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The global nonwoven fabrics market size was valued at $38.3 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach $68.1 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.0% from 2021 to 2030.
The COVID-19 pandemic outbreak across the globe has resulted in a surge in demand for disposable hospital supplies owing to this the demand for nonwoven fabrics is expected to increase which is likely to drive the growth of the market during the forecast period.
Nonwoven fabric refers to cohesive fabric-like textile manufactured by arranging fibers together using heat, chemicals, or pressure. Some of the commonly used production methods include fiber entanglement and chemical and thermal bonding of materials, such as olefin, polyester, and rayon. In comparison to the traditionally used fabrics, such as cotton, linen, wool, and silk, nonwoven fabrics are lighter and do not require weaving or knitting to manufacture interlinings, insulation & protection clothing, industrial workwear, chemical defense suits, and footwear. As a result, they find extensive applications across various industries, such as personal care & hygiene, automotive, healthcare, building & construction, and filtration.
The growth of the global nonwoven fabrics market is primarily driven by the development of the textile industry across the globe. Furthermore, COVID-19 continues to spread across the globe; thus, the demand for nonwoven hygiene products has increased substantially in healthcare centers. For instance, nonwoven fabrics are widely used to manufacture healthcare essentials, such as face masks, isolation gowns, drapes, single-use caps, and shoes & headcovers, which is expected to notably contribute toward the growth of the global market. In addition, the widespread adoption of these fabrics for the production of lightweight automobile components fosters the nonwoven fabrics market growth. Furthermore, various product innovations such as the development of smart nonwoven fabrics and blast-resistant curtains are acting as growth-inducing factors. These textiles expand under tension, thereby absorbing shockwaves and catching flying debris; thus, they find their application in building & construction and automotive industries. Technological advancements in manufacturing technologies and an increase in R&D activities in the production of environment-friendly fabrics further are anticipated to drive the market growth, globally.
However, volatility in raw material prices is expected to hamper the growth of the nonwoven fabrics market during the forecast period. On the contrary, the proliferation of new technologies is expected to provide growth opportunities for the nonwoven fabrics market during the forecast period.
The global nonwoven fabrics market size is segmented into polymer type, technology, function, technology, application, and region. By polymer type, the market is categorized into polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), wood pulp, rayon, and others. On the basis of function, it is bifurcated into disposable and durables. Depending on the technology, it is segregated into spun-bond, wet-laid, dry-laid, and air-laid. The applications covered in the study include hygiene, medical, filtration, automotive, building & construction, and others. Region-wise, the market is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.
Nonwoven Fabrics Market, By Region
Asia-Pacific accounted for a major market share in 2020, owing to factors such as a strengthening global economy, expanding working population, and rising domestic demand for hygiene products. The demand for nonwoven fabrics in the region is growing in the automobile, agriculture, geotextiles, industrial/military, medical/healthcare, and construction industries, due to unique functional properties offered by nonwoven fabrics, such as hygiene & safety, cost-effectiveness, durability, strength, lightweight, versatility, user-friendliness, environmental-friendliness, and logistical convenience.
Nonwoven Fabrics Market, By Polymer Type
The polypropylene (PP) segment accounted for a major share of the nonwoven fabrics market in 2020, owing to an increase in penetration of polypropylene nonwoven fabrics in geotextiles, owing to their properties such as high tear & puncture resistance, temperature fluctuation tolerance, and durability. Moreover, high product demand from the hygiene industry for the manufacturing of sanitary products for babies, women, and adults is projected to propel industry growth. Furthermore, the rise in consumer awareness about personal hygiene has resulted in increased demand for sanitary napkins, diapers, incontinence products, and dry & wet wipes, thereby driving the market. An increase in demand for protective clothing is further expected to have a positive impact on market development. These products offer high standards of protection, and barrier qualities, and prevent penetration of dust particles and microorganisms.
Nonwoven Fabrics Market, By Function
The durable segment accounted for a major share of the nonwoven fabrics market in 2020. An increase in construction spending in emerging markets such as Brazil, China, and India has led to a rise in demand for geotextiles in roads and buildings, which, in turn, is expected to drive the demand for nonwovens in durable applications.
Nonwoven Fabrics Market, By Technology
The spunbond segment accounted for a major share of the nonwoven fabrics market in 2020, owing to an increase in the demand for these spunbond nonwovens across various applications in hygiene products, construction, coating substrates, agriculture, battery separators, wipes, and filtration. In addition, spun-bonds are one of the most preferred technologies through which nonwoven fabrics can be produced in higher quantities.
Nonwoven Fabrics Market, By Application
Hygiene accounted for a major nonwoven fabrics market share in 2020. Nonwovens are used as an alternative to traditional textiles in hygiene products due to their superior absorption properties, softness, smoothness, strength, comfort & fit, stretchability, and cost-effectiveness. Owing to the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for nonwoven fabrics for hygiene applications is accelerating, bringing more opportunities for manufacturers operating in nonwoven hygiene products. See details.
Source: Online/NNA 
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