Nonwoven Fabric Trends and Forecast
The future of the global nonwoven fabric market looks promising with opportunities in the hygiene, medical, filtration, automotive, consumer products, and building & construction markets. The global nonwoven fabric market is expected to grow with a CAGR of 5.8% from 2024 to 2030. The major drivers for this market are growing in demand for nonwoven fabrics in the healthcare industry, increasing demand for nonwoven fabrics in textile industry, and increasing awareness regarding environment-friendly fabrics and regulatory framework promoting the use of nonwoven fabrics.
• Lucintel forecasts that, within the technology category, spunbond is expected to witness the highest growth over the forecast period due to growing in the demand for these spunbond nonwovens across various applications.
• Within the application category, hygiene will remain the largest segment due to quality like excellent absorption properties, softness, smoothness, strength, comfort & fit, stretchability, and cost-effectiveness.
• In terms of regions, APAC is expected to witness highest growth over the forecast period due to improving global economy, expanding working population, increasing domestic demand for hygiene products.
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Emerging Trends in the Nonwoven Fabric Market
The changing landscape of the nonwoven fabric market is characterized by many trends that significantly transform it. A great understanding of such trends would go a long way for stakeholders seeking to benefit from opportunities.
• Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Materials: Consumers increasingly require more sustainable products. Manufacturers are working on biodegradable and recycled materials. With the rising sustainability focus in the market, companies are increasing their use of sustainable materials to improve brand reputation and attract eco-conscious consumers.
• Technological Advancements: Technologies related to production, such as spun bond, melt blown, and carded processes, improve the quality and performance of nonwoven fabrics. This leads to an increase in the use of nonwovens in various applications across different sectors such as healthcare, automotive, and construction, which drives market growth.
• Hygiene and Medical Sector Growth: Especially after the pandemic, the demand for hygiene and medical applications of nonwovens has increased significantly. Surgical masks, gowns, and hygiene pads made from nonwoven fabrics are gaining a lot of popularity. This trend continues in the era of chronic health threats.
• Smart Nonwovens: Interest in smart nonwovens, sometimes called functional nonwovens, which add functionality like antimicrobial or moisture management properties, is growing. These may have applications in specialized segments, such as healthcare or personal care, and therefore hold value for manufacturers willing to differentiate their offerings.
• Regional Market Expansion: Nonwoven fabrics are in growing demand, particularly in Asia and Africa, where industrialization is increasing. The growth opportunity is significant for manufacturers willing to invest in local production and supply chains to fulfill regional requirements.
This is going to alter the dynamics and shape the nonwoven fabric industry. More attention is being paid to sustainability, innovation, and flexibility. Companies that strategically balance these trends can gain competitive advantages and open up new access to market shares.
Recent Developments in the Nonwoven Fabric Market
The nonwoven fabric industry is experiencing numerous current trends that are instrumental in altering the dynamics of the market. Five of the current developments are described below:
• Increased Production Capacity: Manufacturers are expanding their manufacturing sites as the demand for nonwoven material increases globally, especially in the hygiene and medical fields. Productivity and quality are upgraded through the implementation of advanced machines and technology.
• Eco-Friendly Product Lines: Companies are launching increasing numbers of eco-friendly product lines made from recycled or biodegradable materials. With consumer demand on the rise for eco-friendly products, this is a key development in alignment with global sustainability goals.
• Smart Nonwoven Fabric Innovation: The market is seeing innovations in smart nonwoven fabrics, such as feature-based products containing antimicrobial agents and moisture-wicking properties. These advanced products have specialized applications mainly in healthcare and personal care.
• Strategic Partnerships: Companies are teaming up with research institutions to enhance innovation in nonwoven technologies. The collaboration aims at developing new applications and enhancing the performance of existing products to ensure that the products resulting from these partnerships remain competitive in the market.
• Regulatory Compliance and Standards: As health and safety regulations rise, manufacturers are emphasizing higher criteria to conform to rigid quality standards. These strict standards ensure that nonwoven products meet the right certifications for critical applications, especially in the healthcare or hygiene sectors.
These developments are significantly influencing the nonwoven fabric market due to advancements in innovation, improvements in production capabilities, and scope for sustainability. Companies that embrace these changes have a great opportunity to succeed in this market.
Strategic Growth Opportunities for Nonwoven Fabric Market
The nonwoven fabric market offers strategic growth opportunities in the key applications listed below. Companies focusing on these opportunities will improve their market presence and capitalize on emerging trends.
• Hygiene Products: The hygienic products industry, which includes diapers and female personal care products, has growth prospects. Due to increased awareness of health and hygiene, manufacturers can innovate new nonwoven solutions that are comfortable and high-performing to gain a greater share of the market.
• Medical Applications: The growing demand for PPE and medical textiles presents significant growth potential for nonwovens in the healthcare sector. Companies could focus on producing nonwovens for surgical masks, gowns, and other medical applications, ensuring regulatory compliance while also fulfilling urgent consumer requirements.
• Automotive Sector: The automotive industry increasingly uses nonwovens for interior applications, particularly for soundproofing and insulation. Manufacturers can enter this emerging market by creating lightweight yet strong and aesthetically appealing nonwovens.
• Geotextiles: Applications of nonwoven geotextiles in construction and landscaping, especially for soil stabilization and erosion control, are gaining momentum. Companies can enter this niche by developing specialized nonwoven products that meet industry requirements and set higher standards.
• Filtration Applications: There is growing demand for clean air and water purification systems through high-efficiency filtration products. The application of nonwoven fabrics is ideal here. Companies can aggressively innovate and develop advanced filtration solutions with a constant focus on both industrial and consumer markets.
These strategic growth opportunities demonstrate the potential of nonwoven fabrics across a range of applications. Companies that aggressively pursue these opportunities will improve their market position and ensure sustainable growth.
Nonwoven Fabric Market Driver and Challenges
Major drivers for the nonwoven fabric market include increased industrial demand, innovations in production technologies, and a shift toward more eco-friendly materials. However, this growth faces challenges such as raw material price volatility and competition from other products.
The factors responsible for driving the nonwoven fabric market include:
• Increasing Demand from Various Industries: Rising demand is reported across various end applications, such as hygiene, medical, and automotive sectors, supporting market growth. The versatility and cost-effectiveness of nonwoven fabrics make them increasingly sought after by industries.
• Technology: Innovative advances in manufacturing technologies, such as spun bond and melt blown processes, make nonwoven fabrics more efficient and quality-oriented. This propels the demand for performance-oriented materials with defined applications.
• Sustainability Focus: As consumer demand and regulations grow, the market is likely to shift toward greener products. Manufacturers of products that embrace sustainable practices or have sustainable material usage gain a competitive advantage. In fact, there are few eco-friendly consumers who do not support green products.
• Health and Safety Issues: Awareness of health and hygiene, resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, has led to a rise in demand for nonwovens in medical and hygiene applications. This trend will continue as consumers remain conscious of these issues.
• Accelerated Industrialization in Emerging Markets: Rapid industrial growth in developing economies will provide the largest opportunities for nonwoven fabric manufacturers. Companies should target these markets to capitalize on the increasing demand for sustainable, innovative nonwoven solutions.
Challenges in the nonwoven fabric market are:
• Raw Material Price Fluctuations: Raw material price variations may lead to changes in production costs and profit margins. Manufacturers must develop strategies to manage these fluctuations so that they do not negatively affect the market.
• Competition from Substitute Materials: Alternatives like woven and knitted fibers pose a threat to the nonwoven fabric market. There is a need for clear differentiation and uniqueness in their applications.
• Compliance with Regulations: Mandatory compliance with revised regulatory requirements is a major cost for manufacturers. Research and development, as well as quality assurance processes, are needed to meet health and safety regulations, which also strain resources.
The various drivers and challenges have a significant impact on the nonwoven fabric market. Stakeholders who effectively utilize opportunities while addressing challenges are better positioned to thrive in this dynamic environment.
List of Nonwoven Fabric Companies
Companies in the market compete on the basis of product quality offered. Major players in this market focus on expanding their manufacturing facilities, R&D investments, infrastructural development, and leverage integration opportunities across the value chain. Through these strategies nonwoven fabric companies cater increasing demand, ensure competitive effectiveness, develop innovative products & technologies, reduce production costs, and expand their customer base. Some of the nonwoven fabric companies profiled in this report include-
• Ahlstrom-Munksjo
• Berry Global
• Glatfelter
• DuPont
• Lydall
• Fitesa
• TWE
Nonwoven Fabric by Segment
The study includes a forecast for the global nonwoven fabric by polymer type, function, technology, application, and region.
Nonwoven Fabric Market by Polymer Type [Analysis by Value from 2018 to 2030]:
• PP
• PE
• PET
• Wood pulp
• Rayon
• Others
Nonwoven Fabric Market by Function [Analysis by Value from 2018 to 2030]:
• Disposable
• Non-Disposable
Nonwoven Fabric Market by Technology [Analysis by Value from 2018 to 2030]:
• Spunbond
• Wet Laid
• Dry Laid
• Others
Nonwoven Fabric Market by Application [Analysis by Value from 2018 to 2030]:
• Hygiene
• Medical
• Filtration
• Automotive
• Consumer Products
• Building & Construction
• Others
Nonwoven Fabric Market by Region [Analysis by Value from 2018 to 2030]:
• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• The Rest of the World
Country Wise Outlook for the Nonwoven Fabric Market
The nonwoven fabric industry has experienced higher growth rates and diverse changes in different countries. With technological advancements, massive demand from various industries, and an increased focus on sustainable products, innovation is increasingly being adopted in the US, China, Germany, India, and Japan, as manufacturers work to improve the performance of their products and respond to changing consumer preferences. The sector is gaining more recognition due to its versatility. Applications in healthcare, automotive, hygiene, and filtration, among others, continue to gain recognition. Recent developments in these key markets are as follows.
• United States: The nonwoven fabric market is booming in the United States, especially in healthcare and hygiene products due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Manufacturers are investing in advanced production technologies like spun bond and melt blown processes to improve fabric quality. In line with the growing sustainability focus, the use of biodegradable materials is also increasing as consumers demand environmentally friendly products. Governmental initiatives promoting the adoption of medical-grade nonwovens are enhancing innovation and business opportunities.
• China: China is the largest supplier of nonwoven fabric in the global market, primarily due to rapid industrial development and increased manufacturing capacity. China has been producing nonwovens in high volumes for PPE and hygiene applications. The government supports innovation by providing subsidies and fostering technological development, resulting in higher-quality and more efficient products. Additionally, sustainable material adoption is being observed, with local manufacturers focusing on bio-based fibers and recycling initiatives to meet both domestic and global market demands.
• Germany: As a European leader in nonwoven technology and sustainability, recent developments include high-quality fiber production and finishing processes that enhance the strength and functionality of nonwoven fabrics. Products oriented toward environmental responsiveness are leading in the market, particularly those following circular economy principles. Collaboration between industry players and research institutions is also driving innovation, especially in automotive and construction applications. Strict health and safety regulations are reflected in the demand for high-quality nonwovens.
• India: IndiaÄX%$%Xs nonwoven fabric market is growing rapidly due to rising demand from the hygiene, medical, and automotive sectors. The governmentÄX%$%Xs "Make in India" policy encourages local production and attracts foreign investments, providing opportunities for higher-quality and cost-effective nonwoven products. In the region, innovations related to biodegradable fabrics are gaining significant interest, with consumers becoming more eco-conscious. Furthermore, India is witnessing a shift in demand towards sustainable solutions, presenting an opportunity for manufacturers that produce recyclable nonwoven materials.
• Japan: Japan is making strides in developing advanced nonwoven materials, particularly for medical and automotive applications. High standards for quality and durability continue to drive market growth. The countryÄX%$%Xs focus on innovations such as moisture management properties, anti-bacterial technologies, and specialized industrial nonwovens makes it a competitive hub for high-end nonwoven fabrics.
Features of the Global Nonwoven Fabric Market
Market Size Estimates: Nonwoven fabric market size estimation in terms of value ($B).
Trend and Forecast Analysis: Market trends (2018 to 2023) and forecast (2024 to 2030) by various segments and regions.
Segmentation Analysis: Nonwoven fabric market size by various segments, such as by polymer type, function, technology, application, and region in terms of value ($B).
Regional Analysis: Nonwoven fabric market breakdown by North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World.
Growth Opportunities: Analysis of growth opportunities in different polymer type, function, technology, application, and regions for the nonwoven fabric market.
Strategic Analysis: This includes M&A, new product development, and competitive landscape of the nonwoven fabric market.
Analysis of competitive intensity of the industry based on Porter’s Five Forces model.
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FAQ
Q1. What is the growth forecast for nonwoven fabric market?
Answer: The global nonwoven fabric market is expected to grow with a CAGR of 5.8% from 2024 to 2030.
Q2. What are the major drivers influencing the growth of the nonwoven fabric market?
Answer: The major drivers for this market are growing in demand for nonwoven fabrics in the healthcare industry, increasing demand for nonwoven fabrics in textile industry and increasing awareness regarding environment-friendly fabrics and regulatory framework promoting the use of nonwoven fabrics.
Q3. What are the major segments for nonwoven fabric market?
Answer: The future of the nonwoven fabric market looks promising with opportunities in the hygiene, medical, filtration, automotive, consumer products, and building & construction markets.
Q4. Who are the key nonwoven fabric market companies?
Answer: Some of the key nonwoven fabric companies are as follows:
• Ahlstrom-Munksjo
• Berry Global
• Glatfelter
• DuPont
• Lydall
• Fitesa
• TWE
Q5. Which nonwoven fabric market segment will be the largest in future?
Answer: Lucintel forecasts that spunbond is expected to witness the highest growth over the forecast period due to growing in the demand for these spunbond nonwovens across various applications.
Q6. In nonwoven fabric market, which region is expected to be the largest in next 6 years?
Answer: APAC is expected to witness highest growth over the forecast period due to improving global economy, expanding working population, increasing domestic demand for hygiene products.
Q.7 Do we receive customization in this report?
Answer: Yes, Lucintel provides 10% customization without any additional cost.
This report answers following 11 key questions:
Q.1. What are some of the most promising, high-growth opportunities for the nonwoven fabric market by polymer type (PP, PE, PET, wood pulp, rayon, and others), function (disposable and non-disposable), technology (spunbond, wet laid, dry laid, and others), application (hygiene, medical, filtration, automotive, consumer products, building & construction, and others), and region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World)?
Q.2. Which segments will grow at a faster pace and why?
Q.3. Which region will grow at a faster pace and why?
Q.4. What are the key factors affecting market dynamics? What are the key challenges and business risks in this market?
Q.5. What are the business risks and competitive threats in this market?
Q.6. What are the emerging trends in this market and the reasons behind them?
Q.7. What are some of the changing demands of customers in the market?
Q.8. What are the new developments in the market? Which companies are leading these developments?
Q.9. Who are the major players in this market? What strategic initiatives are key players pursuing for business growth?
Q.10. What are some of the competing products in this market and how big of a threat do they pose for loss of market share by material or product substitution?
Q.11. What M&A activity has occurred in the last 5 years and what has its impact been on the industry?
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