Rouhollah Ahmadi, chief executive of Arman Bespan Sepahan, told a panel on synthetic fiber technology and dyeing challenges at the IranPlast exhibition that producers aim to replicate the properties of natural fibers while benefiting from the cost and durability advantages of synthetics.
"Polyester is the most widely used fiber in textiles such as clothing, carpets and rugs," Ahmadi said, adding that China leads the world with a 72% share of polyester production, followed by India, the United States, Taiwan and South Korea.
He noted that synthetic fibers, often produced from recycled feedstocks, are increasingly blended with natural fibers such as cotton, with ratios reaching 70-to-30 in some apparel. Lower cost has also driven strong demand globally and in Iran.
According to Ahmadi, population growth, higher living standards and the limitations of natural fiber production, such as declining cotton cultivation, have spurred the expansion of synthetics. Additional advantages include improved strength, resistance to insects and rot, and higher production efficiency compared with natural fibers.
Ahmadi said polyester has become the fastest-growing fiber segment worldwide, accounting for 36% of all fiber production by the late 20th century and projected to rise to about 60% by 2025.
Still, he highlighted challenges facing the downstream industry, particularly in color dyeing. "A limited number of suppliers of specialized masterbatches, unstable shade consistency, inadequate durability – especially under light and abrasion – and high filtration costs remain major obstacles," he said. "These issues raise expenses and shorten the lifespan of equipment such as ceramics and texturizing machines."