Nylon Monofilament Market By Product Type (Nylon 6, Nylon 66, Nylon 610, Nylon 612, Other Nylon Types); By Application (Fishing Nets and Lines, Medical Devices, Automotive, Textile Industry, Agriculture, Consumer Goods, Industrial Use); By Diameter (Below 0.10 mm, 0.10 mm - 0.30 mm, 0.31 mm - 0.50 mm, Above 0.50 mm); By End-Use Industry (Agriculture & Fisheries, Healthcare & Medical, Automotive, Textiles, Industrial Manufacturing, Consumer Goods); By Geography, Segment revenue estimation, Forecast, 2024–2032.

The nylon monofilament market was worth USD 1.35 billion in 2023 and will be worth USD 1.99 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.0% during the forecast period.

 

Nylon monofilament is manufactured by melting and combining polymers, then extruding the mixture through perforations to form lines of varying thicknesses. Nylon monofilament combines components in an extruder machine, then draws, winds, and extrudes from a die head.  Due to its characteristics, nylon monofilament is frequently employed in various applications. It is commonly used in fishing nets and lines because of its strength and water transparency. Because of its toughness and biocompatibility, nylon monofilament is utilized in dentistry floss and surgical sutures in the medical field. Additionally, it finds use in agriculture for plant support structures, in the textile sector for weaving, and in automobile components like belts and hoses.

 

Market Dynamics

The market for nylon monofilament is driven by its growing use in industrial applications, as its special qualities make it perfect for high-stress industrial settings. Nylon monofilaments are used extensively in wire insulation, protective netting, conveyor belts, and industrial filtration systems because of their exceptional strength, flexibility, and chemical and abrasion resistance. According to the European Union's Industrial Production Index, the need for synthetic materials in industrial textiles, such as filtration and conveyor systems, is increasing by about 3% a year. For instance, nylon monofilament is a popular option for industries like mining and wastewater treatment that need robust filtration systems that can withstand abrasion from harsh materials and handle heavy loads.  

Furthermore, the growing demand for nylon monofilament in the textile sector is a key driver of industry growth. This is due to its qualities, such as durability, mechanical strength, and elasticity, which make it ideal for advanced textile applications. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, the growth rate of synthetics in the U.S. textile industry is estimated to be 4% per year, varying by fiber type. For example, Nike's Dri-FIT technology, used in a range of Nike-branded products, incorporates nylon to enhance stretch and improve ventilation, contributing to superior sportswear performance.

 

Market expansion is hampered by government regulations limiting the use of nylon monofilament yarn and price fluctuations for raw materials.

 

The increasing consumer preference towards environmentally sustainable and recycled nylon is a major opportunity for the nylon monofilament market. In the current trend, sustainability concepts have become paramount in the textile and fashion industries, creating the need for sustainable materials other than virgin nylon. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation Section also reveals that the textile circular economy is expected to expand because the leading fashion brands are keen on less dependence on virgin plastics. For instance, Patagonia and Adidas have used recycled nylon on specific products, which has led to a 30% decrease in carbon emissions on raw materials. This change is supported by the industry from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), which encourages using recycled materials to reduce the adverse effects on the environment. The increased need for recycled monofilament products gives nylon manufacturers a chance to expand their market niche, embrace the new sustainability trend, and fulfill the customers’ expectations of using environmentally friendly products.

 

Market Segmentation

By Product Type

• Nylon 6

• Nylon 66

• Nylon 610

• Nylon 612

• Other Nylon Types

 

By Application

• Fishing Nets and Lines

• Medical Devices

• Automotive

• Textile Industry

• Agriculture (e.g., plant support)

• Consumer Goods

• Industrial Use

 

By Diameter

• Below 0.10 mm

• 0.10 mm - 0.30 mm

• 0.31 mm - 0.50 mm

• Above 0.50 mm

 

By End-Use Industry

• Agriculture & Fisheries

• Healthcare & Medical

• Automotive

• Textiles

• Industrial Manufacturing

• Consumer Goods

 

By Region

North America

• US

• Mexico

• Canada

• Rest of North America

 

Europe

• Switzerland

• Russia

• France

• Germany

• U.K

• Finland

• Turkey

• Netherlands

• Belgium

• Spain

• Italy

• Rest of Europe

 

Asia Pacific

• India

• China

• South Korea

• Japan

• Singapore

• Thailand

• Indonesia

• Malaysia

• Philippines

• Australia

• Rest of Asia-Pacific

 

LAMEA

• Brazil

• Argentina

• Uruguay

• Saudi Arabia

• Rest of LAMEA

 

On the basis of type, Nylon 6 segment dominated the market with the largest revenue share of 45.6% in 2023 due to its versatility, strength, and cost-effectiveness across multiple applications. Nylon 6 is extensively applied in textiles, fishing, and automotive industries owing to its high tensile strength and abrasive resistance, desirable characteristics for the industries’ end products.

 

Asia-Pacific is the largest consumed area in the nylon monofilament market owing to the strong manufacturing industry, advanced textile market, and rising need for high-performance goods in various industries. The Asian-Pacific area alone is said to be responsible for over 60% of the total textile production in the world, with countries like China, India, and Vietnam major practitioners. The China National Textile and Apparel Council data indicated that textile exports rose by approximately $316 billion in 2022, demanding nylon monofilament in garments, hosiery, and industrial textiles. Moreover, the fishing sector of Japan and South Korea specifically uses nylon monofilament lines for any fishing, creating a stronger hold of the region. A recent addition to this trend is the nylon production expansion that Japan-based Toray Industries embarked on in 2023 to increase its nylon manufacturing capacity in Japan to continue to deal with rising domestic and export market demands for environment-friendly nylon monofilament. This expansion demonstrates regional leadership and ongoing commitment to moving nylon forward as a strategic material for regional and international markets.

 

Key Players

• Toray Industries, Inc.

• BASF SE

• DuPont

• Superfil Products Ltd.

• Ashley Polymers Inc.

• Nextrusion GmbH

• Engineered Monofilaments Corporation

• Jarden Applied Materials

• Perlon

• Teijin Limited