Dyestuff makers

Special Feature

DyStar Follows the Rising Star of Fibers

1. Fiber Trends: The Rise and Rise of Polyester

After the dramatic growth of polyester fiber consumption through the 1990s, which more than doubled in the decade, polyester is poised to overtake cotton as the world's leading textile fiber in the near future.

Statistics show that 2001 was a relatively poor year for polyester, with estimated growth of only 1% in fiber production worldwide, a reflection of the poor economic climate and an unusually strong year for cotton, due to a very favorable harvest.

However, the indications are that 2001 is likely to be little more than a temporary blip in …