Making the Transition from Traditional to Technical Textile Markets

DUBLIN, Ireland--(Business Wire)--
Research and Markets
(http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c86345) has announced the
addition of Making the Transition from Traditional to Technical
Textile Markets to their offering.

Technical textiles provide scope for firms in industrialised
countries to achieve sustainable growth and escape from the tough
competitive environment faced by manufacturers of traditional
textiles. Technical textile products are used principally for their
performance or functional characteristics rather than for their
aesthetics. Consequently, markets for these products tend to be less
price sensitive, and greater importance is attached to technical
skills, and specialised knowledge, materials, processes and equipment.

End uses served by technical textiles are numerous and diverse.
Messe Frankfurt, which organises the trade fair Techtextil, has
grouped those end uses into 12 broad categories: agriculture and
horticulture; architecture, building and construction; clothing
technology; geotextiles; functional textiles for the home; industrial
textiles; medical and hygiene; transportation; environmental;
packaging; safety and protection; and sports and leisure. Also, a new
category is emerging in the form of smart and intelligent textiles.

However, companies looking to enter the technical textile sector
must understand the key differences between technical textiles and the
traditional industry in which they are used to operating. Customers
look for products with highly specific performance attributes and
functions, and they are often willing to pay a premium for these
features. In return, manufacturers need to use approved testing
methods to convince customers and others in project teams that their
products meet the required specifications. Technical textile products
belong to niche rather than mass markets and those niche markets are
often characterised by small runs. Manufacturers therefore need to be
flexible and able to switch production from one product to another
product which might be quite different. Machinery too may have to be
adapted for more flexible and smaller production runs. Would-be
technical textile manufacturers must ensure that their products meet
the quality and technical standards which the application demands. In
some cases products must satisfy certain legal requirements.
Innovation is often vital so firms must be willing to invest in
research and development (R&D) as well as equipment--which means that
they need to be able to raise the capital required. And to defend
their investments in R&D, they need to understand the laws about
intellectual property rights (IPR). Overall, cooperation is needed at
all stages of the supply chain so that products meet the exact needs
of customers, especially if they are to command a price premium.

Companies Mentioned:

-- Du Pont

-- Picanol

For more information visit
here

Research and Markets
Laura Wood
Senior Manager
Fax: +353 1 4100 980
press@researchandmarkets.com

Copyright Business Wire 2008