The U.S. rayon fiber market is a dynamic segment within the textile industry, characterized by its diverse applications and evolving consumer preferences. The manufacturing of rayon involves a multi-step process, including steeping, shredding, aging, xanthation, dissolving, and wet spinning, which transforms cellulose into fibers suitable for textile applications. In the United States, the production and sale of rayon fibers are governed by various regulations and policies aimed at ensuring safety and environmental responsibility. The Flammable Fabrics Act of 1953, enforced by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, mandates flammability standards for textiles, including rayon, to prevent fire hazards associated with highly flammable fabrics. Environmental concerns have led to increased scrutiny of rayon production processes, particularly regarding the use of carbon disulphide and its impact on worker health and the environment. Rayon’s absorbent and hypoallergenic properties make it suitable for medical applications, such as surgical gowns and wound dressings.

The automotive industry utilizes rayon in tire reinforcement and interior upholstery due to its strength and durability. The consumer base for rayon in the U.S. is diverse, encompassing eco-conscious individuals, fashion-forward consumers, and industries seeking sustainable and functional materials. The growing preference for sustainable and biodegradable textiles is driving demand for rayon fibers, as they offer an alternative to synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon. Innovations in production technologies, such as closed-loop systems that minimize waste and environmental impact, further enhance the appeal of rayon to environmentally conscious consumers.According to the research report "US Rayon Fiber Market Research Report, 2030," published by Actual Market Research, the US Rayon Fiber market is anticipated to grow at more than 4.64% CAGR from 2025 to 2030. The dominant method for rayon production in the U.S. has been the viscose process, which involves dissolving cellulose in sodium hydroxide and carbon disulphide to form a viscous solution, which is then extruded into fibers. This method has risen environmental and health concerns due to the use of toxic chemicals and the generation of hazardous waste.

In response, there has been a shift towards more sustainable production techniques, such as the lyocell process, which uses a closed-loop system to dissolve cellulose in N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMMO), allowing for the recovery and reuse of solvents, thereby reducing environmental impact. Innovations include the development of high-tenacity rayon fibers, which offer improved strength and durability, making them suitable for demanding applications like automotive components and industrial textiles. The high cost of sustainable production technologies and the limited availability of eco-friendly raw materials can hinder the widespread adoption of these innovations. Moreover, competition from synthetic fibers, which are often less expensive to produce, poses a challenge to the growth of the rayon market. To address these issues, stakeholders are advocating for supportive policies and incentives that promote sustainable practices, such as subsidies for green technologies and stricter regulations on the environmental impact of textile manufacturing. The rise of smart textiles and functional fabrics is opening new avenues for rayon fibers, with applications in wearable electronics, medical textiles, and advanced composites.In the U.S. rayon fiber market, Viscose is most traditional form of rayon, is widely used in fashion due to its silk-like appearance and affordability.

Its lower moisture-wicking capability and tendency to lose strength when wet make it less ideal for humid or variable U.S. climates, particularly in the Southeast and Gulf regions. It’s more commonly used in regions with moderate weather or in indoor-heavy fashion environments. Modal, known for its softness and higher wet strength compared to viscose, is better suited for the U.S. market, especially in regions with fluctuating temperatures like the Midwest or Northeast. It’s breathable, resists shrinkage, and maintains integrity after washes attributes that align well with American consumer expectations for long-lasting, low-maintenance clothing. Lyocell, often considered the most sustainable form of rayon, is made from wood pulp and processed in a closed-loop system that recycles solvents, making it more eco-friendly compared to other rayon types. Known for its softness, breathability, and moisture-wicking properties, lyocell is used in a variety of applications, including apparel such as shirts, dresses, and activewear, as well as home textiles like towels and bedding. rayon is utilized in nonwoven applications like wipes and facial masks, which have seen increased demand in the U.S., particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.In the apparel sector, rayon is prized for its smooth, silky texture, making it a popular choice for producing a wide range of clothing items.

It is commonly used in dresses, blouses, shirts, and activewear, offering a comfortable, breathable alternative to natural fibers like silk and cotton. Rayon’s versatility also extends to garment linings, where its soft finish enhances the overall feel of the clothing. The U.S. market for rayon in apparel is growing, driven by consumer preferences for affordable and eco-friendly fabric alternatives, especially as sustainably sourced rayon, such as Tencel, gains popularity. Rayon is also a common material in curtains and drapes, offering an attractive, flowing appearance. Additionally, rayon is used in upholstery and towels, further demonstrating its versatility and appeal in home textile products. The demand for rayon in this segment in the U.S. is also influenced by consumers’ increasing interest in sustainable and comfortable home goods, particularly those made from eco-conscious sources.

In the healthcare and hygiene industry, rayon’s absorbency, hypoallergenic properties, and gentle texture make it well-suited for medical and hygiene products. Rayon is commonly found in wound dressings, medical gauze, and surgical bandages due to its ability to absorb fluids while being gentle on the skin. It also plays a key role in feminine hygiene products like tampons and sanitary napkins, where its absorbent nature is crucial. The other segment for rayon includes various niche applications, such as in industrial products, automotive textiles, and packaging. Rayon is utilized in filtration materials, nonwoven fabrics, and even in composite materials for certain industrial uses. In the automotive industry, rayon is sometimes incorporated into seat covers and upholstery for its durability and comfort.Considered in this report• Historic Year: 2019• Base year: 2024• Estimated year: 2025• Forecast year: 2030Aspects covered in this report• Rayon Fibers Market with its value and forecast along with its segments• Various drivers and challenges• On-going trends and developments• Top profiled companies• Strategic recommendationBy Product Type• Viscose• Modal• Lyocell• OthersBy Application• Apparel• Home Textiles• Healthcare & Hygiene• OthersThe approach of the report:This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research.

Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.Intended audienceThis report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to agriculture industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry..