Published September 2022
Cellulose acetate and triacetate fibers are derived from acetylated cellulose. Cellulose acetate is used primarily in the production of cigarette filter tow, which is used in the majority of cigarette filters worldwide. The filter tow helps remove tar and nicotine while maintaining favorable taste to the smoker. It also provides the desired hardness/firmness in the filter mouth feel; a uniform, white appearance at the end of an unlighted cigarette; is readily processed; and is cost-effective. In cellulose acetate textile fibers, the fabrics made provide comfort along with a soft and good drape, and have platability and ease-of-care characteristics.
The following pie chart shows world consumption of cellulose acetate cigarette filter tow:
Global acetate tow demand decreased from 2016 to 2019. The decrease was driven by declining global cigarette use and a declining number of smokers. Smoking-related health issues, government restrictions on public smoking, increasing taxation, competition from electronic cigarettes, and weaker economies all contributed to this trend. However, restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic changed lifestyle habits and drove cigarette consumption in many regions. Although global cigarette consumption accelerated between 2020 and 2021, the phasing out of pandemic-related restrictions in most regions along with economic recovery has generally reduced stress levels among many populations, leading to lower cigarette consumption in many regions in 2022. However, cigarette consumption in mainland China is estimated to increase in 2022 from 2019 levels and potentially offset the global cigarette reduction. Besides mainland China, cigarette consumption growth in the Middle East and Africa is also contributing to offset the global cigarette reduction. In 2022, cigarette consumption for most regions is contracting, and total consumption of filter tow has slightly declined from 2019 levels. Because of factors such as changes in smoking habits, increased health concerns, smoking ban regulations, high taxes, competition from e-cigarettes, and the phasing out of pandemic restrictions, it is still expected that consumption of cigarette filter tow will decline in the near term.
The overall cellulose acetate fibers market is expected to be flat by 2027. For cigarette filter tow, the market will slightly contract and declines in demand will continue in North America, Europe, and Japan; mainland China is expected to decline slightly, while the Other Asia region (which includes Indonesia, Vietnam, and India) is anticipated to grow quickly from a small base. Global cellulose acetate textile fibers demand will increase mainly with support from healthy growth in mainland China, where new apparel applications and increased exports of finished clothing will lead to increased demand. The Middle East and Africa region is also anticipated to grow quickly from a small base. Other regions are expected to record flat or modest growth.
Future filter tow demand growth may come from production of longer filters to reduce tar and increasing filter production in areas where they are currently not used, such as parts of Asia; there is also the possibility of growing existing markets such as targeting female smokers in certain countries. However, acetate filter tow use could be limited by additional smoking regulations, increased social pressures concerning smoking, as well as increasing competition from electronic cigarettes. For cellulose acetate textile fibers, developing new markets other than apparel or home furnishings could lead to growth opportunities.
For more detailed information, see the table of contents, shown below.
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