The increase in the demand for lifestyle products, apparel and footwear as the economy booms as well as the increasingly rising fashion awareness results in the growing market for zippers-SBS Zipper.

A zipper, essentially a device that is used to close or fasten outfits, bags, tents and a number of other things made of fabrics, is available in various types. Different kinds of zippers have been introduced for diverse applications, making them a seamless as well as a useful part of an outfit.

Types of zippers

While apparel manufacturers and designers, be it established or new, are spoilt for choice when it comes to zippers, they may have to do some research regarding the zippers that suit their garments the best. In order to provide a comprehensive view of the various options available in the market, we have listed the broad categories of zippers below.

1. Metal zip

The binding edges of a zipper that consists of individual metal pieces moulded into a particular shape and placed on a zipper tape at regular intervals is called a metal zip. They are essentially used in denim jeans and jackets, leather garments, shoes, bags, workwear, heavy duty garments and luggage among other things.

2. Plastic zip

Plastic zips are very similar to metal zippers and feature teeth made up of plastic instead of metal. These zippers are preferred for apparel and garments as well as handbags. They can be made using any coloured plastic, unlike metal zippers which need to be painted in order to match them to the outfits or accessories they are being used in.

3. Nylon zip

Nylon zips feature teeth made of coiled nylon monofilament, which are sewn on a zipper tape or a slider. These zippers are known for their horizontal strength, thus making them apt to be used on various things such as suit cases, camping garments, backpacks and tents among others.

Growth of zippers

The global zippers market is essentially driven by the strong demand for apparel and footwear. According to the Global Industrial Analysts' (GIA) 'Zippers: A Global Strategic Business report', the global market for zippers is estimated to touch $13.7 billion by the year 2020. The report also says that Asia-Pacific is the fastest growing market in the world for zipper as it recorded a CAGR of 8.8 per cent over the course of the research period. On the other hand, China is one of the biggest zipper producers in the world.

Factors influencing the rising demand for zippers

The boom in the economy is leading to an increase in disposable income, which in turn broadens the market for lifestyle products, thus boosting the demand for zippers.

The GIA lists the enhancements in the functionality and the design of the zippers as major reasons for the rise in their demand. Multiple types of zippers such as air-tight, flame-resistant and waterproof zippers are being explored by various industries. Air-tight zippers have found a preference in the space industry as they can be used for making air-tight space suits, while water-proof zippers are perfect for making immersion suits for scuba divers.

As manufacturers of zippers, we are also leaving no stones unturned to meet the specific requirements of our clients. Besides customising our products, we zipper producing companies are also offering zipper pullers, tapes and sliders in multiple finishes and colours. The growing use of chunky zippers as a fashion accessory, as opposed to as a device that simply fastens clothing, is another reason for their increasing demand.

The shift from metal zip to plastic zip can also be considered as a factor for influencing the rise in the demand for zippers. The GIA report states that while metallic zippers are more durable and strong, they are heavy and prone to corrosion. Plastic zippers are easy to maintain, light in weight and are available in multiple colours, thus becoming the zipper of choice for many.

References

1. Strategyr.com

2. Wikipedia.org