The silk market - France

The global silk market is estimated at between $25 and $30 billion. The market for silk and silk-based products remains anchored in luxury textiles, high-end household linen, and increasingly in the cosmetics, medical and pharmaceutical sectors due to silk's biodegradable and biocompatible properties.

There is a strong demand for sustainable, responsible fashion that favors natural materials such as silk, perceived as having less impact on the environment.

The Coronavirus crisis in 2020 hit luxury brands like Hermès with a 23% drop in their Silk and Textiles sector.

Silk demand trends and market overview in France

Market dynamics reflect a clear penchant for products that combine traditional elegance with contemporary ethical standards.

In France, silk retains its reputation as a high-quality, luxury fabric. Although silk accounts for just 0.2% of the global textile fiber market, it is used by major players in the luxury sector, such as Hermès and Chanel, for its exceptional properties of comfort, softness and elegance.

France specializes in the production of luxury silk items such as the iconic Hermès carré.

Although much silk manufacturing has moved out of France, to China, India and Brazil, French companies are investing in local manufacturing. The value of silk fabric production is between 50 and 70 million euros. It represents almost 20% of European production, making it a key player alongside giants such as Italy.

Demand for silk products from luxury brands is considerable. These brands are investing in the silk supply chain, from production to manufacturing processes in France.

Beyond luxury textiles, the household linen segment is promising, with brands like Yves Delorme propelling the "made in France" image and capitalizing on silk's appeal in their high-end product lines.

The cosmetics industry, riding the wave of silk's beneficial natural properties for skin and hair, presents a booming demand for this versatile fiber.

Trends indicate a growing awareness of sustainable and responsible fashion, with natural materials such as silk favored over synthetics because of their lower environmental impact. The notion of local manufacturing also plays a role in consumer preferences.

Key players in the silk industry: Masters of elegance and expertise

• The silk industry boasts a mosaic of distinguished players, each making a unique contribution to the fabric of the market. These key players, mentioned throughout this overview, are the embodiment of luxury, tradition and innovation, and uphold the delicate balance between heritage and avant-garde.

Luxury brands

• Among the titans of luxury, Chanel and Hermès take pride of place. These brands are not only symbols of opulence and fashion; they also invest deeply in the silk industry. With holdings in sericulture, weaving and finishing, they ensure that the quality and artistry of their silk products remain second to none. Hermès, known for its iconic silk scarves, prides itself on controlling every stage of production, lending a touch of artisanal excellence to every piece.

High-end linen brands

• Brands such as Fremaux-Delorme (Yves Delorme, Olivier Desforges) and Linvosges are revitalizing the field of high-end linens by integrating silk into their luxurious product lines, giving them the rich texture and comfort sought after by discerning consumers worldwide.

publishers and fabric suppliers

• Fabric publisher SOC Pierre Frey is the guardian of textile heritage, bringing new life to classic designs with a modern twist.
• They join the ranks of dedicated weavers such as Perrin Weaving and Etablissements Denis et Fils, who have made silk weaving an art in its own right.
• At the heart of the industry's transformation process, spinning mills like The Millings of Riotord and finishing specialists like Hugotag Ennoblissement play a crucial role in perfecting silk just before it graces the showrooms and wardrobes of the elite.

Innovative young companies

• The sector heralds the rise of start-ups such as Sericyne, which is at the cutting edge of silk technology. Bringing innovative techniques and sustainable practices, Sericyne is redefining the possibilities of silk, from luxury fashion to utilitarian medical applications.

Supporting regional expertise

• Regions like Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes are not just geographical; they are the heart of silk history. Here, companies such as Weavers Perrins and Sfate, as well as finishers like Proverbio, take responsibility for maintaining age-old know-how.

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : ~ 40 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 06/09/2021

Summary and extracts

List of charts presented in this market study

• Size of the global silk market
• Evolution of the production value of silk fabrics or silk waste
• Sales for the Hermès Group's Silk and Textiles activity
• Change in sales index for household linen companies
• Which of these materials has the worst impact on the environment?
• Where do you think a fashion item has to be produced to be considered "sustainable"?
• In your opinion, to be sustainable, a fashion item must be made from what?
• Foreign trade in various silk and silk waste accessories