Summary

The global organic textiles market has seen significant growth despite a slowdown in the overall textile market in the first half of 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The market for eco-friendly fibers, valued at USD 40.58 billion, is growing at a CAGR of 4.6% forecast to 2027. A notable increase in GOTS organic certification among companies indicates this push, rising by 34% to over 10,000 certified companies across 72 countries by 2020, with significant growth in India, Europe and China.

France, despite recording a drop in overall textile market revenues to 13.3 billion euros in 2020, partly due to the pandemic, has seen a steady increase in the adoption of organic textiles. The share of organic textiles in France is set to increase, supported by the shift in production towards organic materials and local manufacturing, which is fueled by consumer demand for sustainable and responsibly produced products.

The market structure is mainly composed of SMEs, with 90% of companies employing fewer than 10 people, and is subject to a complex regulatory environment that is evolving towards greater transparency and environmental responsibility. Demand for organic textiles in France is underpinned by consumers' growing preference for sustainability and quality over price, with e-commerce becoming a major driver of sales in the sector.

Despite challenges, including higher raw material costs and strong international competition, the French organic textiles market remains poised for growth, pullingt for growth, leveraging its skilled workforce, technological and digital integration, and government support through various initiatives.

Organic textiles: the rise of ecological consumption in France

The French organic textiles market is poised for robust growth, fueled by growing consumer demand for quality, eco-friendly and socially responsible fabrics. Despite a slight reduction in sales for the textile sector as a whole due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the organic textiles segment proved remarkably resilient and even expanded during this period. French consumers are showing a growing preference for organic options, with statistics showing a steady increase in the segment of the population opting for organic textile products.

Demand for organic textiles is fueled by changing consumer attitudes towards "fast fashion", a system characterized by rapid turnover and frequently questioned for its environmental and ethical impacts. as more and more information on the sustainability of clothing becomes available, French consumers are increasingly looking for organic and natural materials, even if this means paying a higher price for these quality products. This trend is also evident in the growing number of start-ups and major clothing brands investing in organic materials and transparent sourcing methods, which means a powerful mix of demand and market opportunity that producers are eager to seize.

In the world of online searches that reflect consumer interest, there has been a notable increase linked to respect for the environment and sustainability. Searches incorporating terms such as "organic cotton" have increased by 20-25%, while those for "biodegradable" items have risen by 5-15%.

Recycled sporting goods are also attracting considerable interest, with searches for sustainable brands soaring, indicating a strong and growing market segment for eco-friendly textiles online.

French consumers still attach great importance to price, aesthetics and quality in their clothing purchases. However, a significant proportion also attach importance to aspects such as the use of recycled materials, ethical production conditions and the presence of certifications. Even if this only concerns a minority, current concerns and the importance attached to sustainable development are likely to grow over time.

Overall, with new consumer expectations shaping the French market, the cumulative effect is a greater opportunity for organic textiles to gain significant traction. These products can establish themselves not only as an ethically and environmentally superior choice, but also as a driver of the industry's economic vitality. The trend towards organic textiles in France can therefore be seen not as a passing fad, but as a lasting shift towards more conscious consumerism and a forward-looking market.

Key influencers shaping the landscape of the organic textiles industry

Pioneers of sustainability in textile production

The organic textiles market is characterized by a dynamic set of players who are spearheading the movement towards sustainable, eco-friendly fashion. These key players influence the market at different levels of the value chain, from raw material production to retail.

  • Carrefour: A retail giant that has ventured into organic textiles, Carrefour introduced its organic range in 2014 with the Tex Bio brand, demonstrating its commitment to eco-friendly fashion.
  • Hermès: Renowned for its luxury products, Hermès maintains a network of subcontractors and subsidiaries to ensure a steady supply of high-quality organic textiles, underlining the viability of sustainable practices in the luxury sector.
  • UGG: UGG is the leader in the sustainable use of wool. Its commitment to ethical sourcing and environmentally-friendly materials sets an example for the footwear industry.

Champions of organic and recycled fabrics

  • La Gentle Factory: This French startup represents a growing number of eco-conscious brands dedicated to producing clothing from organic textiles, including organic cotton and plant-based materials, with the aim of establishing sustainable and supportive supply chains.
  • Patagonia and Veja: Brands like Patagonia and Veja are strong market players that consistently use products made from 100% organic cotton. Their positioning reflects the growing trend among consumers to make ethical and sustainable fashion choices.

PROMOTERS for authentic, traceable textiles

  • Organic Fabrics: Distributors such as Organic Fabrics incorporate sliding-scale pricing strategies to meet diverse customer needs and promote the wider use of organic textiles.
  • Sevelia: Riding the e-commerce wave, Sevelia is one of a number of digital platforms specializing in organic products, helping to propel demand for organic textiles through accessibility and consumer convenience.

Certifiers and regulators guarantee industry standards

  • Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): A renowned international organization, GOTS certifies organic textiles, ensuring that products meet the highest environmental and social standards throughout the production process.

The regional pillars of organic fiber production

  • Naturellement Chanvre: This brand, with its original product offering, targets a segment that values natural hemp products and sustainable cultivation methods.

Each of these players has a distinct role to play in fostering the growth of the organic textiles market, from advocating sustainable fabrics to establishing robust certifications. They contribute to a more responsible textile sector, responding to both growing consumer demand and market evolution.

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  • Number of pages : 30 pages
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  • Last update : 09/11/2021
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Summary and extracts

1 Market overview

1.1 Presentation and definition of the market

Organic or biological textiles are textile made from organically grown fibres These are woven and then ennobled by a process that uses a limited number of harmful or polluting substances. The the most commonly used traditional organic fibres are cotton, wool, linen and hemp from organic farming and breeding

The three main activities of the organic textile industry are the production of yarns, the production of fabrics and the processing of fabrics (dyeing...).

The organic textile market continues to grow and seems to have a bright future ahead of it due to the awareness of consumers and professionals of the dangers of "conventional" textiles for health and their impact on the environment. This market is young but very dynamic as shown by the increasing number of hectares of land under organic farming in the world.

The main uses of organic textiles are clothing, technical textiles and other textiles (household linen, tarpaulins and other textile surfaces, etc.). The distribution of organic textiles differs little from the conventional textile model.

There are many players in the market:

  • Producers of organic raw materials from agriculture or breeding.
  • Producers of plant and animal fibres used to create textiles.
  • Artisans and industrialists transforming textiles (weaving, assembly and finishing of textiles).
  • Companies using textiles as a semi-finished product.
  • Distributors and retailers selling assembled textiles (ready-to-wear, haberdashery).
  • Regulatory and product certification bodies.

 

List of charts

  • Countries with the highest growth in GOTS certifications
  • Top ten countries by GOTS certification
  • Share of product categories in textile production
  • Evolution of the turnover of the textile industry
  • Evolution of imports and exports in the textile industry
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Latest news

Kleman opens in Paris. - 12/06/2023
  • Kleman boutique address: 52, rue du Temple, Paris (IVth arrondissement)
  • Store area: 50 m² (538 sq. ft.)
  • Year Kleman brand created: 1988
  • Average price of Kleman shoes: 150 to 220 euros
  • Number of Kleman outlets: around 80 selective outlets worldwide
All about Nudie Jeans. - 10/05/2023
  • Year of creation: 2001
  • Founder: Maria Erixon Levin
  • Origin: Sweden
  • Denim type: Dry-washed
  • Materials used: organic cotton
Ethical and desirable: Noyoco - 09/05/2023
  • Noyoco is a French brand born in 2014.
  • The first Noyoco ready-to-wear collection was launched in 2015.
  • Up to 70% of the brand's garments on certain collections are made from upcycled materials.
  • The majority of Noyoco garments are made in Romania.
  • Clean Denim is made from 83% recycled cotton and 17% organic cotton.
  • The 211 sneakers are made from recycled leather in Portugal and have recycled tire soles.
ABN Amro launches Colorful Standard impact fund - 04/05/2023
  • Colorful Standard, founded in 2018 by Tue Deleuran
  • Average growth of 100% over first four years of operation
  • 49% of capital sold to Dutch bank ABN Amro's impact fund
  • Investment estimated at over 10 million euros
  • ABN Amro SIF has 425 million euros available for responsible companies
  • The brand has eight boutiques (two in Paris, two in London, one in Antwerp, one in Berlin, one in Zurich and one in Copenhagen) and distribution through over 1,000 retailers.
Belledonne sneakers: a perfect classic. - 19/04/2023
  • Belledonne is a sustainable sneaker brand inspired by the Belledonne mountain range in the Alps.
  • Founders Mikael and Antonin draw inspiration from the history of the sneaker to create unique, unisex designs.
  • Sustainability is a crucial objective for the brand, both in terms of the materials used and the design.
  • All Belledonne tannery partners are Gold certified by the Leather Working Group.
  • Belledonne sneakers are produced in an 80-strong family-owned factory in Saint-Jean de Madeira, Portugal.
  • Belledonne has been mentioned alongside other eco-responsible brands such as Coltesse, OLOW and N'go.
Patagonia: Exceptional ecological commitment. - 03/11/2022
  • Hundreds of millions of dollars a year: profits dedicated to the environment
  • Forty-nine years of Patagonia's commitment to the environment
  • 2025 goal: use only recycled or organic materials
  • 95% of Patagonia's emissions come from manufacturing and transporting its products
  • 1% of Patagonia sales donated to 1,000 NGOs since 1985
  • 6,000 members of 1% for the Planet (including 1,000 in France)

Companies quoted in this study

This study contains a complete overview of the companies in the market, with the latest figures and news for each company. :

Armor Lux
Les Tissages de Charlieu
Tenthorey
Amandine Cha
Filabio
Bonobo
Kelcom / Stanley Stella
ARDECHO 07
Naturellement chanvre
Verne et Clet
Biotissus
Fibre Bio

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