Specialty chemicals are made for a specialized use. No
specific definition is available for specialty chemicals. In general it can be
described as chemicals with high value and low volume which is used as
performance enhancing properties. Additives, adhesives, corrosion inhibitors,
dyes, lubricants, and pigments are a few to name.
Manufacturers and retailers work on a frantic pace, to make
and sell trendy garments at competitive prices. With todays fashion, apparels
have to be both functional and stylish. Growing demands in the customer expectations
and distinct performance requirements in the end user industries require focus
on providing product and application know-how to the ultimate consumers. Attempts
made by businesses to come up with innovative solutions manipulate the market
for specialty chemicals.
During the process of manufacture, textiles go through
various chemical treatments. This includes pretreatment, dyeing, and refinement
of textiles. Special chemicals such as flame retardants, water repellents, and
warp sizes are used in this process. More than sixty different textile
chemicals are used in various textile processes like yarn formation, fabric
pretreatment, laminating, finishing, and coating. Textile dyes and chemicals
segment is the largest component of the chemicals industry. Dyestuff segment is
the biggest industry due to its forward and backward linkages with versatile
applications in textiles, leather, printing inks, paper etc.
Global market for specialty chemicals is estimated to be
around $500 billion USD. This includes approximately 50 segments of
construction, textile, oil field, electronic chemicals and polymer additives. Market
is concentrated in US, EU, and Japan with the future growth potential seen
brightly in Asian countries. Growth rate in the economy of these countries and
improvement in the consumers lifestyle command for increased productivity of
these performance enhancing materials.
Fibre2Fashion had an exclusive interview with Mr. Paul C Ford, Chief
Executive Officer, Agion Technologies.
Being a part
of the industry, what is your perception about the growth
of specialty chemicals in the textile segment, and its current market size?
"Agion sees growth potential in the industry as new
technologies to combat odor emerge to set a new bar of performance particularly
in apparel. Penetration of antimicrobials in particular for all market segments
is still relatively small-for example, the technologies have only been adopted
by higher end performance wear-and have not yet penetrated into mainstream
casual apparel. We do expect this penetration to occur in the near future. In
addition we are seeing growth opportunities in areas related to healthcare,
ranging from uniforms to environmental design".
How would you look at the overall growth of specialty chemical industry? What innovation do
you see in the near future?
"Market sizing is tied to vertical application and
penetration within those segments. For example, performance finishes-whether
antimicrobial, wicking, stain resistance, anti-wrinkle etc.-continue to be
adopted as standard features for apparel. As far as antimicrobial fibers or
finishes go, many segments are just beginning to adopt these features. In
footwear, for example, Agion enjoys major market share-already there have been
more than 100 million shoes with the Agion feature for odor protection. This is
specifically in performance footwear such as running shoes, hiking boots, and
ski/snow boots and this feature is quickly becoming adopted by mainstream
retail brands including Wal-Mart and Kohls".
