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Fashion Value Chain
05-05-2025
- Business
- Fashion Value Chain
IDTechEx Tracks Growth in Sustainable Bio-Based Leathers
With rising environmental concerns around traditional leather, companies are turning to innovative alternatives. The latest IDTechEx report, 'Emerging Alternative Leathers 2024–2034', explores this shift, profiling over 70 companies and projecting strong growth in the sustainable leather market. Why Leather Alternatives Matter Over 20 billion sq. ft. of leather are produced annually, contributing heavily to deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions. In response, eco-alternatives such as mycelium, plant-based, microbial, and lab-grown leathers are gaining momentum, offering viable replacements without the ecological burden of animal-derived or plastic-based options. Mycelium: Nature's Leather Mycelium leather is a standout material due to its low water use, biodegradability, and non-agricultural footprint. Its natural structure can replicate the texture and feel of animal leather. Although scalable and potentially cost-effective, it faces high setup costs due to the need for sterile, climate-controlled growth environments and non-traditional infrastructure. Plant-Based Options Derived from natural materials and byproducts, plant-based leathers often incorporate plastics to enhance performance. These materials are generally more eco-friendly, with lower emissions and water use, and can integrate into existing manufacturing systems. However, they may fall short in mimicking the exact look and feel of traditional leather. Microbial and Lab-Grown Sheets Microbial leather uses agricultural waste, converted by microbes into useful materials like cellulose or collagen, which are then processed into leather-like sheets. When made without plastics, it offers high sustainability potential. Lab-grown leather, cultivated from animal cells, aims to match real leather's molecular structure. Despite reducing livestock use and waste, its high energy and chemical needs make it suitable mainly for luxury applications due to high production costs. Market Outlook Among alternatives, mycelium and microbial leathers are leading the market in cost-effectiveness and scalability. IDTechEx projects the vegan bio-based leather sector to grow at a 37.4% CAGR through 2034, driven by brand demand and consumer preference for sustainable options. For more details or to access the report: Visit Explore sustainability research at
Trade Arabia
24-04-2025
- Automotive
- Trade Arabia
BEVs are more efficient than FCEVs: report
Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) are gaining popularity, with sales exceeding 10 million in 2024. However, the report by IDTechEx reveals that battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are more efficient than FCEVs, with triple the energy supplied to a BEV reaching the wheels compared to an FCEV. Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) are a zero-emission solution, where hydrogen fuel is combined with air in a fuel cell stack to produce electrical power. The only on-road emission is water vapor, according to John Li, Technology Analyst at IDTechEx. However, the increasing demand for charging power is a challenge, as charging stations need to be built to handle the peak demands of constant high-power charging. Most areas do not have the necessary grid connections and infrastructure to support high-power levels of charging, which can cost upwards of $100,000. To tackle this, stationary energy storage solutions are being developed. The scalability of hydrogen refueling is another concern, as hydrogen is stored onsite, meaning that peak power demand is significantly reduced when compared to DC fast charging stations. Hydrogen pipelines will be built to create a network of infrastructure capable of consistently supplying hydrogen, but hydrogen refueling stations usually take multiple years to go from planning stages to finished construction. Additionally, hydrogen refueling stations are very CAPEX-intensive, requiring equipment for hydrogen generation, transport, compression, and storage. In conclusion, the future availability of green hydrogen remains a concern, as without access to large quantities of cost-effective, low-carbon hydrogen, FCEVs may not be taken up in significant numbers.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
How Trump's China tariffs, retaliation could put the U.S. EV supply chain in a tailspin
Three years after the Inflation Reduction Act incentivized the auto industry to build an electric vehicle supply chain in North America, the U.S. EV market is in a jam. President Donald Trump's tariff policy seeks to increase U.S. auto production. But it's virtually impossible to build an EV battery from start to finish in the U.S. today. China is a top supplier of many essential battery materials and almost the sole refiner of elements that go into batteries. And the rapid implementation of the tariffs means automakers and suppliers don't have time to solidify the domestic supply chain intended to break their reliance on China. For now, they lack both the factories and supply chain, and they face retaliatory moves by China. Read more: Live updates on tariff news and impacts Interactive map: Auto manufacturing sites in Canada, the U.S. and Mexico China has restricted exports of several rare-earth minerals and imposed 125 percent tariffs on U.S. goods in response to Trump's duties. 'By no means do we have the volumes domestically … to make an all-American top-to-bottom EV. We're just nowhere near that,' said Alex Kosyakov, CEO of Natrion, which makes battery separators in New York. Thirty-seven of the 54 electric and plug-in hybrid models sold in the U.S. last year relied on suppliers outside the U.S. and Canada for more than half of their vehicles' parts, according to an analysis by IDTechEx, which combines data for the two nations. Fourteen of them used no American or Canadian parts. (Many auto parts imported from Canada will be subject to a 25 percent tariff.) Reducing carbon emissions and creating a U.S. EV supply chain were top priorities for the previous administration, leading to President Joe Biden's 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. The act provided federal incentives to build out a North American EV supply chain and funded consumer discounts on new and used EVs. It prompted companies to invest more than $116 billion in domestic EV manufacturing since 2022, according to Atlas Public Policy's EV Jobs Hub dashboard. Biden also imposed a 100 percent tariff on Chinese EVs and a 25 percent duty on lithium ion batteries. Since then, Trump has added a 25 percent tariff on all vehicle imports, 25 percent levy on steel and aluminum and a series of reciprocal tariffs, including 145 percent on China. A 25 percent tariff on a long list of automotive parts will be implemented by May 3. Trump on April 15 signed an executive order launching an investigation into the national security risks posed by U.S. reliance on imported processed critical minerals and their derivative products. A week later, Trump told reporters that tariffs on China 'will come down substantially.' He did not say what the new tariff rate would be but said it 'won't be zero.' Still, the immediacy of Trump's strategy so far — and China's retaliation — could put the nascent U.S. EV supply chain in jeopardy, said Michael Dunne, CEO of Dunne Insights. China is 'home to some crucial industrial inputs that could throw a wrench into the manufacturing backbone in the United States almost instantly,' Dunne said. Its export restriction of rare-earth minerals and magnets that are essential for EV batteries and for electronics in gasoline-powered vehicles reminds the U.S. and the rest of the world of China's leverage. 'It's not in their interest to cut it off 100 percent,' he said. Instead, they are playing 'cat and mouse with the rest of the world, saying, 'We're in charge here, and we can release or restrict as we see fit. So you should think twice before raising tariffs.' ' Automakers likely stockpiled rare-earth minerals, but their supplies will probably run dry within the next two to three months, Dunne said. Trump has said the tariffs will spur more U.S. manufacturing. But creating a supply chain can take many years. Automakers and suppliers already assemble batteries near their EV production plants to comply with the Inflation Reduction Act and to avoid shipping the heavy battery cells. Still, they are purchasing the battery cells' raw material largely outside the U.S. 'Those are the things that are going to take a lot more time to be able to bring stateside and set up a supply chain locally for,' said Carl Crittenden, a lead engineer at Munro & Associates. If the tariffs remain, automakers and suppliers would pay more for essential battery materials, such as lithium from Australia and South America and graphite from China. Or U.S. companies could try to source materials domestically or from a country less exposed to tariffs. The U.S. could find rare-earth materials elsewhere, but the process of identifying a mine, extracting the elements and processing them at industrial scale would likely take longer than Trump's term, said Philipp Kampshoff, global co-leader of McKinsey & Co.'s automotive and assembly practice. That timeline could put the industry in a 'valley of tears,' he said. Automakers' and suppliers' costs will rise while sales decline. 'That's the double whammy that you will feel in the near term,' he said. The tariffs will be 'hugely disruptive' even for companies that operate in the U.S., Natrion's Kosyakov said. Natrion makes separators for EV batteries by LG Energy Solution and other battery manufacturers. It is one of a handful of suppliers that make separators in the U.S. Despite its U.S. manufacturing edge, Natrion is in a bind. If orders increase substantially, the company doesn't have the capacity to fill them, Kosyakov said. Natrion also depends on China for fundamental materials. Electrolytes in every battery cell need fluorochemicals, Kosyakov said. China is the largest fluorochemical producer. Natrion also uses graphite and lithium salts made in regions outside China, but China refines the vast majority. China 'has cemented itself within this industry in all parts of the supply chain,' Kosyakov said. Many small EV suppliers would go out of business if exorbitant tariffs and China's restriction of rare-earth minerals and magnets last through Trump's four-year term, Crittenden said. The limitations of the tariffs could eventually spur innovation in more domestically abundant materials, such as sodium for sodium ion batteries, Crittenden and Kampshoff said. For now, the tariffs and China's export restrictions point to a bleak future for EV manufacturing in the U.S. 'There is no possible outcome except for supply chain chaos, delays and higher costs,' Dunne said. Have an opinion about this story? Tell us about it and we may publish it in print. Click here to submit a letter to the editor.
Associated Press
15-04-2025
- Automotive
- Associated Press
AI-Driven In-Cabin Sensing: Automotive OEMs Utilizing Software to Unlock Advanced Features, Finds IDTechEx Research
Boston, Massachusetts--(Newsfile Corp. - April 15, 2025) - As regulatory frameworks such as the EU's Advanced Driver Distraction Warning (ADDW) near enforcement, automotive OEMs are increasingly integrating in-cabin sensing technologies with software-defined vehicle architectures. This shift, evident at CES 2025, marks a pivotal moment in the automotive industry as OEMs leverage existing hardware, such as infrared and RGB cameras, to develop new revenue streams and enhance user experiences. The report from market intelligence firm IDTechEx, " In-Cabin Sensing 2025-2035: Technologies, Opportunities, and Markets ", explores how this convergence is shaping the future of smart mobility. Automotive OEMs are highly cost-sensitive, which drives them to minimize hardware requirements while maximizing functionality. To achieve this, manufacturers are increasingly shifting their focus toward software-driven solutions that enhance vehicle capabilities without adding extra physical components. By leveraging advanced software, OEMs can integrate multiple features into a single system, optimizing the use of existing hardware. As vehicles become more connected and autonomous, software-based multi-functional systems will play a crucial role in improving safety, convenience, and overall driving experience. This trend is expected to continue as OEMs seek to enhance vehicle intelligence while keeping production costs under control. Near-infrared (NIR) cameras are set to become the leading technology for DMS as the demand for active monitoring continues to grow. Unlike traditional visible-light cameras, NIR cameras operate in low-light and nighttime conditions, making them ideal for continuous and reliable driver monitoring regardless of ambient lighting. As automotive safety regulations become more stringent and autonomous driving technologies advance, the adoption of NIR cameras in DMS is expected to accelerate. Their ability to provide real-time, high-precision data will be crucial in reducing road accidents and improving driver awareness systems in modern vehicles. While software enables sensors to perform multiple functions, additional hardware may still be required in certain situations. One limitation of near-infrared (NIR) cameras is their inability to penetrate physical obstacles, such as seats. This presents a challenge when monitoring passengers in the second row of a vehicle. To overcome this, automakers often integrate radar technology, specifically millimeter-wave (mmWave) radar, alongside NIR cameras, primarily for occupant monitoring. Unlike NIR cameras, mmWave radar can detect movement and vital signs (e.g., hear rate, etc.) through soft materials like seats, making it a suitable solution for monitoring rear-seat occupants. This technology is particularly useful for child presence detection, occupant monitoring, and safety features that require awareness of all passengers in the vehicle. By combining NIR cameras with mmWave radar, automakers can create a more comprehensive and reliable in-cabin monitoring system, enhancing safety and compliance with emerging regulations. However, as occupant monitoring is not mandated by regulations as of early 2025, radars often come as an optional component for vehicles. Further to this, in-cabin radars cost between US$30 and US$40, which is still considered as a relatively high-cost add-on, despite that the aim is to reduce the cost to US$20 for the long term. Due to this, IDTechEx believes that radar modules will likely find usage in mid- to high-end vehicles in the short-term future. For a more in-depth analysis of these trends and the evolving market landscape, IDTechEx's " In-Cabin Sensing 2025-2035: Technologies, Opportunities, and Markets " report provides comprehensive insights into the technologies, opportunities, and commercial strategies shaping this domain. About IDTechEx IDTechEx provides trusted independent research on emerging technologies and their markets. Since 1999, we have been helping our clients to understand new technologies, their supply chains, market requirements, opportunities and forecasts. For more information, contact [email protected] or visit Contact Information: Charlotte Martin +441223812300 [email protected] To view the source version of this press release, please visit
Associated Press
10-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
US Tariffs on Silver to Drive Innovation in the Conductive Inks Market, Reports IDTechEx
Boston, Massachusetts--(Newsfile Corp. - April 10, 2025) - The conductive inks market has been forecast to exceed US$6.5 billion by 2034; however, market intelligence firm IDTechEx reports that the imposed tariffs by the United States of America could have a dramatic impact on the technology landscape for conductive inks. Silver flake-based ink is the dominant ink type globally, but up to 80% of the required silver is imported to the USA. As the market adjusts, emerging manufacturers and different ink materials will require validation, while varied applications have specific requirements when it comes to ink properties. IDTechEx has provided market insights into the printed electronics and conductive inks industry for almost fifteen years, reporting on commercial and technological updates within the space. Their independent report, " Conductive Inks Market 2024-2034: Technologies, Applications, Players", includes granular 10-year market forecasts across eight different ink types and 15 application areas. The report leverages extensive in-depth coverage of many end-use markets for conductive inks, combined with profiles of 30+ key players in the conductive inks industry. Ink technology IDTechEx Senior Technology Analyst, Dr Conor O'Brien, explains: 'The conductive inks market is dominated by silver flake-based inks, which offer multiple benefits, including lower cost (primarily due to simple processing), compatibility with scalable printing technologies, and relative durability. Although other types of ink may tout higher conductivity, for many applications the printability and durability are the most important factors. The major drawback for silver flake-based inks is exposure to the volatility of raw material costs. With fewer value-adding processing steps compared to other inks, raw material costs make up a significant portion of the price of flake-based silver inks. Any increases in bulk silver costs will lead to a greater percentage increase in silver flake-based inks. The recently announced tariffs on imports to the United States could have a drastic impact on the price of silver flake-based inks. With 80% of the silver used in the US imported from abroad, mostly from Mexico, the effect of the trade tariffs will significantly impact the market. Not only will the price of raw materials be impacted, but the uncertainty surrounding the long-term implementation of tariffs must also be considered. At LOPEC 2025, it was reported to IDTechEx by multiple suppliers of raw materials to the conductive inks market that bulk silver typically trades at US$32 per troy ounce, with minor fluctuations of 15%, but that tariffs could see the troy ounce price point exceed US$40.' Alternative inks Dr O'Brien was recently invited to join a meeting of the IEC Technical Committee 119: Printed Electronics, discussing the various required properties of conductive inks for different applications, contributing to defining key terminology and developing a standardization roadmap for the field. As alternative inks to silver-flake based inks are developed, this topic is of increasing importance. Some of the most promising non-silver ink types include copper inks and stretchable/thermoformable inks. Copper inks offer lower price points, with dramatically reduced raw material costs, while stretchable and thermoformable inks are platform technologies for non-conformal form factors through 3D electronics and in-mold electronics. The IDTechEx report provides comprehensive coverage of the properties that must be considered for emerging technology types. Conductive Inks Market 2024-2034: Technologies, Applications, Players". Downloadable sample pages are available for this report. About IDTechEx Charlotte Martin
