Denim Process Chemicals Market - Forecast(2023 - 2028)

Report Code: CMR 1326 Report Format: PDF + Excel

Denim Process Chemicals Market Overview

Denim process chemicals market size is forecast to reach US$8.8 billion by 2027 after growing at a CAGR of 6.1% during 2022-2027. Denim manufacturing is one of the vital subsectors of the textile and fashion industry and its products are processed with many variations using indigo dye, which is the abundantly used dye in denim manufacturing. There are several processes and chemicals that go into denim manufacturing. One such important component is enzyme finishing agents, like amylase enzyme is being used for denim garments. This denim manufacturing in reality produces tons of pollution to the environment and threatens personal health. Denim manufacturing in the past required a huge quantity of water. Dyeing and finishing or washing processes are major sources of wastewater pollution in this sector, and the resulting wastewater contains large amounts of dyestuff and alkaline chemicals, due to which with recent advancements, there have been many effective useful denim process chemicals like defoamers and antifoams that are environmentally friendly by design. Denim is a high quality and crush-resistant fabrics, due to which consumers have a high affinity towards it, due to which the denim process chemicals market demand is also growing and is expected to have a good future during the forecast period. 

COVID-19 Impact

The global market and demand for Denim process chemicals are severely affected by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The decline in industrial activities of textile, dyes, and chemicals due to pandemics hampered the growth of the denim process chemicals market. Owing to the lockdown implemented across all countries, both national and international transport has been hampered, which has significantly affected the supply chain of numerous industries across the globe, hence increasing the supply-demand gap. Various Global brands and retailers had to cancel the orders from their supplier factories, due to which many garment factories suspended their production which also suspended the raw material purchases, and affected the denim process chemicals market demand. However, as the pandemic is now slowly brought under control, the market will regain its normal growth pace across all regions. 

Report Coverage

The report: Denim Process Chemicals Market – Forecast (2022-2027)”, by IndustryARC, covers an in-depth analysis of the following segments of the denim process chemicals industry. 

By Yarn Spinning Chemicals: Polyamides, Elastane, Spandex – Polyurethane, and Acrylic.
By Pre-treatment Chemicals: Peroxide Stabilizer, Sourcing Agent, Desizing Agent, and Caustic Soda.
By Dyeing and Bleaching Agents: Sodium Hydroxide, Silicon Defoamers, Ammonia, Potassium Persulfate, Sodium Hydrosulfite and Bisulfite, and Others.
By Washing Agents: Amylase Enzyme, Acetic Acid, Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Hypochlorite, Hydrochloric acid, and Others.
By Finishing Agents: Silica, Potassium Permanganate, Polyurethanic Resins, Acrylic Resins (Formaldehyde), and Others.
By Geography: North America (USA, Canada, and Mexico), Europe (UK, Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Russia, Belgium, and Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand, Indonesia, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Rest of APAC), South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, and Rest of South America), Rest of the World (the Middle East and Africa).

Key Takeaways

  • North America mainly dominated the denim process chemicals market, owing to the rising urbanization and growing disposable income is expected to enhance the market growth, the demand for denim process chemicals is growing especially in the U.S. and Canada.
  • Notably growing fashion industry and rapid urbanization globally, are driving the growth of the market, also with constant product innovation within the market, and the rising living standards will drive the demand higher than ever. 
  • Fluctuations in the prices of these raw materials can impact the cost of production of Denim. Harmful environmental impacts and competition from substitute goods are a couple of other factors that hinder the expansion of the denim market. 
  • Asia Pacific region is projected to be the fastest-growing regional market, within the emerging countries due to the increasing usage of denim especially in China and India, during the forecast period.


Figure: North America Denim Process Chemicals Market Revenue, 2021-2027 (US$ Billion)

North America Denim Process Chemicals Market Revenue

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Denim Process Chemicals Market Segment Analysis – By Yarn Spinning Chemicals

The elastane segment held the largest share in the denim process chemicals market in 2021. Elastane contains around 85% polyurethane which is formed by the hybridization of polyester and polyurethane that originally became popular for clothing in the 1960s, due to which it can be stretched to some extent and comes back to its original shape when released. Elastane makes the denim strong, versatile, and lighter than rubber which makes it superior. The chemical composition of elastane gives it a stretching capacity of up to 600% of its original length. Due to its higher elasticity than cotton, elastane returns more closely to its original state after being stretched, reducing the amount of stress caused by high levels of physical activity. In general, Denim has a composition of 2%-10% elastane integrated into the cotton weave. With these advantages, elastane’s demand in denim process chemicals can be seen and will increase significantly, which contributes to increased business growth. 

Denim Process Chemicals Market Segment Analysis – By Pre-treatment Chemicals

The desizing agent segment held the largest share in the denim process chemicals market in 2021 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast period. Desizing agents help to get rid of the sizes from the warp threads after the weaving process and before further processing. Desizing is that the first wet wash process treatment is done on denim yarn, as the process offers additional strength and avoids the breakage of the yarn, where it is treated with ‘size’ starch during its weaving, and those starch and other chemicals that are involved in it are called desizing agents. The most common enzymes used for denim desizing are cellulase enzymes. Desizing Agents are the fastest-growing in the pre-treatment segment in the denim process chemicals market. During desizing, various types of chemicals are applied to the spined yarn, which is a procedure that is carried out by applying a protective adhesive coating on the yarn. The main objective of desizing is to supply strength and glaze to the denim yarn. This improves the denim weaving efficiency to reduce yarn breakage. The desizing agents used for desizing denim yarns constitute an integral part of the denim process chemicals market during the forecast period. 

Denim Process Chemicals Market Segment Analysis – By Dyeing and Bleaching Agents

The caustic soda segment held the largest share of more than 25% in the denim process chemicals market in 2021. Caustic soda is used to reduce and solubilize vat dyes in order to apply them to textiles, these solubilized dyes in the fibers are then oxidized by exposure to air in order that they become insoluble and fixed in place inside the fiber. The dye bath, which is one among the foremost important parts of denim process chemicals, contains all kinds of dye fixatives, oxidizing agents, reducing agents, and enzymes to bind the synthetic dye to the denim cotton fabric. Caustic soda is employed for several reasons like desizing, bleaching, etc. It removes the impurities from the fabric's surface. When the indigo dye is dissolved in caustic soda, the combination together makes it a good dyeing and bleaching agent. Indigo dye is classified as one of the oldest dyes used in denim and textiles. Presently in the market, indigo dye is easier and less expensive to make. Indigo can be produced naturally or synthetically, which is mainly used to dye cotton that is then used to make denim. The average amount of indigo required and utilized is feasible in a pair of jeans is 3-12g. Thus, these multiple advantages and uses of caustic soda associated with denim process chemicals are expected to boost the growth of the global denim process chemicals market. 

Denim Process Chemicals Market Segment Analysis – By Washing agents

The amylase enzyme segment held the largest share of more than 20% in the denim process chemicals market in 2021. Amylase Enzyme is one of the key enzymes used for the washing process, apart from that, cellulase and laccases are also used. These enzymes are biocatalysts that degrade hard starch present on the denim fabrics. It requires suitable conditions to act as a catalyst like temperature, Ph, the concentration of the solution, and small non-protein molecules as cofactors for these enzymes. But on the positive side, this enzyme wash is an environment-friendly process that involves the application of organic enzymes to digest the fabric and impart unique effects on the material. Once the specified colour is achieved, the enzyme's activity is often ceased by altering the alkalinity of their temperature. This process is comparatively cost-effective and involves the utilization of these enzymes with bleaching agents for more effective results and is the most commonly used chemical among denim washing chemicals. This denim washing agent is used not just to get rid of the unfixed dye, but also to disperse the removed dye into the bath and to stop it from re-attaching to the fiber. The usage and demand for amylase enzymes are projected to fuel the growth of the global denim process chemicals market over the forecast period. 

Denim Process Chemicals Market Segment Analysis – By Finishing Agents

The silica segment held the largest share in the denim process chemicals market in 2021 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.9% during the forecast period. The crystalline silica is used to give the denim a beaten-in look, where the silica is applied as a finishing agent coating that is prepared with the ‘sol-gel’ technique on the denim fabric, to give it a clean finish look. The application of silica-based finishing agent coatings will increase the air permeability of the denim fabric and also significantly improve the abrasion and tear strength of the denim fabrics to a particular extent. Silica also serves as a softener, which is a finishing agent that enhances the denim material and gives a pleasant touch to it, thus providing easy deformation and creasing of the fabric. Currently, the market for softeners is often a mixture of fatty acids and silica products of this type. The other mostly used finishing agents of denim fabric include potassium permanganate, polyurethanic resins, acrylic resins (formaldehyde), and others. silica-based finishing agents find their major application in denim process chemicals, which alone is driving the growth of the market massively. 

Denim Process Chemicals Market Segment Analysis – By Geography

North America region held the largest share in the denim process chemicals market in 2021 up to 32%. Sustainable denim clothing is gaining immense popularity, but not only in developed countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany, also in developing countries like China and India. As a result of which, there is an increase in the production of denim from sustainable materials and chemicals that represents a significant opportunity for denim process chemicals Market participants. North America’s denim industry holds the highest growth rate, due to the establishment of many key clothing retail brands’ presence in the continent, and therefore increasing the demand for denim process chemicals.

Secondly, Asia-pacific is exhibited to take over the largest share over the forecast period after North America, as it is expected to grow massively. Asia-Pacific is currently the second major consuming region for denim process chemicals due to its multiple denim manufacturing units. Moreover, the increasing consumption of denim products within the Asia-Pacific’s emerging countries like China, India, Bangladesh, and Vietnam, has contributed to a large extent to the demand for denim process chemicals. For instance, the Chinese overall manufacturing sector accounted for $4 trillion in 2019, which is nearly 30% of the country's total economic output, which is evident that the Chinese alone or Asia-Pacific will eventually take over the majority denim manufacturing share, and consequently the production and consumption of the denim process chemicals. Multinational companies are expanding their production units in Asian countries due to cheap labor costs, high economic growth rates, and favorable regulatory policies, again due to which Asia-Pacific is expected to hold a majority share during the forecast period. Hence, with all such growing usage and demand within the regions, the denim process chemicals market is predicted to witness healthy growth during the forecast period. 

Denim Process Chemicals Market Drivers

Growth due to its cost-effective and environment-friendly process

There is a strong growing awareness and governments imposing to reduce the usage of water-based and toxic chemicals in the manufacturing and processing of the fabrics, which is leading to the development of bio-based process chemicals and finishing agents coupled with the implementation of advanced technologies in emerging economies. These denim process chemicals include enzyme wash, which is an environment-friendly process involving the utilization of organic enzymes like the Amylase and Laccase enzymes, which is an alternative to the chemicals used in the bleaching of blue or indigo jeans, and it also imparts unique effects on the fabric material. It is a cost-effective process and includes the utilization of enzymes with a little amount of bleaching agents for more effective results. Abundant availability of raw materials at comparatively low prices and low production costs coupled with its advantages over lesser carbon emissions during the manufacturing process are a good number of the key factors that are going to provide more market opportunities to invest for the denim process chemicals industry during the forecast period. 

Increasing consumption of Denim clothing and apparel

Denim process chemicals in a small amount contain various applications in the denim manufacturing industry for the texture and effect it has. One of the major factors expected to drive the global market’s growth is the growing demand for fashionable apparel among the youth population and increased awareness of current fashion trends. Every year a total number of 1,240,000,000 pairs of denim jeans are sold around the world. The average number of jeans a person owns is 7 pairs. Another factor expected to fuel target market growth is the availability of denim in casual wear, as well as a wide range of colours and shades using these denim process chemicals. Changing lifestyles combined with rising disposable income among the young population and the accelerating fashion industry and the urbanization of developed and developing countries has been one of the major factors that have stimulated the growth of this denim and its manufacturing process chemicals sector, where the US, Canada, China, and other European countries are the largest consumer of denim products and denim process chemicals in the world, which are projected to generate huge demand adding to the growth of the denim process chemicals market globally. 

Denim Process Chemicals Market Challenges

Non-availability and lack of awareness in smaller units and economies

Environmentalists around the world are much concerned about how to properly dispose of chemicals, used clothing, and plastics. The use of huge amounts of hazardous chemicals and high greenhouse emissions during the manufacturing of denim has harmed the environment. As a result, denim manufacturers are focusing on effectively controlling chemical consumption to scale back the degrading environmental effects by adopting sustainable practices. But in some places and small manufacturing units of denim, due to the lack of awareness and non-availability or the not so easily available of the bio-based denim process chemicals, has restricted the broad penetration of the market growth into these places, and their usage of conventional chemicals is harming the environment.

Denim Process Chemicals Market Landscape

Technology launches, acquisitions, and R&D activities are key strategies adopted by players in the denim process chemicals market. Denim process chemicals top 10 companies include: 

  1. Huntsman International LLC
  2. Organic Dyes and Pigments LLC
  3. BASF SE
  4. The Dow Chemical Company
  5. Garmon Chemicals
  6. Denimist Chemical Company
  7. Asutex
  8. AB Enzymes
  9. Pulcra Chemicals
  10. McTron. 

Recent Developments

  • In September 2021, Huntsman International Textile Effects brought in a couple of innovations in their textile dyes, chemicals, and digital inks to iconic brands and retailers around the world. The company claim that their textile solutions provide color and enhance the aesthetic, durability, and performance of finished textiles, including functionality such as wrinkle resistance and water and stain repellence. 

Relevant Reports

Report Code: CMR 1327 

Report Code: CMR 13625

For more Chemicals and Materials Market reports, please click here

1. Denim Process Chemicals Market- Market Overview
    1.1 Definitions and Scope
2. Denim Process Chemicals Market - Executive Summary
    2.1 Key Trends by Yarn Spinning Chemicals
    2.2 Key Trends by Pre-treatment Chemicals
    2.3 Key Trends by Dyeing and Bleaching Agents
    2.4 Key Trends by Washing Agents
    2.5 Key Trends by Finishing Agents
    2.6 Key Trends by Geography
3. Denim Process Chemicals Market – Comparative analysis
    3.1 Market Share Analysis- Major Companies
    3.2 Product Benchmarking- Major Companies
    3.3 Top 5 Financials Analysis
    3.4 Patent Analysis- Major Companies
    3.5 Pricing Analysis (ASPs will be provided)
4. Denim Process Chemicals Market - Startup companies Scenario Premium Premium
    4.1 Major startup company analysis:
        4.1.1 Investment
        4.1.2 Revenue
        4.1.3 Product portfolio
        4.1.4 Venture Capital and Funding Scenario
5. Denim Process Chemicals Market – Industry Market Entry Scenario Premium Premium
    5.1 Regulatory Framework Overview
    5.2 New Business and Ease of Doing Business Index
    5.3 Successful Venture Profiles
    5.4 Customer Analysis – Major companies
6. Denim Process Chemicals Market - Market Forces
    6.1 Market Drivers
    6.2 Market Constraints
    6.3 Porters Five Force Model
        6.3.1 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
        6.3.2 Bargaining Powers of Buyers
        6.3.3 Threat of New Entrants
        6.3.4 Competitive Rivalry
        6.3.5 Threat of Substitutes
7. Denim Process Chemicals Market – Strategic Analysis
    7.1 Value/Supply Chain Analysis
    7.2 Opportunity Analysis
    7.3 Product/Market Life Cycle
    7.4 Distributor Analysis – Major Companies
8. Denim Process Chemicals Market – By Yarn Spinning Chemicals (Market Size -$Million/Billion)
    8.1 Polyamides
    8.2 Elastane
    8.3 Spandex – Polyurethane
    8.4 Acrylic
9. Denim Process Chemicals Market – By Pre-treatment Chemicals (Market Size -$Million/Billion)
    9.1 Peroxide Stabilizer
    9.2 Sourcing Agent
    9.3 Desizing Agent
    9.4 Caustic Soda
10. Denim Process Chemicals Market– By Dyeing and Bleaching Agents (Market Size -$Million/Billion)
    10.1 Sodium Hydroxide
    10.2 Silicon Defoamers
    10.3 Ammonia
    10.4 Potassium Persulfate
    10.5 Sodium Hydrosulfite and Bisulfite
    10.6 Others
11. Denim Process Chemicals Market– Washing Agents (Market Size -$Million/Billion)
    11.1 Amylase Enzymes
    11.2 Acetic Acid
    11.3 Sodium Carbonate
    11.4 Sodium Hypochlorite
    11.5 Hydrochloric Acid
    11.6 Others
12. Denim Process Chemicals Market– By Finishing Agents (Market Size -$Million/Billion)
    12.1 Silica
    12.2 Potassium Permanganate
    12.3 Polyurethanic Resins
    12.4 Acrylic Resins (Formaldehyde)
    12.5 Others
13. Denim Process Chemicals Market- By Geography (Market Size -$Million/Billion)
    13.1 North America
        13.1.1 USA
        13.1.2 Canada
        13.1.3 Mexico
    13.2 Europe
        13.2.1 UK
        13.2.2 Germany
        13.2.3 France
        13.2.4 Italy
        13.2.5 Netherlands
        13.2.6 Spain
        13.2.7 Russia
        13.2.8 Belgium
        13.2.9 Rest of Europe
    13.3 Asia-Pacific
        13.3.1 China
        13.3.2 Japan
        13.3.3 India
        13.3.4 South Korea
        13.3.5 Australia and New Zealand
        13.3.6 Indonesia
        13.3.7 Taiwan
        13.3.8 Malaysia
        13.3.9 Rest of APAC
    13.4 South America
        13.4.1 Brazil
        13.4.2 Argentina
        13.4.3 Colombia
        13.4.4 Chile
        13.4.5 Rest of South America
    13.5 Rest of the World
        13.5.1 Middle East
            13.5.1.1 Saudi Arabia
            13.5.1.2 UAE
            13.5.1.3 Israel
            13.5.1.4 Rest of the Middle East
        13.5.2 Africa
            13.5.2.1 South Africa
            13.5.2.2 Nigeria
            13.5.2.3 Rest of Africa
14. Denim Process Chemicals Market– Entropy
    14.1 New Product Launches
    14.2 M&As, Collaborations, JVs and Partnerships
15. Denim Process Chemicals Market– Industry / Segment Competition landscape Premium Premium
    15.1 Company Benchmarking Matrix – Major Companies
    15.2 Market Share at Global Level - Major companies
    15.3 Market Share by Key Region - Major companies
    15.4 Market Share by Key Country - Major companies
    15.5 Market Share by Key Application - Major companies
    15.6 Market Share by Key Product Type/Product category - Major companies
16. Denim Process Chemicals Market– Key Company List by Country Premium Premium
17. Denim Process Chemicals Market Company Analysis - Business Overview, Product Portfolio, Financials, and Developments
    17.1 Company 1
    17.2 Company 2
    17.3 Company 3
    17.4 Company 4
    17.5 Company 5
    17.6 Company 6
    17.7 Company 7
    17.8 Company 8
    17.9 Company 9
    17.10 Company 10 and more
"*Financials would be provided on a best efforts basis for private companies"