by traditional post. In addition, you will be able to download PDF files containing the same information ? but the PDF files will be available immediately on publication, so you don?t have to wait for the printing and mailing. You also have all the benefits of electronic files: instant access even when you are away from the office; convenient storage in your PC or laptop; portability; electronic search facility; and copy/paste facility. You will also receive a monthly update of business news, called "Technical Textiles Business Update" delivered to you by email, free of charge.
Technical textiles are used in a wide range of end-use applications and markets, including agricultural; automotive; building/ construction/ engineering; medical and hygiene; packaging; protective clothing; sports and sportswear; and transport. A subscription to Technical Textile Markets will support your decision making, and provide the information you need to expand into new markets.