Round Knitting Looms Market, Global Outlook and Forecast 2025-2032

MARKET INSIGHTS

The global round knitting looms market size was valued at USD 205 million in 2024. The market is projected to grow from USD 215 million in 2025 to USD 278 million by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast period.

Round knitting looms are specialized textile manufacturing equipment where multiple shuttles move simultaneously in a circular pattern to interlace weft and warp threads. These machines are primarily used for producing tubular fabrics, including hoses, bags, and other industrial textiles. The technology enables high-speed production with consistent fabric quality, making it essential for bulk manufacturing.

The market growth is driven by increasing demand from packaging and construction sectors, particularly in emerging economies. Asia-Pacific dominates the market with a 79% share, followed by Europe at 12%, reflecting regional manufacturing strengths. The top three manufacturers - Starlinger, Lohia Group, and Yongming Machinery - collectively hold 36% market share, indicating moderate industry consolidation. Recent technological advancements focus on increasing loom speeds and automation levels to meet rising production demands.

MARKET DYNAMICS

MARKET DRIVERS

Growth in Flexible Packaging Industry Accelerates Round Knitting Loom Demand

The global flexible packaging market, valued at over $250 billion in 2023, is creating substantial demand for round knitting looms used in woven sack production. With consumers increasingly preferring lightweight, durable packaging solutions, manufacturers are investing heavily in circular loom technology to meet requirements for FIBCs (Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers) and industrial sacks. The Asia-Pacific region, accounting for nearly 79% of round knitting loom installations, is experiencing particularly strong growth due to expanding manufacturing sectors in China and India.

Expansion of Construction Sector Boosts Technical Textile Applications

Construction activities worldwide are driving increased consumption of geotextiles and reinforcement fabrics produced on circular looms. The global construction market is projected to grow at 4-5% annually through 2030, with infrastructure projects requiring millions of square meters of loom-woven materials for soil stabilization and erosion control. Major loom manufacturers are responding by developing specialized 8-shuttle systems capable of producing high-density woven textiles meeting ASTM and ISO standards for civil engineering applications.

➤ Recent data shows over 65% of new round knitting loom installations in 2023-24 were configured for technical textile production rather than traditional packaging applications.

Furthermore, automation advancements are improving production efficiency - modern looms now achieve 30-40% higher output per hour compared to models from a decade ago while reducing energy consumption by approximately 18%. These improvements are accelerating replacement cycles and driving new capital expenditures across the industry.

MARKET CHALLENGES

High Initial Capital Investment Creates Barrier to Market Entry

The sophisticated engineering required for precision circular weaving makes round knitting looms substantial investments, with complete production lines often exceeding $2 million. This presents significant challenges for smaller manufacturers in developing markets to modernize equipment or expand capacity. Even established players face pressure to maintain competitive ROI periods amid fluctuating raw material costs and changing end-user specifications.

Other Challenges

Supply Chain Disruptions
Critical components like precision bearings and shuttle mechanisms often face extended lead times from specialized suppliers. Recent geopolitical tensions have caused delays in delivery of European-made components to Asian manufacturing hubs, disrupting production schedules across the industry.

Technical Expertise Shortage
Operating and maintaining advanced circular looms requires highly trained personnel. The global textile machinery sector reports difficulty filling 15-20% of technical positions, with the skills gap most acute in emerging markets experiencing rapid industrialization.

MARKET RESTRAINTS

Environmental Regulations Impact Synthetic Fiber Usage

Increasing restrictions on single-use plastics and synthetic materials are forcing loom operators to adapt production processes. Many regions have implemented Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes that add compliance costs for polypropylene-based woven products. While biodegradable alternatives exist, most require loom modifications and currently carry 25-30% higher material costs, squeezing margins across the value chain.

Additionally, energy efficiency standards are becoming more stringent. The European Union's forthcoming EcoDesign regulations will mandate specific power consumption limits for textile machinery, requiring substantial R&D investments from manufacturers to redesign drive systems and heating elements in their loom offerings.

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

Smart Loom Technology Presents New Growth Frontiers

The integration of IoT sensors and AI-driven predictive maintenance into round knitting looms is creating premium product segments. Early adopters report 30% reductions in unplanned downtime by implementing real-time monitoring of shuttle performance and warp tension. Market leaders are developing fully networked production systems that can automatically adjust weaving parameters based on yarn characteristics, with pilot installations showing 12-15% improvements in first-pass quality rates.

Furthermore, the development of hybrid looms capable of processing both traditional synthetics and next-generation natural fibers positions manufacturers to capitalize on sustainability trends. Several top producers have announced partnerships with material science firms to create specialized loom configurations for biodegradable and recycled feedstocks, anticipating significant demand growth in this niche.

Segment Analysis:

By Type

8 Shuttles Round Knitting Looms Segment Dominates Due to Higher Efficiency in Industrial Applications

The market is segmented based on type into:

• 4 Shuttles Round Knitting Looms

• 6 Shuttles Round Knitting Looms

• 8 Shuttles Round Knitting Looms

• Others

By Application

Food Packaging Segment Leads Due to Increasing Demand for Woven Packaging Solutions

The market is segmented based on application into:

• Food Packaging

• Chemical

• Construction

• Others

By End User

Industrial Manufacturing Segment Accounts for Major Share Due to Bulk Production Requirements

The market is segmented based on end user into:

• Industrial Manufacturing

• Small and Medium Enterprises

• Textile Companies

By Operation

Automatic Round Knitting Looms Gaining Traction Due to Labor Cost Reduction Benefits

The market is segmented based on operation into:

• Manual

• Semi-automatic

• Fully Automatic

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Key Industry Players

Automation and Innovation Drive Market Competition in Round Knitting Looms Sector

The global Round Knitting Looms market features a competitive but fragmented landscape with key players concentrated in Asia-Pacific, which accounts for nearly 79% of market share. The sector is characterized by a mix of established manufacturers and emerging regional players vying for dominance through technological advancements and production capacity expansions. Starlinger, Lohia Group, and Yongming Machinery collectively command about 36% market share, leveraging their extensive product portfolios and manufacturing capabilities.

While Starlinger maintains technological leadership with its automated round loom systems for heavy-duty applications, Lohia Group dominates the Asian market through cost-effective solutions and localized production facilities. Yongming Machinery has strengthened its position through continuous R&D investments, particularly in energy-efficient models that cater to the growing demand for sustainable manufacturing equipment.

The market has witnessed notable developments in 2024, with several manufacturers introducing IoT-enabled looms featuring real-time monitoring. However, smaller players face challenges in scaling production due to the capital-intensive nature of the industry. Mid-sized companies like Hengli Machinery and Mandals Technology are overcoming this through strategic partnerships and niche market targeting.

Furthermore, European manufacturers such as Windmöller & Hölscher retain competitive advantages in high-precision loom technology, particularly for specialized applications in automotive and aerospace textiles. Their focus on customization capabilities allows for premium pricing strategies in mature markets.

List of Key Round Knitting Loom Companies Profiled

• Starlinger (Austria)

• Lohia Group (India)

• Yongming Machinery (China)

• Windmöller & Hölscher (Germany)

• PHYLLIS (Taiwan)

• Hengli Machinery (China)

• Mandals Technology (China)

• SANLONG (China)

• JAIKO INDUSTRIES (JP Group) (Japan)

• Yanfeng Group (China)

• Dong-Shiuan Enterprise (Taiwan)

• ATA Group (Turkey)

ROUND KNITTING LOOMS MARKET TRENDS

Automation and Smart Manufacturing Reshaping Production Efficiency

The global round knitting looms market is witnessing a transformative shift toward automation as manufacturers integrate IoT-enabled devices and AI-driven systems to enhance production capabilities. Automated round knitting looms now account for nearly 42% of newly installed units in 2024, significantly reducing labor costs and improving weaving precision. These advanced looms feature real-time monitoring systems that optimize yarn tension, shuttle synchronization, and defect detection, cutting downtime by up to 30% compared to conventional models. Industry leaders are prioritizing R&D investments in automation to meet the growing demand for high-speed, large-scale fabric production, particularly in Asia-Pacific, which dominates 79% of the market share.

Other Trends

Sustainability-Driven Material Innovation

Environmental regulations and consumer preferences are pushing manufacturers to adopt eco-friendly materials in fabric production, directly influencing round knitting loom designs. Over 65% of new loom models now support recycled polyester and biodegradable yarns, with innovations like low-energy consumption mechanisms gaining traction. The shift aligns with broader industry goals to reduce carbon footprints, as textile production contributes to approximately 8% of global CO2 emissions. This trend is particularly strong in Europe, where circular economy policies drive 12% of regional market growth annually.

Expansion in Industrial Applications Beyond Traditional Textiles

While round knitting looms traditionally served woven bag and hose manufacturing, their application scope has expanded into geotextiles, automotive composites, and medical textiles, accounting for 22% of total market revenue in 2024. The construction sector’s demand for high-strength woven materials has grown by 7% year-over-year, fueled by infrastructure projects in emerging economies. Additionally, advancements in multi-shuttle looms (6-8 shuttles) enable complex weave patterns for technical textiles, creating opportunities in aerospace and filtration industries. This diversification helps manufacturers mitigate risks associated with cyclical demand in conventional sectors like food packaging.

Regional Analysis: Round Knitting Looms Market

North America
The North American market for round knitting looms is characterized by moderate but steady growth, driven primarily by demand from food packaging and industrial applications. The U.S. accounts for over 75% of regional market share, with companies prioritizing high-efficiency looms to meet stringent packaging quality standards. While the market is mature compared to other regions, technological advancements in automation and sustainable material processing are creating new opportunities. Local manufacturers face competition from Asian imports but maintain a competitive edge through customized solutions and after-sales service networks.

Europe
Europe represents the second-largest market globally, with Germany, Italy, and France leading in adoption. The region's strong focus on environmentally friendly manufacturing has accelerated the shift toward energy-efficient loom models with reduced carbon footprints. EU regulations on plastic usage in packaging have indirectly boosted demand for advanced knitting looms capable of processing recycled materials. However, high operational costs and labor shortages are prompting manufacturers to relocate some production to Eastern Europe and Asia, creating a bifurcated supply chain within the region.

Asia-Pacific
Dominating 79% of the global market share, Asia-Pacific is the powerhouse of round knitting loom production and consumption. China's massive packaging industry and expanding export-oriented manufacturing drive nearly 60% of regional demand, with India and Southeast Asia emerging as high-growth markets. The region benefits from lower production costs, established textile supply chains, and government support for industrial automation. While price competition is intense, leading manufacturers are investing in R&D for multi-functional looms that can handle diverse materials from food-grade polymers to construction textiles.

South America
Market growth in South America remains constrained by economic instability and limited domestic manufacturing capabilities. Brazil accounts for over half of regional demand, primarily for agricultural and construction applications. The lack of local technical expertise has created a import-dependent market, with most high-end looms sourced from China and Europe. Recent trade agreements have improved equipment accessibility, but currency fluctuations and infrastructure gaps continue to hinder widespread adoption. Nevertheless, the growing packaging sector presents long-term potential as regional economies stabilize.

Middle East & Africa
This represents the smallest but fastest-growing regional market, expanding at about 6% annually. The UAE and Saudi Arabia are investing in domestic packaging production to reduce import reliance, driving demand for mid-range knitting looms. Africa's market is more fragmented, with South Africa and Egypt showing increasing activity in agricultural packaging solutions. While the region still relies heavily on used or refurbished equipment, new infrastructure projects and economic diversification programs are creating pockets of opportunity for loom suppliers willing to navigate complex trade environments.

Report Scope

This market research report offers a holistic overview of global and regional markets for the forecast period 2025–2032. It presents accurate and actionable insights based on a blend of primary and secondary research.

Key Coverage Areas:

• ✅ Market Overview

  • Global and regional market size (historical & forecast)

  • Growth trends and value/volume projections

• ✅ Segmentation Analysis

  • By product type or category

  • By application or usage area

  • By end-user industry

  • By distribution channel (if applicable)

• ✅ Regional Insights

  • North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa

  • Country-level data for key markets

• ✅ Competitive Landscape

  • Company profiles and market share analysis

  • Key strategies: M&A, partnerships, expansions

  • Product portfolio and pricing strategies

• ✅ Technology & Innovation

  • Emerging technologies and R&D trends

  • Automation, digitalization, sustainability initiatives

  • Impact of AI, IoT, or other disruptors (where applicable)

• ✅ Market Dynamics

  • Key drivers supporting market growth

  • Restraints and potential risk factors

  • Supply chain trends and challenges

• ✅ Opportunities & Recommendations

  • High-growth segments

  • Investment hotspots

  • Strategic suggestions for stakeholders

• ✅ Stakeholder Insights

  • Target audience includes manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, investors, regulators, and policymakers

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What is the current market size of Global Round Knitting Looms Market?

-> Global round knitting looms market was valued at USD 205 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 278 million by 2032.

Which key companies operate in Global Round Knitting Looms Market?

-> Key players include Starlinger, Lohia Group, Yongming Machinery, Windmller & Hlscher, PHYLLIS, Hengli Machinery, among others. The top 3 companies hold about 36% market share.

What are the key growth drivers?

-> Key growth drivers include increasing demand for packaging solutions, expansion of industrial applications, and growth in textile manufacturing sectors.

Which region dominates the market?

-> Asia-Pacific is the largest market with 79% share, followed by Europe with 12% share.

What are the emerging trends?

-> Emerging trends include automation in loom technology, energy-efficient machines, and integration of smart manufacturing solutions.