Polyamide Fibres and Yarns for Floorcoverings: Europe and North America Compared

Sales of textile floorcoverings continue to decline in Western Europe—with the exception of certain niche areas such as synthetic grass for sports surfaces. In the USA and Canada, however, textile floorcovering sales are still growing. The two markets are also very different in their make-up. The North American market is dominated by a handful of huge corporations whereas companies in Western Europe are generally smaller and more regionalised. Also, in North America tufted materials dominate—in the domestic and contract carpet markets as well as in the automotive sector—but in Western Europe needlepunched nonwoven materials have a much higher share. Relatedly, polyamide (nylon) 6 and 6.6 account for about 60% of the fibres and filament yarns used in North American floorcoverings but in Western Europe the percentage is closer to 25%.

Ultimately, tufted polyamide materials have much more market value than needlepunched polypropylene. This is illustrated by the fact that the former are used as interior carpet and trunk linings in luxury cars while the latter are employed in cheaper models. West European firms would therefore benefit by becoming more like their North American counterparts. One European company, Radici Group, is poised to do so. By the end of 2005 it plans to purchase Nylstar, its major European competitor in polyamide, making it the biggest European player in polyamide filament yarns for the fashion market.

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