Nonwoven Fabric Market Type (Polyester, Polypropylene, Polyethylene, Rayon, Wood Pulp, and Others), Application (Construction & Building, Medical, Hygiene, Automotive, and Others), Layer (Single-Layer and Multi-Layer), Technology (Wet Laid, Dry Laid, Spunbond, and Others), Function (Disposable and Non-disposable) and Region (Asia Pacific, North America, Latin America, Europe, and Middle East & Africa) - Global Industry Analysis, Growth, Share, Size, Trends, and Forecast 2023 – 2031
The global nonwoven fabric market size was valued at nearly USD 32,672.64 Million in 2022 and is anticipated to reach USD 40,092.67 Million by 2031, expanding at a CAGR of 2.3% during the forecast period, 2023 – 2031. The market growth is attributed to the rising demand for non-woven fabrics in several industries, including healthcare, automotive, and others.
Nonwoven fabrics have several advantages over traditional woven or knitted fabrics. These are used in a variety of industries, including automotive, healthcare, agriculture, geotextiles, filtration, packaging, and construction. It is a type of fabric that is formed by interlinking fibers together, instead of weaving or knitting them. Non-woven fabrics provide versatility and durability, and their easily customizable features boost their market demand.
Non-woven fabrics provide various characteristics that make them very useful. The types of technology used for manufacturing nonwoven fabric are spunbond, wet-laid, dry-laid, and other technologies. It is used for manufacturing both disposable and durable clothing. The production of nonwoven fabric is easy and comes at a reduced cost which further increases their demand in the industry.
The market report finds that the COVID-19 pandemic positively impacts the nonwoven fabric market. The demand for nonwoven fabric has increased, as the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world. Most of it is used for the manufacturing of N95 masks. Several manufacturers are expanding their production capacity to manufacture healthcare essentials during the pandemic owing to the increasing demand for nonwoven-based products, and personal protective equipment (PPE) such as medical gowns, face masks, and others.
- On July 7, 2020, Fitesa, a global producer of nonwoven solutions for the healthcare and hygiene industries, announced the installation of a new meltblown production line to supply raw materials for the production of N95 masks. This multimillion-dollar investment can also be used to produce the nonwovens for hygiene wipes.
Nonwoven Fabric Market Dynamics
Major Drivers
Increasing demand for nonwoven textiles in the automotive industry is expected to boost the market. In automobiles, it is used for primary and secondary backings. In addition, nonwoven fabrics are used to reinforce tires as they extend the life of the wheels. Nonwoven products are used in automotive-like padding for sun-visors, covering material for sun-visors, fuel filters, and other automotive parts.
Using nonwovens in automotive has several benefits, such as superior strength and lightweight, thermal protection, and is easily molded while retaining the original shape. Moreover, new nonwoven product launches by the automotive industry are also expected to boost the market.
- For instance, in June 2023, DuPont launched a new disposable coverall with the combination of optimal protection and comfort for workers around giga factories, chemical and, automotive manufacturing such as EV battery production. The garment further provides breathability, improving comfort for workers wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) over long shifts.
Rising demand for nonwoven in the healthcare industry, as they are widely used to manufacture healthcare essentials is anticipated to boost the market. Nonwovens are widely used in the surgical field to protect against biological infections and hazards in other sectors. Some of the major applications of nonwovens are single-use caps, gowns, masks, scrub suits shoe covers, lab coats, isolation gowns, sponges, wipes, dressing, and others.
Existing Restraints
High cost of raw materials required for the production of nonwoven fabrics is anticipated to restrain the market. Most of the raw material fibers required for the manufacture of nonwoven textiles are synthetic which requires high-cost investment. The common raw fibers used in nonwoven include glass fibers, and high-tenacity yarns, owing to their expensive price and availability issues the market is expected to restrain.
Emerging Opportunities
Increasing technological developments are expected to create lucrative opportunities for the market players. The textile industry has witnessed rapid growth in its products, especially in nonwoven fabrics. New technologies are expected to bring down production costs and make the production of nonwoven textiles financially viable. The use of nanofiber and high-performance material technologies is emerging as an alternative to conventional membranes, which creates new opportunities for nonwoven manufacturers in the market.
Scope of Nonwoven Fabric Market Report
The market report includes an assessment of the nonwoven fabric market share, trends, segments, and regional markets. Overview and dynamics have also been included in the report.
Attributes |
Details |
Report Title |
Nonwoven Fabric Market - Global Industry Analysis, Growth, Share, Size, Trends, and Forecast |
Base Year |
2022 |
Historic Data |
2016–2021 |
Forecast Period |
2023–2031 |
Segmentation |
Type (Polyester, Polypropylene, Polyethylene, Rayon, Wood Pulp, and Others), Application (Construction & Building, Medical, Hygiene, Automotive, and Others), Layer (Single-Layer and Multi-Layer), Technology (Wet Laid, Dry Laid, Spunbond, and Others), and Function (Disposable and Non-disposable) |
Regional Scope |
Asia Pacific, North America, Latin America, Europe, and Middle East & Africa |
Report Coverage |
Company Share, Market Analysis and Size, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends, and Revenue Forecast |
Key Players Covered in the Report |
DuPont; KCWW.; Glatfelter Corporation; Asahi Kasei Corporation; TORAY INDUSTRIES, INC.; Ahlstrom; Berry Global Inc.; Roswell Textiles; Lydall, Inc.; Fitesa S.A. and Affiliates; TWE GmbH & Co. KG; PFNonwovens Holding s.r.o.; and Suominen Corporation |
Nonwoven Fabric Market Segment Insights
Type Segment Analysis
Based on type, the nonwoven fabric market is segregated into polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, rayon, wood pulp, and others. The polyester segment is expected to expand at a high CAGR during the forecast period; due to its easy maintenance as compared to other materials. Polyester is a synthetic fiber derived from coal, air, water, and petroleum.
The polyethylene segment is anticipated to hold a key share of the market in the coming years. Polyethylene fabrics are often used to make carpets. The term olefin is used to refer to fabrics made of polyethylene or polypropylene. Polyethylene fibers are commonly used to make twine, rope, carpets, the interior upholstery of automobiles, and shopping carry-out bags.
Application Segment Analysis
On the basis of application, the market is segmented into construction & building, medical, hygiene, automotive, and others. The hygiene segment is projected to register a considerable CAGR during the forecast period. As the COVID-19 pandemic affected countries across the world, the need for industrial and medical protective gear has increased significantly. This subsequently fueled the demand for nonwoven fabric for maintenance hygiene and medical use.
Nonwoven fabric is used to make various nonwoven medical products in the healthcare industry, such as surgical gowns, aprons, drapes, face mask components, and wound dressings. They are also used in hygiene products, such as sanitary towels, sanitary napkins, tampons, baby diapers, and napkin liners. Increasing surgeries and the construction of new medical facilities are the primary factors driving the market.
Layer Segment Analysis
Based on the layer, the nonwoven fabric market is bifurcated into single-layer and multi-layer. The multi-layer segment is expected to hold a key share of the market in the coming years. The multi-layer nonwoven fabrics are used for gas turbine intake filters. It results in better performance as compared to single-layer filters. Multilayer nonwoven fabrics with cotton, polyester, and viscose are developed by thermal bonding with the binding fiber as nonwoven polypropylene.
Technology Segment Analysis
On the basis of technology, the market is segregated into wet laid, dry laid, spunbond, and others. The spunbond segment is projected to hold a large market share in the coming years, due to the increasing demand for spunbond nonwoven across several applications in construction, agriculture, hygiene products, and others.
Spunbond fabric material is made from nonwoven polypropylene fibers that are spun into a continuously distributed fabric. Several industries use spun bond nonwoven fabric products for dumping purposes such as bandages, towels, child diapers, dust cloths, and others.
Function Segment Analysis
Based on function, the nonwoven fabric market is divided into disposable and non-disposable. The disposable segment is expected to account for a major market share in the coming years, owing to the increasing demand for nonwoven fabrics for short-term applications. Disposable nonwoven fabrics are used in baby diapers, as they are good at absorbing water and help to reduce friction. Increasing need for geotextiles in buildings and roads, due to the rising construction investment in emerging countries such as India, China, and Brazil.
Regional Analysis
In terms of region, the nonwoven fabric market is classified as Asia Pacific, North America, Latin America, Europe, and Middle East & Africa. Asia Pacific is expected to dominate the market during the projection period. The unique functional properties offered by nonwoven fabrics such as hygiene & safety, cost-effectiveness, and durability are likely to boost the market in the region.
Increasing birth rate in China and India with growing income levels is expected to drive the market. Hygiene-related concerns are further boosting the demand for nonwoven fabrics. For instance, the feminine products and baby diaper market in China are experiencing a rise in demand in their sales owing to hygiene-related issues.
- For instance, it is estimated that in China and Southeast Asia, the share of disposable hygiene is expected to increase by 85%. Moreover, according to research, in 2021 the sale of sanitary napkins in India increased by 10.31 billion then the last 5 years.
2. Assumptions and Acronyms Used
3. Research Methodology
4. Nonwoven Fabric Market Overview
4.1. Introduction
4.1.1. Market Taxonomy
4.1.2. Market Definition
4.2. Macro-Economic Factors
4.2.1. Industry Outlook
4.3. Nonwoven Fabric Market Dynamics
4.3.1. Market Drivers
4.3.2. Market Restraints
4.3.3. Opportunity
4.3.4. Market Trends
4.4. Nonwoven Fabric Market - Supply Chain
4.5. Global Nonwoven Fabric Market Forecast
4.5.1. Nonwoven Fabric Market Size (US$ Mn) and Y-o-Y Growth
4.5.2. Nonwoven Fabric Market Size (000’ Units) and Y-o-Y Growth
4.5.3. Nonwoven Fabric Market Absolute $ Opportunity
5. Global Nonwoven Fabric Market Analysis and Forecast by Types
5.1. Market Trends
5.2. Introduction
5.2.1. Basis Point Share (BPS) Analysis by Types
5.2.2. Y-o-Y Growth Projections by Types
5.3. Nonwoven Fabric Market Size and Volume Forecast by Types
5.3.1. Polyester
5.3.2. Polypropylene
5.3.3. Polyethylene
5.3.4. Rayon
5.3.5. Others
5.4. Absolute $ Opportunity Assessment by Types
5.5. Market Attractiveness/Growth Potential Analysis by Types
6. Global Nonwoven Fabric Market Analysis and Forecast by Applications
6.1. Market Trends
6.2. Introduction
6.2.1. Basis Point Share (BPS) Analysis by Applications
6.2.2. Y-o-Y Growth Projections by Applications
6.3. Nonwoven Fabric Market Size and Volume Forecast by Applications
6.3.1. Construction & Building Medical Hygiene Automotive Others
6.4. Absolute $ Opportunity Assessment by Applications
6.5. Market Attractiveness/Growth Potential Analysis by Applications
7. Global Nonwoven Fabric Market Analysis and Forecast by Region
7.1. Market Trends
7.2. Introduction
7.2.1. Basis Point Share (BPS) Analysis by Region
7.2.2. Y-o-Y Growth Projections by Region
7.3. Nonwoven Fabric Market Size and Volume Forecast by Region
7.3.1. North America
7.3.2. Latin America
7.3.3. Europe
7.3.4. Asia Pacific
7.3.5. Middle East and Africa (MEA)
7.4. Absolute $ Opportunity Assessment by Region
7.5. Market Attractiveness/Growth Potential Analysis by Region
7.6. Global Nonwoven Fabric Demand Share Forecast, 2019-2026
8. North America Nonwoven Fabric Market Analysis and Forecast
8.1. Introduction
8.1.1. Basis Point Share (BPS) Analysis by Country
8.1.2. Y-o-Y Growth Projections by Country
8.2. North America Nonwoven Fabric Market Size and Volume Forecast by Country
8.2.1. U.S.
8.2.2. Canada
8.3. Absolute $ Opportunity Assessment by Country
8.4. North America Nonwoven Fabric Market Size and Volume Forecast by Types
8.4.1. Polyester
8.4.2. Polypropylene
8.4.3. Polyethylene
8.4.4. Rayon
8.4.5. Others
8.5. Basis Point Share (BPS) Analysis by Types
8.6. Y-o-Y Growth Projections by Types
8.7. North America Nonwoven Fabric Market Size and Volume Forecast by Applications
8.7.1. Construction & Building Medical Hygiene Automotive Others
8.8. Basis Point Share (BPS) Analysis by Applications
8.9. Y-o-Y Growth Projections by Applications
8.10. Market Attractiveness/Growth Potential Analysis
8.10.1. By Country
8.10.2. By Product Type
8.10.3. By Application
8.11. North America Nonwoven Fabric Demand Share Forecast, 2019-2026
9. Latin America Nonwoven Fabric Market Analysis and Forecast
9.1. Introduction
9.1.1. Basis Point Share (BPS) Analysis by Country
9.1.2. Y-o-Y Growth Projections by Country
9.1.3. Latin America Average Pricing Analysis
9.2. Latin America Nonwoven Fabric Market Size and Volume Forecast by Country
9.2.1. Brazil
9.2.2. Mexico
9.2.3. Rest of Latin America
9.3. Absolute $ Opportunity Assessment by Country
9.4. Latin America Nonwoven Fabric Market Size and Volume Forecast by Types
9.4.1. Polyester
9.4.2. Polypropylene
9.4.3. Polyethylene
9.4.4. Rayon
9.4.5. Others
9.5. Basis Point Share (BPS) Analysis by Types
9.6. Y-o-Y Growth Projections by Types
9.7. Latin America Nonwoven Fabric Market Size and Volume Forecast by Applications
9.7.1. Construction & Building Medical Hygiene Automotive Others
9.8. Basis Point Share (BPS) Analysis by Applications
9.9. Y-o-Y Growth Projections by Applications
9.10. Market Attractiveness/Growth Potential Analysis
9.10.1. By Country
9.10.2. By Product Type
9.10.3. By Application
9.11. Latin America Nonwoven Fabric Demand Share Forecast, 2019-2026
10. Europe Nonwoven Fabric Market Analysis and Forecast
10.1. Introduction
10.1.1. Basis Point Share (BPS) Analysis by Country
10.1.2. Y-o-Y Growth Projections by Country
10.1.3. Europe Average Pricing Analysis
10.2. Europe Nonwoven Fabric Market Size and Volume Forecast by Country
10.2.1. Germany
10.2.2. France
10.2.3. Italy
10.2.4. U.K.
10.2.5. Spain
10.2.6. Russia
10.2.7. Rest of Europe
10.3. Absolute $ Opportunity Assessment by Country
10.4. Europe Nonwoven Fabric Market Size and Volume Forecast by Types
10.4.1. Polyester
10.4.2. Polypropylene
10.4.3. Polyethylene
10.4.4. Rayon
10.4.5. Others
10.5. Basis Point Share (BPS) Analysis by Types
10.6. Y-o-Y Growth Projections by Types
10.7. Europe Nonwoven Fabric Market Size and Volume Forecast by Applications
10.7.1. Construction & Building Medical Hygiene Automotive Others
10.8. Basis Point Share (BPS) Analysis by Applications
10.9. Y-o-Y Growth Projections by Applications
10.10. Market Attractiveness/Growth Potential Analysis
10.10.1. By Country
10.10.2. By Product Type
10.10.3. By Application
10.11. Europe Nonwoven Fabric Demand Share Forecast, 2019-2026
11. Asia Pacific Nonwoven Fabric Market Analysis and Forecast
11.1. Introduction
11.1.1. Basis Point Share (BPS) Analysis by Country
11.1.2. Y-o-Y Growth Projections by Country
11.1.3. Asia Pacific Average Pricing Analysis
11.2. Asia Pacific Nonwoven Fabric Market Size and Volume Forecast by Country
11.2.1. China
11.2.2. Japan
11.2.3. South Korea
11.2.4. India
11.2.5. Australia
11.2.6. Rest of Asia Pacific (APAC)
11.3. Absolute $ Opportunity Assessment by Country
11.4. Asia Pacific Nonwoven Fabric Market Size and Volume Forecast by Types
11.4.1. Polyester
11.4.2. Polypropylene
11.4.3. Polyethylene
11.4.4. Rayon
11.4.5. Others
11.5. Basis Point Share (BPS) Analysis by Types
11.6. Y-o-Y Growth Projections by Types
11.7. Asia Pacific Nonwoven Fabric Market Size and Volume Forecast by Applications
11.7.1. Construction & Building Medical Hygiene Automotive Others
11.8. Basis Point Share (BPS) Analysis by Applications
11.9. Y-o-Y Growth Projections by Applications
11.10. Market Attractiveness/Growth Potential Analysis
11.10.1. By Country
11.10.2. By Product Type
11.10.3. By Application
11.11. Asia Pacific Nonwoven Fabric Demand Share Forecast, 2019-2026
12. Middle East & Africa Nonwoven Fabric Market Analysis and Forecast
12.1. Introduction
12.1.1. Basis Point Share (BPS) Analysis by Country
12.1.2. Y-o-Y Growth Projections by Country
12.1.3. Middle East & Africa Average Pricing Analysis
12.2. Middle East & Africa Nonwoven Fabric Market Size and Volume Forecast by Country
12.2.1. Saudi Arabia
12.2.2. South Africa
12.2.3. UAE
12.2.4. Rest of Middle East & Africa (MEA)
12.3. Absolute $ Opportunity Assessment by Country
12.4. Middle East & Africa Nonwoven Fabric Market Size and Volume Forecast by Types
12.4.1. Polyester
12.4.2. Polypropylene
12.4.3. Polyethylene
12.4.4. Rayon
12.4.5. Others
12.5. Basis Point Share (BPS) Analysis by Types
12.6. Y-o-Y Growth Projections by Types
12.7. Middle East & Africa Nonwoven Fabric Market Size and Volume Forecast by Applications
12.7.1. Construction & Building Medical Hygiene Automotive Others
12.8. Basis Point Share (BPS) Analysis by Applications
12.9. Y-o-Y Growth Projections by Applications
12.10. Market Attractiveness/Growth Potential Analysis
12.10.1. By Country
12.10.2. By Product Type
12.10.3. By Application
12.11. Middle East & Africa Nonwoven Fabric Demand Share Forecast, 2019-2026
13. Competition Landscape
13.1. Global Nonwoven Fabric Market: Market Share Analysis
13.2. Nonwoven Fabric Distributors and Customers
13.3. Nonwoven Fabric Market: Competitive Dashboard
13.4. Company Profiles (Details: Overview, Financials, Developments, Strategy)
13.4.1. DuPont KCWW. Glatfelter Corporation Asahi Kasei Corporation TORAY INDUSTRIES, INC. Ahlstrom Berry Global Inc. Roswell Textiles Lydall, Inc. Fitesa S.A. and Affiliates TWE GmbH & Co. KG PFNonwovens Holding s.r.o. Suominen Corporation