Lyocell fiber supply and demand have maintained a nearly 40% growth rate in the past two years, while nonwoven fabric output surpassed 9 million tons for the first time in 2025. These figures reflect the real momentum of bio-based chemical fibers moving from labs to industrial scale. At the 2026 Bio-based Chemical Fiber and Raw Material Industry Chain Collaborative Innovation Exchange held in Changshu, the message was clear: green transition is no longer a slogan but a matter of market access and global supply chain positioning.
Data Behind the Turning Point
Jin Gaoling, Vice President of the China Chemical Fibers Association, noted that bio-based fibers achieved leapfrog growth during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, but the localization of key monomers—such as high-purity lactic acid, lactide, and furan dicarboxylic acid—remains a top priority. These raw materials have long relied on imports, raising costs and limiting capacity expansion. Whoever breaks through on raw materials first will control pricing and supply chain leverage.
Meanwhile, Lyocell's near 40% growth is not policy-driven hype but real demand from downstream fabric makers and brands. Nonwovens output exceeding 9 million tons, with disposable hygiene products and wipes as major applications, makes biodegradable raw materials a hot spot. For buyers, this means more supply channels and categories, but quality stability and cost curves still require careful evaluation.
Technology Routes and Resource Restructuring
Academician Cheng Bowen proposed a full-chain research system from mechanism tracing to technology breakthroughs, applications, and standards. Key technologies include cellulose swelling and dissolution, and Lyocell spinning. These details determine fiber strength, hand feel, and processability, directly affecting how fabric mills adapt when replacing traditional synthetic fibers. Wang Huaping from Donghua University predicted that green fibers will significantly increase their share in the overall structure, provided they achieve the leap from 'technically feasible' to 'market feasible.'
Raw material diversification is another critical path. Straw, corn cobs, fungus grass, and bamboo are repeatedly mentioned—not only to reduce petroleum dependence but also to add value to agricultural waste. For mills, diverse sources mean stronger supply chain resilience, but also risks of quality variation across batches. Xinxiang Chemical Fiber's ionic liquid method has achieved non-derivatized green dissolution of cellulose, with its 'Shousail' thousand-ton production line running steadily, offering a scalable industrial model.
Standards and Market Access Race
Zhang Qian from the China National Textile and Apparel Council emphasized that green development has evolved from an environmental issue to a survival issue for market access. International green trade rules are tightening; without timely standards for bio-based content, biodegradability, and carbon footprint, exports may face hidden barriers. The association's 'Excellent Fiber Selection' project builds a full-chain traceability system and carbon footprint disclosure mechanism, aiming to close the quality loop from fiber to garment.
For companies, green manufacturing capability is no longer optional. Yisheng New Materials optimizes PLA fiber performance through copolymerization and blending, covering 3D printing and eco-fiber fields. Jiangsu Sanlian New Materials offers a bio-based polyester filament matrix with cooling and other functions, upgrading from 'green raw materials' to 'functional fibers.' These cases show that competition is shifting from single eco-attributes to integrated aesthetics, performance, and sustainability, giving brands and buyers more low-carbon yet functional choices.