Non-Woven Fabrics Market

Non-Woven Fabrics Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2018-2028

Global Non-Woven Fabrics Market has valued at USD44.68 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to project robust growth in the forecast period with a CAGR of 4.86% through 2028. Nonwoven fabric refers to a cohesive fabric-like textile manufactured by arranging fibers together using heat, chemicals, or pressure. These fibers can be entangled or bonded through chemical and thermal processes. Common materials used in nonwoven fabric production include olefin, polyester, and rayon.

Compared to traditional fabrics like cotton, linen, wool, and silk, nonwoven fabrics have several advantages. They are lighter in weight and do not require weaving or knitting. This makes them ideal for manufacturing interlinings, insulation and protection clothing, industrial workwear, chemical defense suits, and footwear. With their versatility, nonwoven fabrics find extensive applications in various industries such as personal care and hygiene, automotive, healthcare, building and construction, and filtration.

The global nonwoven fabrics market is primarily driven by the development of the textile industry worldwide. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the demand for nonwoven hygiene products in healthcare centers. Nonwoven fabrics are widely used in the production of healthcare essentials like face masks, isolation gowns, drapes, single-use caps, and shoe and headcovers. This surge in demand is expected to contribute significantly to the growth of the global market.

Furthermore, the adoption of nonwoven fabrics for lightweight automobile components further fosters market growth. These fabrics offer advantages such as weight reduction and improved fuel efficiency. Moreover, there are ongoing product innovations in the industry, including the development of smart nonwoven fabrics and blast-resistant curtains. These textiles expand under tension, absorbing shockwaves and catching flying debris. As a result, they find applications in building and construction as well as the automotive industry.

Technological advancements in manufacturing processes and increasing R&D activities for the production of environment-friendly fabrics are expected to drive market growth globally. However, volatility in raw material prices may hamper the growth of the nonwoven fabrics market during the forecast period. On the contrary, the proliferation of new technologies presents growth opportunities for the industry.

In conclusion, nonwoven fabrics offer numerous benefits and have a wide range of applications in various industries. The global market is driven by factors such as the development of the textile industry, increased demand for healthcare products, and the adoption of nonwoven fabrics in automotive manufacturing. Despite challenges, the market is expected to grow, driven by technological advancements and ongoing innovations in the industry.

Key Market Drivers

Growing Demand of Non-Woven Fabrics from Automotive Industry

Non-woven fabrics are versatile sheets or webs that are manufactured using bonding methods other than weaving or knitting. These fabrics are typically composed of fibers that are either stapled or bonded together through thermal, chemical, or mechanical processes. The non-woven structure of these fabrics grants them a wide range of applications, thanks to their adaptability, cost-effectiveness, and versatility across different manufacturing processes.

One of the key industries that heavily relies on non-woven fabrics is the automotive industry. In the automotive sector, these materials find extensive use in various parts of vehicles, such as interior trim, trunk compartments, under shields, and engine insulation. The lightweight nature, flexibility, durability, and cost-effectiveness of non-woven fabrics make them an ideal choice for automotive applications.

Furthermore, the automotive industry's pursuit of lighter and more fuel-efficient vehicles has further propelled the use of non-woven fabrics. By incorporating these materials, manufacturers can effectively reduce the overall weight of the vehicles, thereby contributing to improved fuel efficiency.

The increasing demand for non-woven fabrics in the automotive industry serves as a significant driver for the global non-woven fabrics market. This trend, coupled with the rising production of vehicles on a global scale, is expected to further boost the demand for these materials.

To summarize, the burgeoning demand for non-woven fabrics from the automotive industry is playing a crucial role in driving the growth of the global non-woven fabrics market. As this trend continues, it is likely to spur further expansion and innovation within this market segment.

Growing Demand of Non-Woven Fabrics from Medical Industry

The medical industry has emerged as a significant end-user of non-woven fabrics, thanks to their exceptional properties and versatility. These materials find extensive application in the production of various medical products, including surgical gowns, face masks, drapes, caps, gloves, bandages, and more. Their superior qualities, such as high absorbency, liquid repellency, resilience, stretch, softness, strength, flame retardancy, washability, and sterility, make them indispensable in the healthcare sector.

The recent COVID-19 pandemic has further underscored the critical role of non-woven fabrics in the medical industry. The unprecedented demand for personal protective equipment (PPE), such as face masks, gowns, and coveralls, which are predominantly made from non-woven materials, has significantly bolstered the market for these fabrics. The need for reliable and effective PPE to protect healthcare workers and the general population has driven the surge in demand for non-woven fabrics.

Moreover, the growing demand for non-woven fabrics in the medical industry serves as a major driver for the global non-woven fabrics market. This upward trend, coupled with the ongoing global health crisis, is projected to continue fueling the market's growth. As the world continues to grapple with public health challenges, the demand for non-woven fabrics in the medical industry is likely to remain robust. Ongoing research and development efforts aimed at developing more effective and sustainable non-woven fabrics will also contribute to the market's expansion and innovation.

In conclusion, the rising demand for non-woven fabrics from the medical industry is playing a crucial role in driving the growth of the global non-woven fabrics market. As this trend continues, it is expected to further fuel the expansion and innovation within this market, catering to the evolving needs of the healthcare sector and contributing to the overall well-being of individuals worldwide.

Key Market Challenges

Volatility in Price of Raw Materials

Non-woven fabrics, with their unique and versatile properties, are produced by bonding fibers together through mechanical, thermal, or chemical methods, rather than traditional weaving or knitting processes. This innovative manufacturing approach allows for the creation of fabrics that exhibit exceptional strength, durability, and breathability.

The primary raw materials used in the production of non-woven fabrics are polyester, polypropylene, and viscose. These materials are carefully selected for their specific characteristics, such as their ability to resist moisture, withstand high temperatures, or provide optimal comfort. However, the cost and availability of these raw materials significantly impact the production process and ultimately affect the profitability of manufacturers in the industry.

Fluctuations in the prices of these raw materials can have a direct impact on the overall cost of production, posing challenges for manufacturers. Factors such as changes in crude oil prices, trade policies, and geopolitical events can contribute to the volatility in raw material prices, making it difficult for manufacturers to predict and plan for future production costs. This unpredictability presents a significant challenge for the non-woven fabrics market, potentially hampering its growth.

The volatility in raw material prices not only affects manufacturers but also has implications for consumers. Manufacturers may need to pass on increased costs to consumers, which could impact demand for non-woven fabrics. On the other hand, manufacturers may choose to absorb these costs, potentially affecting their own profitability. Balancing these factors is crucial for the sustainable growth of the non-woven fabrics industry.

In conclusion, while non-woven fabrics offer numerous advantages and applications across various industries, the volatility in raw material prices remains a key challenge. Manufacturers must navigate this uncertainty to ensure the continued availability and affordability of non-woven fabrics, thereby fostering growth and innovation in this dynamic market.

Key Market Trends

Growing Innovations in Fiber Technology

In recent years, there have been remarkable and groundbreaking innovations in fiber technology, leading to the development of highly advanced and sophisticated non-woven fabrics. These fabrics possess a wide range of enhanced performance attributes, making them more sustainable, versatile, and adaptable to various applications.

For instance, the advent of biodegradable and recyclable fiber technologies has perfectly aligned with the increasing global demand for sustainable products. These eco-friendly advancements not only contribute to environmental conservation but also meet the stringent quality expectations of diverse consumer segments. With the rise of conscious consumerism, sustainable non-woven fabrics are gaining significant traction in industries such as fashion, home goods, and personal care.

Furthermore, the emergence of smart fibers has revolutionized the possibilities for non-woven fabrics. These intelligent fibers are capable of dynamically changing their properties in response to environmental stimuli. This opens up a world of opportunities, particularly in sectors like healthcare, automotive, and protective clothing, where non-woven fabrics with adaptive functionalities can play a vital role. Imagine a protective garment that adjusts its insulation properties based on temperature changes or a wound dressing that responds to moisture levels for optimal healing conditions.

The ability to tailor non-woven fabrics to specific applications has expanded their utilization across numerous industries. From filtration and packaging to geotextiles and construction materials, non-woven fabrics are now providing innovative solutions in diverse sectors. Moreover, these advancements have significantly boosted the competitiveness of non-woven fabrics against traditional materials, further augmenting their market demand and growth potential.

In conclusion, the continuous and ever-evolving innovations in fiber technology are reshaping the global non-woven fabrics market in profound ways. As these advancements persist, they are expected to drive further growth, expansion, and adoption of non-woven fabrics across industries, ultimately revolutionizing the way we create and utilize textiles.

Segmental Insights

Fiber Insights

Based on the category of fiber, the polypropylene segment emerged as the dominant player in the global market for Non-Woven Fabrics in 2022. Polypropylene products are widely utilized by industry participants due to their availability in various grades and properties that can be tailored through the use of auxiliary chemicals and treatment processes. These products offer exceptional versatility and can be modified to meet specific application requirements.

In addition, polyester is expected to emerge as the second largest product segment in the market, with a steady growth rate projected in the coming years. This can be attributed to the increasing adoption of polyester in diverse sectors such as agriculture, automotive, and medical & surgical equipment. Its excellent performance characteristics make it a preferred choice for these applications.

Furthermore, carded polyester fabric is anticipated to witness significant growth in the near future. This fabric offers higher stability and superior internal bond strength, thanks to its uniform fiber alignment. These properties make it highly suitable for the production of feminine hygiene pads, adult incontinence products, infant diapers, and toddler training pants.

The aforementioned properties and applications of these products are expected to drive their demand, paving the way for continued growth in the industry.

End User Insights

The geotextiles segment is projected to experience rapid growth during the forecast period. The rising spending in construction activities, particularly in developing countries like China, India, and Brazil, has significantly fueled the demand for non-woven fabrics, specifically geotextiles, in durable applications. This surge in demand can be attributed to the need for reliable and long-lasting materials that can withstand the challenges of various construction projects.

Moreover, apart from the durable segment, the disposable segment of non-woven fabrics is expected to witness substantial growth in the coming years. This growth can be attributed to the increasing preference for disposable medical non-woven fabrics over reusable ones in order to prevent contamination and ensure better hygiene among patients. The constant replacement of reusable fabrics with disposable alternatives has become a common practice in healthcare settings worldwide.

Furthermore, the market for disposable non-woven fabrics is anticipated to thrive due to factors such as the rising population with an age group of over 60 years and a high birth rate in countries like Japan, the U.S., Germany, Monaco, the UK, China, and India. These demographic trends contribute to the increasing demand for disposable non-woven fabrics in various applications, including healthcare, personal care, and hygiene products.

Overall, the growing construction activities and evolving healthcare practices are driving the demand for both durable and disposable non-woven fabrics, creating opportunities for manufacturers and suppliers in the global market.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific emerged as the dominant player in the Global Non-Woven Fabrics Market in 2022, holding the largest market share in terms of value. The remarkable growth of the region can be attributed to various factors. Firstly, the increasing birth rate has contributed to a larger population, resulting in a greater demand for products and services. Additionally, the region's aging population requires extra attention towards their hygiene, creating opportunities for businesses in the healthcare industry. The government has also implemented stringent laws and measures to address the issue of female infanticide, aiming to improve the female to male ratio and promote gender equality.

Furthermore, the government's focus on providing quality education to the youth has the potential to empower and uplift the region's population, leading to greater socio-economic development. This, in turn, is expected to drive the demand for various products and services, including female hygiene products.

Moreover, emerging economies such as China and India have witnessed a significant increase in spending towards construction activities. This surge in construction projects aims to develop internal infrastructure and support economic growth. As a result, the demand for non-woven fabric, a key material used in construction and other industries, is projected to experience a substantial boost in the region.

In conclusion, the region's growth can be attributed to a combination of factors, including population dynamics, government initiatives, and infrastructure development. These factors collectively create a favorable environment for various industries to thrive and contribute to the region's overall progress.

Key Market Players

Ahlstrom-Munksjo Oyj

BERRY GLOBAL INC.

KIMBERLY-CLARK CORPORATION

Glatfelter Corporation

DuPont de Nemours Inc

TORAY INDUSTRIES INC.

Lydall Inc.

Fitesa S/A.

SUOMINEN CORPORATION

Johns Manville

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Non-Woven Fabrics Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Non-Woven Fabrics Market, By Fiber:
• Polyester
• Cotton Rayon
• Polypropylene
• Others
• Non-Woven Fabrics Market, By End User:
• Disposable Applications
• Wipes
• Geotextiles
• Medical Products
• Automotive
• Others
• Non-Woven Fabrics Market, By Region:
• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia-Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Kuwait
• Turkey
• Egypt

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Non-Woven Fabrics Market.

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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