Nonwoven Fabric Market by Technology (Spunlaid, Drylaid, Wetlaid) | By Material (Polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene (PE), Polyester, Nylon, Polyurethane, Rayon)
Industry: Chemicals and Materials
Published Date: September-2024
Format: PPT*, PDF, EXCEL
Delivery Timelines: Contact Sales
Number of Pages: 377
Report ID: PMRREP11488
Detailed assessment on the global nonwoven fabric market conducted by Persistence Market Research (PMR) points towards expansion at around 5.4% CAGR from 2024 to 2031. The market is anticipated to attain a valuation of US$ 76.4 Billion by the end of the forecast period.
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Market Valuation (2023A) |
US$ 51.4 Billion |
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Market Estimation (2024E) |
US$ 52.7 Billion |
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Market Projections (2031F) |
US$ 76.4 Billion |
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Value CAGR (2024 to 2031) |
5.4% |
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Collective Value Share: Top 3 Countries (2024E) |
49% |
Nonwoven fabrics are textiles made by bonding fibers together, either through chemical adhesion, mechanical or heat treatment, or a combination of these methods. It is can be manufactured using different standard technologies, such as spunlaid, drylaid, and wetlaid. Meltblown and spunbond are the prominent spunlaid technologies used in the manufacturing of nonwoven fabrics.
Nonwoven fabric materials have diverse set of applications that can be classified as hygiene and industrial applications. Hygiene applications of nonwoven fabrics include personal care products, such as disposable diapers, adult incontinence, and feminine care products. Industrial nonwoven fabric applications include geotextiles, wallwraps, ground covers, furniture fabrics, and medical protective apparel.
These fabrics are primarily used in the textile and automotive industries because it is lightweight and comfortable to use. Materials made up of nonwoven are 15 to 20% lighter than competing materials and can reduce vehicle weight by up to 2 kilograms. The growing demand for lightweight, high-strength interior materials in the automotive industry is one of the key factors bolstering the industry's growth.
The historical study shows that from 2018 to 2023, the market grew at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.9%. It is projected that the industry will expand more swiftly than in the past, with the growing demand for products related to personal care across the globe. The market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 5.4% over the anticipated period.
The demand for disposable diapers among various emerging economies is expected to increase due to the rising child population with a GDP per capita above US$ 1,000. Emerging economies such as Indonesia, the Philippines, Brazil, Mexico, and Vietnam with comparatively low penetration of disposable diapers and high birth rates, are estimated to be the key markets across the globe.
Nonwovens are also broadly used in healthcare and medical applications to provide decent protection against biological agents. These are gradually gaining traction over traditional materials in the healthcare and medical sector, which is also bolstering product consumption in the healthcare sector. Increasing penetration of nonwoven fabrics in the automotive industry in the manufacturing of interior door panels, automotive floor carpets, and others is also anticipated to bolster the growth of the nonwoven fabric market.
Automotive Production Surge Fuels Nonwoven Fabric Demand
The booming global automotive industry, characterized by high production volumes in key markets like India and China, is significantly impacting the nonwoven fabric market. With India’s production reaching 25.9 million vehicles in FY23 and China producing over 30 million cars in 2023, there is a notable increase in demand for nonwoven fabrics. These materials are essential for various automotive applications, including interior components, insulation, and filtration systems. The substantial production figures underscore the need for high-quality nonwoven materials to meet the growing demands of the automotive sector.
The automotive industry's shift towards electrification, particularly in battery-electric and hybrid vehicles, is creating new opportunities for nonwoven fabric manufacturers. The surge in electric vehicle production, as seen in Europe with a 37% rise in battery-electric car sales, necessitates advanced nonwoven materials for battery separators, thermal management, and insulation. These specialized materials are crucial for enhancing the performance and safety of electric vehicles, driving innovation and development within the nonwoven fabric sector.
The automotive sector's focus on sustainability is influencing the nonwoven fabric market by increasing the demand for eco-friendly materials. Government initiatives and regulations aimed at reducing environmental impact are driving the automotive industry to adopt sustainable practices. Nonwoven fabric producers are responding by developing biodegradable and recyclable materials that align with the automotive industry's sustainability goals. This shift towards greener materials is essential for meeting regulatory standards and catering to environmentally conscious consumers.
Emerging Applications in Smart Textiles for Wearable Technology
The nonwoven fabric market is witnessing significant growth opportunities in the realm of smart textiles for wearable technology, driven by the rising demand for innovative and multifunctional fabrics. Smart textiles, which integrate electronic components and sensors into fabrics, are increasingly being used in wearable devices for healthcare, fitness, military, and fashion applications. Nonwoven fabrics, known for their flexibility, lightweight nature, and breathability, provide an ideal foundation for these advanced textiles, enabling seamless integration of technology without compromising comfort or performance.
In the healthcare sector, smart textiles made from nonwoven fabrics are being developed to monitor vital signs, manage chronic conditions, and even deliver therapeutic treatments. These fabrics can be embedded with sensors that track heart rate, body temperature, and other physiological parameters, offering users and healthcare providers real-time data. The integration of nonwoven materials in such applications not only enhances the comfort of wearable devices but also improves their durability and ease of use, making them more accessible and user-friendly for patients.
The fitness and sports industries are also embracing smart textiles made from nonwoven fabrics, as these materials can be designed to wick away moisture, regulate body temperature, and provide compression support. Wearable technology in this sector often includes garments that monitor physical activity, track performance metrics, and offer personalized feedback. Nonwoven fabrics' ability to combine these functionalities with comfort and durability makes them a preferred choice for sportswear manufacturers looking to innovate and differentiate their products in a competitive market.
High Competition from Alternative Materials
The non-woven fabric market faces significant competition from alternative materials that challenge its dominance across various applications. These alternatives, including woven fabrics, knitted textiles, and advanced materials like biodegradable composites, offer unique advantages that can appeal to different consumer preferences and industry requirements. As these materials gain traction, non-woven fabrics must contend with a broader range of options that could potentially erode their market share.
Woven and knitted fabrics, for instance, are often preferred for their durability and flexibility. Unlike non-woven fabrics, which are typically designed for single-use or limited-use applications, woven and knitted materials can be reused and repurposed multiple times. This durability appeals to consumers and industries looking for long-term value and sustainability, making these alternatives attractive in markets where longevity is a priority.
Advanced materials, such as biodegradable composites, represent another growing competitive threat. These materials address environmental concerns associated with traditional non-woven fabrics by offering compostable or recyclable options. As awareness about sustainability increases, industries and consumers are shifting towards materials that reduce environmental impact, putting pressure on non-woven fabrics to innovate and improve their ecological footprint.
What is the market growth outlook in the U.S.?
The U.S. nonwoven fabric market is estimated to hold nearly 22% share of the global market in 2024. The growing aging population and increasing prevalence of chronic diseases have resulted in a rise in demand for medical and adult incontinence products in the country, which, in turn, is likely to benefit market growth.
The country has a well-established medical infrastructure along with the most advanced technologies. Increasing medical tourism and healthcare activities along with the increasing number of patients in the country are expected to drive demand for disposables such as gowns, gloves, masks, surgical caps, and bed liners, in the country, which is likely to propel the product demand over the forecast period.
What is the market scenario of nonwoven fabric in the Chinese market?
China is anticipated to account for a sizeable portion of the global market in terms of volume and value due to the increasing demand from end-use industries such as medical and pharmaceuticals, food and agriculture, manufacturing, mining, power, and energy. The growing population, rising investments in the medical and healthcare sector, increasing per capita income, and rapidly growing construction sector also bolstered product market growth.
The robust growth of the Chinese textile industry, with increasing public and private investments, is also expected to augment the industry growth during the forecast period. Various manufacturers in the country plan to commission additional capacities and increase nonwoven production capacity, owing to the rapid growth of end-user industries. These are a few factors projected to drive the market at high rates during the forecasted period.
How does the spunbond segment fairing in the market?
Based on technology, the spunbond segment is estimated to dominate the global nonwoven fabric market with a share of 27% in 2024, in terms of value. The increased use of spunbond nonwovens for geotextiles is expected to boost its demand. Geotextiles are being used as a durable material for railways, highways, roads, and foundations by a number of builders, transportation infrastructure planners, and engineers. Surging demand for spunbond nonwoven from the hygiene and medical sectors is also one of the key factors bolstering the growth of the spunbond segment in the market.
What is the demand outlook of the polypropylene segment in the market?
The polypropylene segment is estimated to lead the nonwoven market in 2024 and is expected to create an absolute opportunity of USD 17.7 billion at the end of the forecasted period. Polypropylene is the most widely used as raw material for the production of nonwoven fabrics, owing to its numerous advantages and chemical properties.
Polypropylene has a wide range of industrial applications and is used to manufacture, tapes, coated fabrics, conveyor belts, display felts cable air conditioner filters, insulation, noise absorber felt, semiconductor polishing pads, and so on.
Product Innovations, Mergers, joint ventures, and collaborations are increasingly shaping the nonwoven fabric market by fostering innovation, expanding market reach, and enhancing production capabilities. These strategic partnerships allow companies to pool resources, share expertise, and access new technologies, ultimately driving growth and competitive advantage in the market.
For instance,
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Forecast Period |
2024 to 2031 |
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Historical Data Available for |
2018 to 2023 |
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Market Analysis |
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Key Countries Covered |
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Key Segments Covered |
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Key Companies Profiled |
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Report Coverage |
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Customization and Pricing |
Available Upon Request |
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In 2023, the value of the global market reached over US$ 51.4 billion.
In 2024, the value of the global market reached over US$ 52.7 billion.
The global market is projected to reach US$ 76.4 billion by the end of 2033.
The global market exhibited a CAGR of 4.9% over the last 5 years.
The global market is estimated to grow with a CAGR of 5.4% during the assessment period.
The spun bond technology segment is estimated to lead the global market in 2024.
The polypropylene materials segment is projected to lead the global market in the forecast period.
