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Home Market Reports The Future of Spunlace Nonwovens to 2028

The Future of Spunlace Nonwovens to 2028

The global drive to reduce/eliminate plastics in wipes favours spunlace and several new variants have been designed to produce plastics free spunlace nonwovens for wipes. These are certain to keep spunlace as the major nonwoven product used in wipes through to 2028. This report includes in-depth analysis of the spunlace market over the next five years to 2028.
  • In 2023, spunlace nonwovens consumption accounted for 1.8 million tonnes, valued at $10.3 billion
  • In volume terms, spunlace accounts for 12.7% of the market in 2023, rising to 14% by 2028
  • In terms of value, spunlace makes up 17.5% of the market in 2023; this will increase to 20% by 2028
  • The market’s projected growth rate from 2023 to 2028 is 8.65% in volume and 10.1% in value.

In 2020, spunlace was used in products such as disinfecting wipes, antibacterial wipes, other healthcare wipes and medical garments, which were critical in controlling the spread of Covid-19. This demand continued as both spunlace production and most spunlace converting were designated as essential industries by most governments. Most producers and converters operated at full capacity in 2020-21.

Manufacturers of spunlace nonwovens have reported challenging conditions, especially when considering the massive questions around what to do with excess inventory as a result of the oversupply from the pandemic and the future growth potential of the market.

Our exclusive content

  • This report includes in-depth analysis of the spunlace market and the over-capacity issue as a result of vast production throughout the pandemic, as many spunlace end uses were used to halt the spread of Covid-19
  • This report explores what growth trends this market can expect over the next five years as recovery from oversupply and fall in demand has raised supply chain anomalies.

What will you discover?

  • Spunlace is the most active technology today, as a result of the major response to plastics free products. Wipes are the major end-use for spunlace, and spunlace is the major nonwoven used in wipes.
  • The global drive to reduce/eliminate plastics in wipes favours spunlace and several new variants have been designed to produce plastics free spunlace nonwovens for wipes. These are certain to keep spunlace as the major nonwoven product used in wipes through to 2028.

The Smithers Methodology

This report is based on extensive primary and secondary research. Primary research consisted of targeted interviews with material suppliers, converters and experts drawn from key markets. This was supported by secondary research in the form of extensive literature analysis of published data, official government statistics, domestic and international trade organisation data, company websites, industry reports, trade press articles, presentations, and attendance at trade events.

Who should buy this report?

  • Materials suppliers
  • Nonwoven equipment suppliers
  • Wipe manufacturers
  • Spunlace nonwoven manufacturers 

About the author

Phil Mango has spent almost 40 years in the nonwovens industry. He has held various positions and areas of expertise within the industry, from applications management for the global leader in nonwoven binders to technology director for the world’s largest airlaid producer, to founder, owner and head of operations for his own nonwovens company. He entered the consulting field in 2003 and has authored more than 35 reports for Smithers.

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Sean Walsh

Business Development Manager, Smithers Information Division

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