The global non-woven fabrics market is projected to reach USD 80.35 billion by 2030, increasing from USD 57.14 billion in 2024, growing at a 5.97% CAGR, driven by rising demand in
The nonwoven fabrics industry has evolved significantly over the past few decades, emerging as one of the most dynamic sectors in the global textile industry. Unlike traditional woven and knitted fabrics, nonwoven fabrics are created by bonding fibers together through various methods such as heat, chemicals, or mechanical processes, without the need for weaving or knitting. These fabrics have become an integral part of various industries, offering a broad range of applications from hygiene products to medical supplies, automotive, construction, and even agriculture. With the increasing demand for versatile, cost-effective, and durable materials, the nonwoven fabrics market is expected to continue its growth trajectory. Nonwoven fabrics are extensively used in hygiene products like diapers, sanitary napkins, and adult incontinence products. Their absorbent properties, soft texture, and cost-effectiveness make them ideal for these applications. The growing demand for hygiene products, particularly in developing regions, is a major driver of the nonwoven fabrics industry. Increased awareness about personal hygiene and the rise in disposable income among consumers in emerging markets have further fueled this demand. The healthcare sector is another significant contributor to the growth of nonwoven fabrics. They are used in surgical gowns, face masks, wound dressings, and other medical supplies due to their sterilizable and breathable properties. The global health crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighted the importance of nonwoven fabrics in medical supplies, leading to increased production and innovation in this space. According to the research report “Global Nonwoven Fabrics Market Outlook, 2030” published by Bonafide Research, the global market is projected to reach market size of USD 80.35 Billion by 2030 increasing from USD 57.14 in 2024, growing with 5.97% CAGR by 2025-30. As with many other industries, sustainability has become a crucial focus in the nonwoven fabrics market. Consumers and manufacturers are increasingly seeking eco-friendly and recyclable options. Manufacturers are developing nonwoven fabrics from renewable resources such as bioplastics, and there is a growing shift towards biodegradable and recyclable nonwoven materials. Additionally, there is a strong emphasis on reducing waste in the production process and ensuring that nonwoven fabrics are more energy-efficient to produce. Advancements in technology are transforming the nonwoven fabrics market, enabling manufacturers to produce fabrics with enhanced properties. Techniques such as spunbond, meltblown, and needlepunching have improved the quality, durability, and versatility of nonwoven fabrics. Innovations in bonding and processing methods are leading to stronger, more durable fabrics suitable for high-performance applications across multiple sectors. Nonwoven fabrics are increasingly being designed to meet specific functional requirements. For example, antimicrobial nonwoven fabrics are being used in medical and hygiene products, while flame-retardant fabrics are being used in industrial applications. This customization trend is being driven by the increasing demand for specialized nonwoven fabrics that offer unique properties for niche applications. The growth of the nonwoven fabrics industry is particularly evident in emerging markets, where economic development is driving demand across various sectors. The expansion of the healthcare, hygiene, and automotive industries in countries like India, China, and Brazil is opening up new opportunities for nonwoven fabric manufacturers. As disposable incomes rise and urbanization increases, the demand for advanced nonwoven products is expected to continue to grow in these regions.
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Download SampleMarket Drivers • Increasing Demand for Hygiene and Medical Products: One of the primary drivers of the nonwoven fabrics industry is the growing demand for hygiene and medical products such as diapers, sanitary napkins, surgical gowns, face masks, and wound care products. Nonwoven fabrics are ideal for these applications due to their absorbent, soft, and breathable properties, as well as their cost-effectiveness. The global emphasis on health, personal hygiene, and infection control, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, has significantly boosted the need for nonwoven materials in healthcare and hygiene products. • Growth in the Automotive and Construction Sectors: The automotive and construction industries are significant contributors to the growth of the nonwoven fabrics market. In the automotive industry, nonwoven fabrics are used for components such as door panels, headliners, and insulation materials due to their lightweight and durable characteristics. Similarly, in construction, nonwoven fabrics are applied in geotextiles, roofing membranes, and insulation products, where their moisture resistance, strength, and versatility are highly valued. As both industries continue to expand globally, the demand for nonwoven fabrics in these sectors is set to rise. Market Challenges • Environmental Impact and Sustainability: One of the main challenges faced by the nonwoven fabrics industry is the environmental impact, particularly with the widespread use of synthetic fibers such as polypropylene. Many nonwoven fabrics are non-biodegradable, contributing to plastic waste and posing significant environmental concerns. Although there are efforts to develop more sustainable, biodegradable alternatives, such as natural fiber-based or recyclable nonwoven materials, the industry must still overcome the challenge of reducing its environmental footprint and improving recycling methods for these materials. • Raw Material Price Fluctuations: The prices of raw materials, especially petroleum-based fibers like polypropylene and polyethylene, are highly volatile. As nonwoven fabrics are often made from these synthetic fibers, fluctuations in their prices can lead to increased production costs. This unpredictability can be challenging for manufacturers, who must balance cost efficiency with the demand for high-quality, performance-driven products. Additionally, any disruption in the supply chain of these raw materials, such as during natural disasters or geopolitical tensions, can have a significant impact on production timelines and costs. Market Trends • Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Materials: The increasing consumer demand for environmentally friendly products is driving the shift toward sustainable nonwoven fabrics. Manufacturers are exploring alternatives such as biodegradable fibers, recycled materials, and plant-based fibers like hemp and cotton. Additionally, innovations in production processes that reduce energy consumption and waste are gaining popularity. Sustainable nonwoven fabrics are becoming a key trend, particularly in applications related to hygiene, medical supplies, and packaging. • Technological Advancements in Fabric Production: Innovations in manufacturing technologies, such as spunbond, meltblown, and needle-punching, are enabling the production of higher-quality, more durable, and versatile nonwoven fabrics. These advancements are not only improving the performance of nonwoven materials but also increasing their functionality, such as adding properties like antimicrobial resistance, flame retardancy, and water repellency. Automation and smart technologies are also being integrated into production processes, enhancing efficiency and reducing production costs.
By Polymer Type | Polypropylene | |
Polyethylene | ||
Polyethylene Terephthalate | ||
Wood Pulp | ||
Rayon | ||
Others | ||
By Application | Hygiene | |
Medical | ||
Filtration | ||
Automotive | ||
Building & Construction | ||
Others | ||
By Function | Disposable | |
Durables | ||
By Technology | ||
Spunbond | ||
Wet Laid | ||
Dry Laid | ||
Air Laid | ||
Geography | North America | United States |
Canada | ||
Mexico | ||
Europe | Germany | |
United Kingdom | ||
France | ||
Italy | ||
Spain | ||
Russia | ||
Asia-Pacific | China | |
Japan | ||
India | ||
Australia | ||
South Korea | ||
South America | Brazil | |
Argentina | ||
Colombia | ||
MEA | United Arab Emirates | |
Saudi Arabia | ||
South Africa |
Polypropylene is leading the nonwoven fabrics industry due to its exceptional balance of cost-effectiveness, versatility, and performance characteristics. Polypropylene is widely used in nonwoven fabric production because it is lightweight, durable, and resistant to chemicals and moisture, making it ideal for a variety of applications. Polypropylene's ability to be manufactured in various forms, such as spunbond, meltblown, and needlepunch, further enhances its adaptability, allowing it to be used in products ranging from hygiene and medical supplies to automotive and construction materials. Additionally, polypropylene nonwoven fabrics can be produced with low energy consumption and at competitive prices, which makes them an attractive option for manufacturers looking for cost-effective solutions. Furthermore, the increasing demand for disposable and single-use products, such as face masks, diapers, and sanitary napkins, has cemented polypropylene’s position as the dominant material in the nonwoven fabrics market. Despite environmental concerns over its non-biodegradability, ongoing efforts to recycle and develop more sustainable alternatives continue to support its widespread use. Hygiene is leading the nonwoven fabrics industry due to the growing global demand for disposable and high-performance hygiene products. Nonwoven fabrics are ideal for hygiene applications because they offer excellent absorbency, softness, and breathability, making them perfect for products such as diapers, sanitary napkins, adult incontinence products, and wipes. The increasing awareness of health and hygiene, particularly in emerging markets, has significantly boosted the demand for such products. Nonwoven fabrics also provide a cost-effective solution for manufacturers, as they can be produced in large volumes with a relatively low environmental impact compared to traditional woven textiles. The COVID-19 pandemic further amplified this trend, increasing the need for hygiene products like face masks, leading to a surge in the use of nonwoven fabrics. As the hygiene market continues to expand due to factors such as population growth, aging demographics, and rising disposable incomes, nonwoven fabrics will remain a key material in meeting the demands of this essential sector. Disposable products are leading the nonwoven fabrics industry due to their convenience, cost-effectiveness, and increasing demand for single-use applications across various sectors. Nonwoven fabrics are ideal for disposable items because they can be produced quickly and efficiently in large quantities while maintaining high-performance characteristics such as absorbency, softness, and breathability. This makes them particularly well-suited for products like diapers, sanitary pads, medical gowns, face masks, and wipes. The rising global demand for hygiene and health-related disposable products has driven the widespread adoption of nonwoven fabrics, as they provide an affordable and hygienic solution for both manufacturers and consumers. Additionally, their ability to be produced with minimal waste, fast production cycles, and the growing focus on convenience and sanitation in modern society continues to fuel their dominance in the disposable product market. Despite concerns over environmental impact, ongoing research into biodegradable and recyclable nonwoven materials is helping to address sustainability challenges, ensuring the continued growth of disposable nonwoven fabrics. Spunbond is leading the nonwoven fabrics industry due to its superior strength, durability, and versatility in a wide range of applications. The spunbond process involves the continuous filament production of nonwoven fabrics, which are bonded together using heat or pressure, creating a strong and durable fabric with excellent tensile strength. This makes spunbond nonwovens ideal for demanding applications such as medical gowns, hygiene products (like diapers and sanitary napkins), automotive components, and construction materials. Spunbond fabrics are lightweight, yet durable, offering an ideal balance of performance and cost-efficiency. Moreover, they can be easily customized to meet specific requirements, such as adding antimicrobial properties or improving water resistance. The ability to produce large quantities of spunbond nonwoven fabrics with consistent quality at a lower cost compared to other methods has contributed significantly to its dominance in the market. As demand continues to grow for high-performance, sustainable, and affordable materials across multiple industries, spunbond nonwoven fabrics remain a key player in driving the evolution of the global nonwoven fabrics market.
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Asia-Pacific is leading the nonwoven fabrics industry due to its large-scale manufacturing capabilities, rapidly growing consumer markets, and strong demand across various industries. The region, particularly countries like China, India, and Japan, has become the global hub for nonwoven fabric production, thanks to its robust industrial infrastructure and low labor costs, which allow for high-volume, cost-effective manufacturing. The increasing demand for hygiene products, medical supplies, and automotive applications in Asia-Pacific has driven the rapid adoption of nonwoven fabrics in sectors such as personal care, healthcare, and construction. Additionally, the expanding middle class in emerging markets has led to rising disposable incomes, further fueling the demand for disposable products like diapers, sanitary napkins, and face masks. The region also benefits from favorable government policies and investment in technology and innovation, enabling manufacturers to adopt advanced nonwoven production techniques such as spunbond and meltblown. As Asia-Pacific continues to be a key driver of global demand, its dominance in the nonwoven fabrics market is set to grow even further, with an emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly materials driving future trends. Key Developments • In May 2024, Asahi Kasei Corp. announced that that it is expected to acquire shares of Calliditas, a pharmaceutical company. Asahi Kasei anticipates the growth of the healthcare sector in developed economies, that are addressing geriatric population requirements, and is crucial to its growth as well. • In March 2024, Freudenberg Performance Materials launched a 100% synthetic wetlaid nonwoven product portfolio under “Filtura” brand name. These materials have been made in Germany and aredesigned for filtration and other industrial applications. Considered in the report: • Geography: Global • Base year: 2024 • Historical year: 2019 • Forecasted year: 2030 Regions Covered: • North America (US, Canada, Mexico) • Europe (Germany, United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy, Russia) • Asia-Pacific (China, India, Australia, Japan) • South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia) • Middle East & Africa (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, South Africa) Aspects covered in the report: • Market Size by Value for the period (2019-2030F) • Market Share by Polymer Type • Market Share by Function • Market Share by Technology • Market Share by Application • Market Share by Region • Market Share by Company By Polymer Type • Polypropylene • Polyethylene • Polyethylene Terephthalate • Wood Pulp • Rayon • Others By Application • Hygiene • Medical • Filtration • Automotive • Building & Construction • Others By Function • Disposable • Durables By Technology • Spunbond • Wet Laid • Dry Laid • Air Laid The approach of the report: This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources. Intended audience This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to Nonwoven Fabric Industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.
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