Owing to benefits such as breaking strength, tear strength, fabric stretch, abrasion resistance, fabric weight, air permeability, thermal properties, and moisture absorbance.
Nonwoven materials are lighter and do not require weaving or knitting, in contrast to commonly used fabrics like cotton, linen, wool, and silk, which are used to make interlinings, protective clothing, workwear for the workplace, chemical suits, and parts for shoes.
Healthcare needs like face masks, isolation gowns, curtains, one-use caps, and shoe and headcovers are frequently made from nonwoven textiles.
The market is growing as a result of these materials being used more frequently to create lightweight automotive components. Various product breakthroughs, such as the introduction of smart nonwoven materials and blast-resistant curtains, are additional growth-promoting factors.
These elements work together to drive explosive growth in the nonwoven fabrics market, resulting in a market value increase of USD 68 billion by 2029 and a yearly growth rate of 6.1% throughout the forecast period.
The term "nonwoven fabric" refers to a fabric-like material comprised of long and short staple fibres that have been mechanically, chemically, thermally, or solvent-bonded together. In the textile production sector, the phrase is used to describe textiles like felt that are neither knitted nor woven.
The development of goods with lower costs for use in hospitals with tight budgets has increased the usage of nonwoven textiles in medical applications. Numerous government programmers to reduce HAIs urge the use of nonwoven medical goods including disposable patient gowns, drapes, and linens that help block the spread of HALs.
The availability of raw resources, however, is one of the most significant factors directly affecting the market for finished goods. Synthetic fibres account for more than 80% of nonwoven fabrics. Aramides, glass fibers, and high-tenacity yarns are harder to find and more expensive than polyester and cotton, two of these fundamental materials.
Among many others, Glatfelter Company, Ahlstrom-Munksjo (Finland), Berry Global Inc, DuPont, Lydall Inc, Freudenberg Group, Fitesa, TWE Group, and PFNonwovens are the leading participants in the global nonwoven fabrics industry.
Segment Analysis
Type Segment
The size of worldwide nonwoven textiles market is divided into polymer types for wood pulp, rayon, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), and others. Due to its high tear & puncture resistance, temperature fluctuation tolerance, and durability, polypropylene (PP) nonwoven fabrics have been increasingly popular in geotextiles, accounting for the highest market share in 2020.
Application Segment
The nonwoven textiles market is divided into hygiene, medical, filtration, automotive, building & construction, and others based on application. Due to its outstanding absorption capabilities, softness, smoothness, strength, comfort & fit, stretchability, and cost-effectiveness, the hygiene category took the lead in 2020.
Asia-Pacific is dominating the market
Because more nonwoven fabric facilities have been commissioned and production has increased in Asia-Pacific, the region will become the largest consumer. China accounted for the majority of nonwoven fabric manufacturing and consumption globally. The 13th Five Year Plan's increased investments and government assistance have led to a boom in China's textile industry. The restructuring of the industry is having a significant negative impact on the textile and garment industries across the country. It is anticipated that China's northwest would become the world's largest textile region.
Covid-19 Impact & Market Status
COVID-19 is anticipated to have a considerable increase in the market for nonwoven fabrics. In response to the COVID-19 epidemic, nonwoven producers all around the world are increasing their manufacturing capacities and purchasing equipment to produce crucial medical supplies. During the projection period, it is anticipated that an increase in the number of cases around the world and a rise in the demand for healthcare staff will increase the demand for nonwoven materials and disposable hospital supplies.
Latest Innovations in the Global Nonwoven Fabrics Market Snapshot
• In June 2020, Lydall announced an investment in a new fine fibre melt-blown production line to meet the rising demand for face masks around the world. Lydall will be able to significantly increase the supply of high-quality fine fibre melt-blown filtration media for N95, surgical, and medical face masks with the addition of this new manufacturing line, as well as contribute to resolving the melt-blown material scarcity on a global scale.
• Berry Global announced that from May 2020 it would increase Meltex melt-blown capacity to meet the escalating demand for face masks. The production of nonwoven protection materials and filter materials for premium FFP2 (N95) and FFP3 (N99) grade filter media will be the primary goal of the new line.
Nonwoven Fabrics Market Scope
Metrics | Details |
Base Year | 2022 |
Historic Data | 2021-2022 |
Forecast Period | 2022-2031 |
Study Period | 2021-2031 |
Forecast Unit | Value (USD) |
Revenue forecast in 2031 | USD 68 billion |
Growth Rate | CAGR of 6.1% during 2022-2031 |
Segment Covered | by Type, By Application, Regions |
Regions Covered | North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa |
Key Players Profiled | Glatfelter Company, Ahlstrom-Munksjo (Finland), Berry Global Inc, DuPont, Lydall Inc, Freudenberg Group, Fitesa, TWE Group, and PFNonwovens |
Key Segments of the Global Nonwoven Fabrics Market
Type Model Overview, 2019-2029 (USD Billion)
• PP
• PE
• PET
• others
Application Overview, 2019-2029 (USD Billion)
• Industry
• Clothing
• Medical and Health
• Household
• Others
Regional Overview, 2019-2029 (USD Billion)
North America
• U.S
• Canada
Europe
• Germany
• France
• UK
• Rest of Europe
Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Rest of Asia Pacific
South America
• Mexico
• Brazil
• Rest of South America
Middle East and South Africa

