The global nonwoven fabrics market has witnessed substantial growth in recent years driven by their increasing use in various industries, including healthcare, hygiene, automotive, and construction. Nonwoven fabrics are engineered fabrics made of fibers that are bonded together by mechanical, thermal, or chemical processes. Their versatility and the growing trend of sustainable and lightweight materials are primary factors propelling market demand. As per Market Research Future, the nonwoven fabrics market is projected to reach approximately USD 60 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of around 6% during the forecast period.
Stakeholders and industry players must remain cognizant of emerging trends and policy changes to harness potential growth effectively through strategic investments and innovations.
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Market Size
As of 2023, the global market for nonwoven fabrics was estimated at USD 43 billion. The growth trajectory is influenced by a range of factors such as increased health consciousness, technological advancements in manufacturing processes, and rising demand from emerging economies. The market's expansion is bolstered by a growing awareness of the benefits of nonwoven fabrics over traditional fabrics, such as cost-effectiveness and performance attributes.Share & Trends Analysis Report
By Product Type
Nonwoven fabrics can be classified based on their structure, production method, and type. The major product types include:- Spunbond: This segment dominates the market, accounting for about 40% of the overall share, primarily used in hygiene applications like diapers and feminine hygiene products.
- SMS (Spunbond-Meltblown-Spunbond): Gaining traction due to its use in medical applications, the SMS segment holds around 25% of the market share.
- Wetlaid: Used predominantly in medical and personal care applications, constituting approximately 15% of the market.
- Drylaid: This includes airlaid and carded methods, representing around 20% of the market, widely used in industrial and automotive applications.
By Key Players
The nonwoven fabrics market is competitive, with several key players striving to enhance their market presence. Major players include:- Berry Global Inc.
- Freudenberg Performance Materials
- Avintiv Inc. (now part of Berry Global)
- Kimberly-Clark Corporation
- Johns Manville
By Process
The process of manufacturing nonwoven fabrics is crucial in determining their applications and performance characteristics. The key processes include:- Spunbond: Used for high-volume production, providing good strength and flexibility.
- Meltblown: Ideal for filtration applications due to its fine fiber structure.
- Hydroentangling: Provides soft fabrics for hygiene and medical applications.
- Needlepunching: Commonly used to create durable floor coverings and geotextiles.
By Application
The versatility of nonwoven fabrics allows for extensive applications:- Hygiene Products: Nonwoven fabrics are extensively utilized in diapers, feminine hygiene products, and adult incontinence products.
- Medical: Surgical gowns, drapes, and face masks are significant applications due to their high performance and safety.
- Automotive: Used in interior components, insulation, and seating, they make up around 10% of the fabric's application.
- Building & Construction: Nonwoven geotextiles are used for erosion control and landscaping.
By End-Use
The end-use industries for nonwoven fabrics are rapidly evolving:- Healthcare: The fastest-growing segment due to rising healthcare awareness.
- Consumer Goods: Applications in personal care, hygiene, and home furnishings.
- Industrial: Used in filtration, insulation, and protective clothing.
By Region
Geographically, the nonwoven fabric market can be segmented into:- NoAmerica: Leading the market with a significant share due to a strong healthcare sector and increasing industrial applications.
- Europe: Characterized by stringent regulations pertaining to hygiene products, contributing to market growth.
- Asia-Pacific: Expected to witness the highest CAGR owing to rapid industrialization, urbanization, and growing healthcare investments.
Market News on Policy and Companies
The nonwoven fabrics market is influenced by various policies and regulations aimed at promoting safety and sustainability. Recent industry news includes:- In 2023, the EU introduced stricter environmental regulations for synthetic materials aimed at reducing plastic waste, which has spurred innovation in sustainable nonwoven products.
- Companies are investing in R&D for biodegradable nonwoven fabrics, thereby aligning with global sustainability goals.
- Berry Global Inc. announced the expansion of its production facility to increase capacity for healthcare and hygiene products, responding to rising demand.
Segment Forecasts (2024 - 2029)
Looking ahead, the nonwoven fabrics market is expected to witness considerable developments:- In the hygiene products segment, the market is projected to grow by 6.8% annually, driven by population growth and increasing health awareness.
- The medical segment is anticipated to witness an even higher growth rate at around 8% due to the ongoing pandemic and increased healthcare expenditures.
- With the automotive industry recovering, nonwoven fabrics used in automotive applications are expected to grow at a CAGR of 5% as demand for lightweight and durable materials increases.
- Regions like Asia-Pacific will outpace others during the forecast period, projected to exhibit a CAGR of over 8% due to urbanization and economic growth.
Conclusion
The global nonwoven fabrics market is poised for robust growth driven by emerging applications across various industries, a push towards sustainability, and technological advancements in manufacturing processes. The focus would be on developing biodegradable options and enhancing product quality to maintain competitive advantages. Advancements in production technologies and the expansion of applications will further enrich the market landscape in the coming years.Stakeholders and industry players must remain cognizant of emerging trends and policy changes to harness potential growth effectively through strategic investments and innovations.
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Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Executive SummaryChapter 2 Abbreviation and Acronyms
Chapter 3 Preface
Chapter 4 Market Landscape
Chapter 5 Market Trend Analysis
Chapter 6 Industry Chain Analysis
Chapter 7 Latest Market Dynamics
Chapter 8 Trading Analysis
Chapter 9 Historical and Forecast Nonwoven Fabrics Market in North America (2019-2029)
Chapter 10 Historical and Forecast Nonwoven Fabrics Market in South America (2019-2029)
Chapter 11 Historical and Forecast Nonwoven Fabrics Market in Asia & Pacific (2019-2029)
Chapter 12 Historical and Forecast Nonwoven Fabrics Market in Europe (2019-2029)
Chapter 13 Historical and Forecast Nonwoven Fabrics Market in MEA (2019-2029)
Chapter 14 Summary For Global Nonwoven Fabrics Market (2019-2024)
Chapter 15 Global Nonwoven Fabrics Market Forecast (2024-2029)
Chapter 16 Analysis of Global Key Vendors
List of Tables and Figures
Companies Mentioned
- Freudenberg
- Kimberly-Clark
- Berry Global
- Low & Bonar
- Indorama Ventures
- Asahi Kasei
- Mitsui Chemicals
- Unitika
- Gulsan
- Mogul
- Johns Manville
- Fitesa
- Toyobo
- Toray
- Albarrie
- Pegas Nonwovens
- Fibertex Personal Care
- Jinjiang Xingtai
- Dalian Ruiguang
- Beijing Xinlong
- CHTC Jiahua
- Jofo Nonwovens
- Nanhai Wonderful
- Kingsafe Group