The nonwoven fabric market through 2027 will be driven by increased application in automotive and filtration products: Bonafide research.

According to the research report, "Global Nonwoven Fabric Market Outlook, 2027," published by Bonafide Research, the nonwoven fabric market is expected to grow at a forecast CAGR of 6.64%. The demands are majorly driven by the increased applications in the automotive and filtration industries globally. It is expected the combined market share of these industries will be nearly 15% by 2027.

In recent years, the use of nonwovens in the automobile sector has grown historically at a CAGR of 8.27%, with more than 40 cars components made from nonwoven fabrics. The use of nonwoven fabrics lowers the automobile weight and makes it more fuel-efficient and low carbon emission vehicles. These fabrics make cars safer, more durable and more recyclable. In the automobile industry, nonwovens Spun bond PET, Spun bond PP and Napa are used as much in fluid filtration as they are in multiple textile uses such as, inside the seats, seat reinforcements, fabric supports, etc. They are an excellent solution for soundproofing of car roofs, seats, airbags, separation trays and other applications like air filters, fuel filters, coatings under the seat, beneath the tray, door, trims, etc. By building in the essential properties which are necessary for good performance and safety, nonwovens help reduce the weight of the car, enhance the comfort and aesthetics and provide advanced insulation, fire retardancy and resistance to water, fuels, extremes of temperature and abrasion. The use of natural fibre nonwovens, often as the reinforcing substrate in composite parts is also increasing significantly. Due to their versatility and numerous benefits they are also widely used in the design and construction of other vehicles and transportation means like aeroplanes, trains, boats, spacecraft and satellites.

Nonwovens offer many advantages in all types of filtration and is projected to drive future demands at a CAGR of 8.52%. It is a thin layer of material made up by compressing fibres and filaments together. They are porous and air and water can pass through them. They filter out micro and nano solid particles from crossing them. Nonwoven filters are designed to remove ultrafine dust, aerosols, and viable organisms to meet highest requirements to the cleanliness of air in a wide range of applications such as clean rooms, hospital operating theatres, microelectronics, optical and precision industries, and the pharmaceutical and food industries. Natural randomness of textile structure increases as probability of the particle being caught by fibres. Therefore, nonwoven fabric, in general provide higher filtration efficiency than woven or knit fabric. Nonwoven fabrics give a three-dimensional structure with a larger thickness which increases the distance for the particle to travel. A coarse open fabric removes larger particles. As the fluid progresses through the filter, the fibres and pores become finer to trap finer particles. Although, filtration plays a critical role in our day-to-day life, there is not a single type of fabric used in all the applications. The usage of the filter fabrics varies according to their end-use. This depends on the properties the filters have which ultimately depends on the characteristics of the raw material used for the manufacturing of the filter fabric. A filter fabric intended to use for heavy chemical filtration may or may not be used at high temperatures. Similarly, a filter fabric intended to use at the high temperatures may not be a good chemical resistant. Hence, it is totally depending on the type of filter fabric intended to use and the specific end use. Filter material are generally used in solid-gas separation and solid –liquid separation. Needle felt nonwoven are mostly used as filtration fabrics.

Asia-Pacific dominated the market across the world, where the demand for nonwoven fabric is majorly driven by the increasing application and demand from industries like construction, automotive and filtration. Asia-Pacific region is expected to be growing at a projected CAGR of 6.42% over the forecast period. The rapid urbanization in the developing countries of the region along with automation and technology evolution will further create favourable demands for nonwoven fabric. The increased penetration of electric vehicles that are light weight would demand for nonwoven fabric. Many global players are shifting their production bases to countries in the Asia Pacific. These companies also offer advanced products with reduced weight and customize the products in accordance with the consumer requirements, which is also expected to be a major trend in the Asia Pacific market.

Europe is home to some of the world renowned automotive manufacturing companies that create demand for increased use of nonwoven fabrics. It is expected to drive the automotive application at a CAGR of 9% through 2027. Additionally the well-established medical sector along with the most recent technologies, increasing healthcare activities and medical tourism are expected to drive demand for disposables such as gloves, gowns, masks, bed liners, and surgical caps in the region, which is likely to propel the product demand over the forecast period.

North America’s growth is driven by increased use of filters made from nonwoven fabric to the value of USD 452 Million in 2021. During the forecast period, filtration and automotive application to drive the market growth. The ageing populace of the region to demand for adult diapers would further bolster market growth.