Domestic technical textiles Industry Segment-wise consumption of ...

enjoys over the HDPE tarpaulin is that the former has higher tear strength thus, does not easily tear
while tying with ropes. Usually a combination of both type of tarpaulins in used in every truck.
However, HDPE tarpaulins are increasingly replacing canvas tarpaulins. Hence the demand for
canvas tarpaulin is expected to fall by around 6% y-o-y.
Market size of tarpaulin fabric and future forecast
In 2007-08, 2.3 lakh trucks were sold in India out of which 70% are expected to require tarpaulin. As
per the industry survey, each truck requires three to four tarpaulins out of which one or two are canvas
tarpaulins in sizes 36ft X 21ft or 40ft X 21 ft. The canvas tarpaulin is replaced every 15-18 months
depending upon the wear and tear of the fabric.
Usage of tarpaulin for Truck covers
Particulars Assumption
Average size of canvas tarpaulin 36ft X 21 ft
Number of canvas tarpaulins used in a truck 1.5
Average life of a truck 12 years
% of trucks requiring tarpaulin every year 70%
Replacement period of canvas tarpaulin (conservative) 2 years
Average price of canvas tarpaulin Rs 75 per sq m
In addition, tarpaulin is also used in other applications such as agriculture, construction and marine.
The market size of canvas tarpaulins has been increased by 10% to account for the application of
canvas tarpaulins in these miscellaneous applications.
Current and future forecast of Canvas Tarpaulin consumption
The market size of canvas tarpaulin is estimated to be 61 million square meters valued at Rs. 457
crore. The demand for tarpaulin is expected to increase in line with increase in road freight transport.
However, the demand for canvas tarpaulin is likely to be hit because of its increasing replacement by
HDPE tarpaulins. Thus, the demand for canvas tarpaulin is estimated to decrease to 45 million square
meters by 2012-13 (falling at the rate of 6% year on year). The market potential in 2012-13 is
estimated at Rs. 336 crore. No inflationary increase in price has been considered.
The current and future forecast of tarpaulin consumption is given below:-
Market size for tarpaulin fabric 2007-08 2012-13
Quantity 61 million sq m 45 million sq m