The Future of Global Nonwovens to 2028

Table of Contents Key Facts and Figures

In 2024, the global consumption of nonwovens will be 15.2 million tonnes, valued at $62.8 billion
In 2029, consumption of nonwovens globally is forecast to reach 21.3 million tonnes
Disposable end uses hygiene products (nappies/diapers, toddler training pants, adult incontinence wear) and wipes are the largest sectors in 2024 and 2029, in terms of volume consumption.

This report looks at the impact of key trends, including the nonwovens response to potential ‘tax’ on single use plastics, the overall sustainability movement, the global oversupply situation and global economic issues.

Nonwovens are projected to benefit from the oversupply of nonwovens globally (offering lower cost and availability) and markets which are either recession resistant (for example, baby diapers) or recession enhanced (for example, geotextiles/ civil engineer nonwovens for infrastructure projects used by governments to stimulate economic growth).

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The forecast growth rates of the global nonwoven market between 2024 and 2029
This report examines both durable and disposable nonwovens. Disposable nonwovens are usually single-use products, such as diapers, feminine hygiene products and most wipes. Durable nonwovens usually have extended use or can be used multiple times, such as filters, automotive carpet, mattress fabrics, road underlay and weed control fabric
Durable nonwovens will retain the larger share of the market from 2024 to 2029, at nearly 60%.

What will you discover?

Future expansion in nonwoven demand will be driven by emergent markets, mainly in Asia, while sustained demand and technical innovations will stimulate developing markets
In value terms, projections to 2029 show faster growth for durable nonwovens than for disposable nonwovens
Both disposable and durable nonwovens continue to grow faster in square meters than for tonnes, as the trend toward lower basis weights (and more square meters per tonne) continues.

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?

Nonwovens manufacturers
Hygiene component suppliers
Wipe suppliers
Raw material suppliers and producers
Machinery and equipment suppliers

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.

Name The Future of Global Nonwovens to 2029

Date 11/23/2023

Price $6750.00

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Executive summary
Introduction & methodology

Objectives
Scope and methodology
Definitions

Key drivers and trends

Introduction
Global nonwovens supply chain
- Disposable consumer products ◊ Fibre/polymer » Fibre » Polymer ◊ Nonwoven producers ◊ Nonwovens converters ◊ Brand owners ◊ Retailers
- Durable industrial/institutional products ◊ Fibre/polymer ◊ Nonwoven producers ◊ Nonwovens converters ◊ Brand owners ◊ Distributors
Key regulations
- Single use plastics directive
- Flushable wipes standards/ regulations
- Medical device regulations
- Automotive emissions standards and regulations
- PFAS and chemical regulations affecting nonwovens
Key nonwovens producers
- Berry Global
- Freudenberg Performance Materials
- Ahlstrom
- Glatfelter
- Kimberly-Clark
- Fitesa
- Toray
- Dupont
- Alkegen
- Hollingsworth & Vose
Key drivers and trends
- Covid-19
- Plastics waste reduction/ sustainability
- Supply/demand profiles
- Regulatory Issues
- Russia/Ukraine
- Global economies

Global nonwoven market by process

Introduction
Nonwoven processes
- Spunlaid
  - SMS (spunbond/meltblown/ spunbond)
  - Spunbond polypropylene
  - Spunbond polyester
  - Spunbond polyethylene
  - Spunbond bicomponent fibre
  - Meltblown
- Drylaid
  - Needlepunch
  - Spunlace
  - Carded
- Airlaid
- Wetlaid
- Other
Process trends in end-use markets

Global nonwoven market by material type

Introduction
Analysis of raw materials in nonwovens
- Fibres
  - Polyester fibre
  - Polypropylene fibre
  - Bicomponent fibre
  - Wood pulp » Fluff pulp » Specialty paper pulp
  - Rayon/lyocell » Rayon » Lyocell ◊ Others » Cotton » Polylactic acid fibre » Superabsorbent fibre
- Polymers
  - Polypropylene polymer
  - Polyester polymer
  - Polyethylene polymer
  - Other polymers » Latex binders » Superabsorbent polymer
Raw material trends in end-use markets

Global nonwoven market by end-use

Introduction
Disposable and durable nonwovens
Disposable nonwovens
- Hygiene
- Wipes
  - Personal care wipes
  - Home care or household wipes
  - Industrial wipes
- Medical nonwovens
- Other disposable nonwovens
Durable nonwovens
- Filters ◊ Air/gas Filters ◊ Liquid filters
- Garments
- Interlinings
- Shoe/leather
- Coated substrates
- Upholstery/bedding
- Floor coverings
- Building/roofing
- Geotextiles/civil engineering
- Automotive
- Agriculture
- Other

Global nonwoven market by region

Introduction
North America
- Analysis
- Nonwovens consumption in North America
- Disposable nonwovens
- Durable nonwovens
South America
- Analysis
- Nonwovens consumption in South America
- Disposable nonwovens
- Durable nonwovens
Europe
- Analysis
- Nonwovens consumption in Europe
  - Nonwovens consumption by country/region
- Disposable nonwovens
- Durable nonwovens
Asia
- Analysis
- Nonwovens consumption in Asia
  - Nonwovens consumption by country
- Disposable nonwovens
- Durable nonwovens

Tables

Global consumption of nonwovens, 2019–29 (‘000 tonnes, million m2, $ millions)
Global nonwovens consumption by process, 2024 (by ‘000 tonnes)
Top-4 drivers/trends, 2024–29.
Top-ten nonwovens producers by sales ($, 2022)
Global nonwovens market by process 2019–29, by value ($ million, ‘000 tonnes, million m2)
Spunlaid nonwovens global market 2019–29, by value, volume, and area ($ million, ‘000 tonnes and million m2)
Drylaid nonwovens global market 2019–29, by value, volume, and area ($ million, ‘000 tonnes and million m2)
Drylaid nonwovens global market by sub-segment, 2019–29, by value, volume and area) ($ million, ‘000 tonnes and million m2)
Airlaid nonwovens global market 2019–29, by value, volume and area ($ million, ‘000 tonnes and million m2)
Wetlaid nonwovens global market 2019–29, by value, volume and area ($ million, ‘000 tonnes and million m2)
Other nonwovens global market 2019–29, by value, volume and area ($ million, ‘000 tonnes and million m2)
Global nonwovens market by material type 2019–29, by value ($ million)
Global nonwovens market by material type 2019–29, by volume (‘000 tonnes)
Global nonwovens market by polymer type 2019–29, by value and volume ($ million and ‘000 tonnes)
Polypropylene polymer for global nonwovens market 2019–29, by value and volume ($ million and ‘000 tonnes)
Polyester polymer for global nonwovens market 2019–29, by value and volume ($ million and ‘000 tonnes)
Polyethylene polymer for global nonwovens market 2019–29, by value and volume ($ million and ‘000 tonnes)
Binders (polymer) for global nonwovens market 2019–29, by value and volume ($ million and ‘000 tonnes)
Other polymer for global nonwovens market 2019–29, by value and volume ($ million and ‘000 tonnes)
Global nonwovens market by fibre type 2019–29, by value and volume ($ million and ‘000 tonnes)
Polypropylene fibre for global nonwovens market 2019–29, by value and volume ($ million and ‘000 tonnes)
Polyester fibre for global nonwovens market 2019–29, by value and volume ($ million and ‘000 tonnes)
Rayon / lyocell fibre for global nonwovens market 2019–29, by value and volume ($ million and ‘000 tonnes)
Bicomponent fibre for global nonwovens market 2019–29, by value and volume ($ million and ‘000 tonnes)
Wood pulp fibre for global nonwovens market 2019–29, by value and volume ($ million and ‘000 tonnes)
Other fibre for global nonwovens market 2019–29, by value and volume ($ million and ‘000 tonnes)
Material type by Nonwovens Process, 2024
Global consumption of nonwovens, 2019–29 ( ‘000 tonnes, million m2, $ millions)
Global consumption of nonwovens by sector, 2019–29 (‘000 tonnes)
Global consumption of nonwovens by sector, 2019–29 (millions m2)
Global consumption of nonwovens by sector, 2019–29 ($ millions)
Global consumption of disposable nonwovens, 2019–29 (‘000 tonnes)
Global consumption of disposable nonwovens, 2019–29 (million m2)
Global consumption of disposable nonwovens, 2019–29 ($ million)
Global consumption of disposable nonwovens by application, 2019–29 (‘000 tonnes, million m2, $ million)
Global consumption of nonwovens for hygiene end uses, 2019–29 (‘000 tonnes, million m2, $ million)
Global consumption of nonwovens for medical end uses, 2019–29 (‘000 tonnes, million m2, $ million)
Global consumption of nonwovens for wipes, 2019–29 (‘000 tonnes, million m2, $ million)
Global consumption of nonwovens for personal care wipes, 2019–29 (‘000 tonnes, million m2, $ million)
Global consumption of nonwovens for home care wipes, 2019–29 (‘000 tonnes, million m2, $ million)
Global consumption of nonwovens for industrial wipes, 2019–29 (‘000 tonnes, million m2, $ million)
Global consumption of nonwovens for other disposable applications, 2019–29 (‘000 tonnes, million m2, $ million)
Global consumption of durable nonwovens, 2019–29 (‘000 tonnes, million m2, $ million)
Global consumption of durable nonwovens by application, 2019–29 (‘000 tonnes, million m2, $ million)
Global consumption of nonwovens for filters, 2019–29 (‘000 tonnes, million m2, $ million)
Global consumption of nonwovens for air/gas filters, 2019–29 (‘000 tonnes, million m2, $ million)
Global consumption of nonwovens for liquid filters, 2019–29 (‘000 tonnes, million m2, $ million)
Global consumption of nonwovens for garment end uses, 2019–29 (‘000 tonnes, million m2, $ million)
Global consumption of nonwovens for interlining end uses, 2019–29 (‘000 tonnes, million m2, $ million)
Global consumption of nonwovens for shoe/leather end uses, 2019–29 (‘000 tonnes, million m2, $ million)
Global consumption of nonwovens for coating substrate end uses, 2019–29 (‘000 tonnes, million m2, $ million)
Global consumption of nonwovens for upholstery/bedding end uses, 2019–29 (‘000 tonnes, million m2, $ million)
Global consumption of nonwovens for floor covering end uses, 2019–29 (‘000 tonnes, million m2, $ million)
Global consumption of nonwovens for building/roofing end uses, 2019–29 (‘000 tonnes, million m2, $ million)
Global consumption of nonwovens for geotextile/civil engineering end uses, 2019–29 (‘000 tonnes, million m2, $ million)
Global consumption of nonwovens for automotive end uses, 2019–29 (‘000 tonnes, million m2, $ million)
Global consumption of nonwovens for agricultural end uses, 2019–29 (‘000 tonnes, million m2, $ million)
Global consumption of nonwovens for other durable end uses, 2019–29 (‘000 tonnes, million m2, $ million)
Global consumption of nonwovens, 2019–29 (‘000 tonnes, million m2,$ million)
Global consumption of nonwovens by geographic region, 2019–29 (‘000 tonnes)
Global consumption of nonwovens by geographic region, 2019–29 (million m2 and $ million)
North American nonwovens consumption, 2019–29 (‘000 tonnes, million m2, $ million)
North American consumption of disposable nonwovens, 2019–29 (‘000 tonnes, million m2, millions $)
North American consumption of durable nonwovens, 2019–29 (‘000 tonnes, million m2, million $)
North American consumption of nonwovens by process, 2019–29 (‘000 tonnes)
North American consumption of nonwovens by materials, 2019–29 (‘000 tonnes)
South American nonwovens consumption, 2019–29 (by ‘000 tonnes, million m2, $ million)
South American consumption of disposable nonwovens, 2019–29 (‘000 tonnes, million m2, $ million)
South American consumption of durable nonwovens, 2019–29 (‘000 tonnes, million m2, $ million)
South American consumption of nonwovens by process, 2019–29 (‘000 tonnes)
South American consumption of nonwovens by materials, 2019–29 (‘000 tonnes)
European nonwovens consumption, 2019–29 (‘000 tonnes, million m2, $ million)
Western European nonwovens consumption by country/region, 2019–29 (‘000 tonnes, million m2, $ million)
Eastern European nonwovens consumption by country/region, 2019–29 (‘000 tonnes, million m2, $ million)
European consumption of disposable nonwovens, 2019–29 (‘000 tonnes, million m2, $ million)
European consumption of durable nonwovens, 2019–29 (‘000 tonnes, million m2, $ million)
European consumption of nonwovens by process, 2019–29 (‘000 tonnes)
European consumption of nonwovens by materials, 2019–29 (‘000 tonnes)
Asian consumption of nonwovens, 2019–29 (by tonnes, million m2, $ million)
Asian nonwovens consumption by country/region, 2019–29 (‘000 tonnes, million m2, $ million)
Asian consumption of disposable nonwovens, 2019–29 (‘000 tonnes, million m2, $ million)
Asian consumption of durable nonwovens, 2019–29 (‘000 tonnes, million m2, $ million)
Asian consumption of nonwovens by process, 2019–29 (‘000 tonnes)
Asian consumption of nonwovens by materials, 2019–29 (‘000 tonnes)
ROW consumption of nonwovens, 2019–29 (by tonnes, million m2, $ million)
ROW consumption of disposable nonwovens, 2019–29 (‘000 tonnes, million m2, $ million)
ROW consumption of durable nonwovens, 2019–29 (‘000 tonnes, million m2, $ million)
ROW consumption of nonwovens by process, 2019–29 (‘000 tonnes)
ROW consumption of nonwovens by materials, 2019–29 (‘000 tonnes)

Figures

Consumption of disposable and durable nonwovens, 2019–29 (by $ million)
Market share of raw materials for nonwovens, 2024 (by ‘000 tonnes)
Global nonwovens consumption by end use,2024 (by $ million)
Global nonwovens consumption by region, 2024 (by $ million)
Supply chain for disposable consumer nonwovens
Supply chain for durable industrial nonwovens
Global nonwovens market share by process 2024, by volume (%)
Global nonwovens market share by process 2029, by volume (%)
Global nonwoven market by material type, 2024, by volume (%)
Global nonwoven market by material type, 2029, by volume (%)
Global nonwoven consumption by end use,2024 and 2029 (‘000 tonnes)
Global nonwoven sales by end use,2024 and 2029 ($ million)
Global nonwoven market by region, 2024, by volume (%)
Global nonwoven market by region, 2029, by volume (%)