Global Nonwoven Fabrics Market Size and Share Outlook - Forecast Trends and Growth Analysis Report (2024-2032)

Nonwoven Fabrics Market Growth

The drivers for nonwoven fabrics come from the increasing demand emanating from industries such as healthcare, automotive, and even construction. Within the healthcare sector, disposables such as surgical masks and gowns become highly in demand. In the automotive and construction industries, these are required because of their resilience and multi-functions. Besides, ecological awareness is boosting the use of more eco-friendly non-wovens that are recyclable. Advanced technologies for manufacturing processes and increasing consumer preference for cost-effective and high-performance material development are driving the nonwoven fabrics demand growth.

Key Trends and Recent Developments

The use of sustainable fabrics, customisation and antimicrobial fabrics are a few factors shaping the nonwoven fabrics market dynamics and trends. 

May 2023

Acme Mills, a leading producer of novelty nonwoven fabrics, introduced the Natura line, an innovative line of flushable and compostable wipes. For the Natura line to take care of this growing need for ecological personal hygiene products and to provide a good solution for responsible manufacturing, it was created by Acmemills.

Sustainable fabrics

A key trend in the nonwoven fabrics market is the rising demand for sustainable fabrics to reduce pollution levels is one of the key trends. Manufacturers are developing biodegradable fabrics from natural materials such as bamboo, wool, and pulp, among others, as well as recyclable fabrics to reduce waste and conserve natural resources.

Customisation

Several market players are offering customisation options to customers by allowing them to choose the fibre, pattern, and colour of nonwoven fabrics.

Antimicrobial fabrics

Antimicrobial nonwoven fabrics are gaining traction in medical and hygiene applications such as sanitary pads, diapers, and face masks as they offer resistance against germs and bacteria and keep the product fresh.

Smart features integration

The incorporation of smart features such as high stretchability and rapid response to external stimuli, among others, in wearables and intelligent protective garments made from nonwoven fabrics also provides impetus to the nonwoven fabrics market opportunities.

Nonwoven Fabrics Market Trends

One of the striking trends in non-woven fabric markets is the broadening platform for smart and functional non-wovens. In the instance of advanced materials to which enabling technologies like sensors, antimicrobial finishes, or temperature regulation have been added, the areas of application have similarly expanded. Smart non-wovens can be found increasingly in such uses as medical textiles in which health-related parameters can be measured, or interior automotive for improving indoor comfort. This trend therefore reflects a greater demand for high-tech solutions that offer other benefits over and above traditional non-woven fabric functionality, bolstering the nonwoven fabrics industry growth.

Industry Outlook

Expanding Automotive Production and Healthcare Sector Present an Opportunity for Nonwoven Fabrics

China was also the leading car-producing country in 2023, with more than 30.16 million units to retain its position for the 14th consecutive year, according to data from the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers. The second and third places went to the United States, with 10.61 million, and Japan, with 8.99 million. With 5.85 million and 4.24 million vehicles, India and South Korea completed the top five. Others in the top ten include Germany, 4.11 million; Mexico, 4.00 million; Spain, 2.45 million; Brazil, 2.32 million; and Thailand, 1.84 million, all of which contribute a great deal to worldwide automotive production. This large production level shows that the demand for automobile parts, which also includes nonwoven fabrics used for interior purposes, filters, and insulation materials, is quite strong. A growing number of hospitals around the world provides an avenue for the use of nonwoven fabrics and this shapes up a key trend of the nonwoven fabrics market.

With an estimated population of 125.6 million, Japan has a total of 8,300 hospitals and thus shows a high demand for nonwoven materials in patient care and hygiene products. South Korea has 4,133 hospitals, while Australia has 1,339 hospitals, and France and Germany have more than 3,000 each, reflecting a well-founded healthcare infrastructure dependent on nonwoven fabrics for surgical drapes, gowns, and disposables. As an example, there are 1,236 hospitals in Poland for 37.7 million people and 1,978 hospitals in the United Kingdom for 68.5 million, accenting the depth of application of nonwovens in patient care, particularly hygiene and infection control.

Nonwoven Fabrics Industry Segmentation

“Nonwoven Fabrics Market Report and Forecast 2024-2032” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Based on polymer type, the market is divided into:

• Polypropylene (Pp)
• Polyethylene (Pe)
• Polyethylene Terephthalate (Pet)
• Wood Pulp
• Rayon
• Others

On the basis of property, the market is bifurcated into:

• Disposable 
• Non-Disposable

Based on technology, the market is classified into:

• Spunbond
• Wet Laid
• Dry Laid
• Air Laid

The nonwoven fabrics market segmentation, on the basis of application:

• Hygiene
• Medical
• Consumer Products
• Filtration
• Automotive
• Building And Construction
• Others

On the basis of region, the market is divided into:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa

Nonwoven Fabrics Market Share

By Application, The Medical Sector To Occupy Traction For Production Of Various Medical Drapes And Gloves

As per nonwoven fabrics market analysis, the medical sector occupies a sizable portion of the market share. This can be associated with increased implementation of nonwoven fabrics in the production of surgical gowns, protective equipment, drapes, and gloves, among others, due to their favourable properties such as excellent barrier properties and resistance against microbes. They are also used in disposable bed sheets, bedding, and isolation gowns at hospitals and other healthcare facilities to avoid the risk of cross-contamination among patients.

Meanwhile, the hygiene sector is also expected to witness significant growth in the forecast period due to the high usage of nonwoven fabrics in female hygiene and personal care products as they boast absorbent, breathable, and comfortable properties, and are easily disposable.

Nonwoven Fabrics are Multipurpose Materials Adopted in a Range of End-Use Markets

• Applications of nonwoven fabrics range from medical supplies and hygiene products to materials for automotive and construction.
• The production process is relatively cheaper as compared to the production of traditional woven fabrics.
• As per nonwoven fabrics market industry analysis, the nonwoven fabrics impart durability, strength, and high performance to the fabric.
• Biodegradable and recyclable material usage in nonwoven fabrics is on a surge, which addresses the sustainability factor.

Some Of The Challenges Which Nonwoven Fabric Market May Have To Go Through Are:

• Problems in raw material supply, price wars, and pressures from woven fabrics.
• Most of the nonwoven fabrics are used as single-use and thus lead to volumes of waste.
• Many consumers and industries believe that nonwoven fabrics are inferior to woven fabrics.
• Prices of raw materials like polymers fluctuate, affecting the cost of production and profitability
• Economic instability reduces demand for industrial purposes.

Growing Healthcare Sector Coupled with Technological Advancements and Sustainability Trends to Open New Avenues for the Players in Nonwoven Fabrics Market

• The increasing demand for disposable medical products, such as masks, gowns, and drapes, offers tremendous opportunities, aiding the nonwoven fabrics market growth.
• New manufacturing techniques or value-added materials could uncover new markets and uses.
• Growing consumer awareness of sustainability will continue to fuel demand for sustainable non-woven fabrics.

Nonwoven Fabrics Market Regional Analysis

The nonwoven fabrics industry in Asia-Pacific region is likely to gain significant momentum in the nonwoven fabrics industry, with rapid industrialization, urbanisation, and an upsurge in consumer demand within the manifold sectors of the economy. Countries such as China and India are upscaling their manufacturing units and investing heavily in state-of-the-art technologies. Fast-growing healthcare and automotive industries in this part of the world raise the demand for nonwoven fabrics in disposable medical products and a variety of automotive parts, respectively. Other than that, the growth has received a boost with increasing environmental regulations and demands for sustainable approaches that have increased the adoption of eco-friendly nonwoven materials.

Competitive Landscape

Key players in the market for nonwoven fabrics are aimed at continuous research and development to come up with high-performance, innovative nonwoven fabrics that could remarkably distinguish market leaders.

Berry Global Inc., founded in 1967, is a major manufacturer of plastic packaging, headquartered in Indiana, the United States. The company offers its services in sectors such as animal and pet care, food and beverage, and building and construction, among others.

Freudenberg Group is a multinational technology group, incorporated in 1849 and based in Weinheim, Germany. The company provides its technological expertise in applications of cars, power plant turbines, and cleaning robots, among others.

DuPont de Nemours, Inc., established in 2017, is a multinational chemical company, with its headquarters in Delaware, the United States. The company offers innovative solutions for electric vehicles, semiconductors, and water purification, among others.

Other nonwoven fabrics industry players include Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Fitesa S.A, Ahlstrom-Munksjo Oyj, Glatfelter Corp., Berkshire Hathaway Inc, TWE GmbH & Co., and Suominen Corporation, among others.

Competitive Landscape in the Global Nonwoven Fabrics Market

• Advanced automation and high-capacity production lines enable companies to reduce costs by offering competitive pricing. 
• Superior product quality, conforming to the industry standards for durability, absorbency, and strength, is one of the mainstays of market competitiveness. 
• Offering sustainable and eco-friendly nonwoven fabrics, conforming to environmental regulations, secures environmentally conscious clientele.
• Market scope widens due to bespoke solutions with a broad product portfolio for varied industries, aiding the nonwoven fabrics market revenue. 
• Strategic building of alliances with suppliers, distributors, and end-users develops the market presence and supply chain efficiency.
• Global presence and wide distribution network allow for satisfactory servicing of the variegated market and on-time delivery.

Global Nonwoven Fabrics Market Price Indicators

• Raw Material Costs: The prices of the key raw materials-polypropylene, polyester, and other kinds of polymers are important determinants of the cost of nonwoven fabrics.
• Energy Prices: The energy costs of production processes have an impact on the overall manufacturing cost and, consequently, on the price of nonwoven fabrics.
• Technological Advancements: Innovations in manufacturing techniques that result in gains in efficiency or reductions in cost will affect the market price for nonwoven fabrics.
• Supply Chain Disruptions: This renders the industry prone to price variability due to any disruption in the supply chain either in transport issues or unavailability of raw materials, affecting the nonwoven fabrics industry revenue.
• Change in Regulatory Environment: The introduction of new environmental regulations or tariffs on raw materials and finished products will have a direct impact on the cost of production and prices.
• Market Competition: The extent of manufacturer competition causes price volatility, while high competition compels price downtrend.

Demand Indicators for Nonwoven Fabrics Market

• Healthcare industry growth: The growth of the healthcare market, particularly the demand for disposable medical products, has a positive impact on nonwoven fabric consumption.
• Personal Hygiene Products: Increasing awareness and utilisation of personal hygiene products like diapers, sanitary napkins, and wipes have impacts on the demand for nonwoven fabrics.
• Construction and Infrastructure Projects: The increase in construction activities in various emerging economies boosts demand for geotextiles and other such construction-related nonwoven products, accelerating the growth of the nonwoven fabrics market.
• Automotive Production: Demand is also influenced by the insulation, filtration, and other applications of nonwoven fabrics in the automotive industry.
• Consumer Awareness and Preferences: An upswing in the trend of consumers liking more 'green' and sustainable products may increase demand for non-woven fabrics that come from recycled materials.