Copper may be dominating the business pages these days given its importance to the global economy, but it’s impact on the fabrics we wear or use is also making news.
The interest in copper based textiles for health or hygiene has been slowly growing for the last decade. In fact the global market for copper-based yarns was valued at around $1.2B in 2023, but is expected to top $2.7B by 2032, a growth rate of nearly 10%.
There’s a lot of reasons for the boom, but increased demand for antimicrobial textiles following the Covid pandemic, innovations in textile technology and rising consumer awareness about the health benefits associated with copper-infused fabrics are some of the biggest.
Copper already had a healthy profile even before companies began making clothing out of it. Twenty years ago Antimicrobial Copper emerged based on studies showing that surfaces incorporating it significantly reduced bacteria and viruses, and helped stop the spread of germs in hospitals and other healthcare related sites.
While that market is still evolving, manufacturers of a range of other consumer products from socks, underwear, sports gear, sheets and even curtains took notice. These products either blend copper fibres directly with yarns or coat the yarn with a thin layer of copper alloy before weaving, but it’s a fast moving market as technologies improve.
The aim with the whole array of copper infused textiles is to build in ‘always on’ health benefits, ranging from helping to fight germs reduce odours, manage sweat, regulate body temperatures, stay durable and improve skin health.
Some retailers even say copper can help alleviate joint pain like arthritis, improve circulation and improve muscle recovery. The growing popularity of copper infused textiles suggests consumers agree, but like any claims from manufacturers it’s always advisable to do your research first before purchasing.
The Asia Pacific is expected to be a major market for copper-based yarns textiles going forward, driven by the robust textile manufacturing industry in countries like China and India, and a strong consumer interest in healthy lifestyles.
In a world looking for authenticity, the claim that copper is both natural, durable, healthy and endlessly recyclable, suggests copper infused textiles have a lot going for them.