Global Nonwovens Market Overview
As per MRFR analysis, the Nonwovens Market Size was estimated at 47.85 (USD Billion) in 2022. The Nonwovens Market Industry is expected to grow from 51.18(USD Billion) in 2023 to 93.8 (USD Billion) by 2032. The Nonwovens Market CAGR (growth rate) is expected to be around 6.96% during the forecast period (2024 - 2032).
Key Nonwovens Market Trends Highlighted
Nonwoven fabrics are gaining significant traction in various industries due to their versatility, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Key market drivers include rising demand for hygiene and medical products, growing disposable incomes in emerging markets, and increasing environmental concerns.Opportunities lie in the exploration of sustainable nonwovens made from renewable resources and the development of advanced functionalities, such as antimicrobial and moisture-wicking properties. Recent trends include the adoption of spun-bond technologies for high-performance materials, the use of nanofibers for filtration and barrier applications, and the integration of sensors and electronics into nonwovens for smart textiles.To stay competitive, market participants are investing in research and development to enhance product offerings, expand production capacities, and capture emerging opportunities. Collaboration between stakeholders, including manufacturers, suppliers, and end-users, is crucial for driving innovation and addressing market needs in a dynamic and evolving nonwovens landscape.
Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
Nonwovens Market Drivers
Growing Demand from the Healthcare Industry
One of the major users of nonwovens is the healthcare industry where it finds application in surgical gowns, drapes, covers, wound care, facemasks, and many other products. Recent reports indicate that the growth of healthcare markets will stimulate further expansion of the nonwovens market. To illustrate, by 2025, the healthcare market is expected to reach $12.5 trillion. Thus, the growth is being driven by an increase in healthcare expenditure and high demand for healthcare in emerging markets.Aetna International, which is a healthcare insurer, reports that “the number of people aged 60 or older is expected to double by 2050, and 11.7 percent of the population will be over 65”. These trends are stimulating the consumption of nonwovens, which have a variety of valuable properties. They are extensively used in wound care, hygiene, filtration, and other applications. Moreover, governments and international organizations are implementing numerous measures and regulations that firms in the healthcare sector must comply with.These, in turn, stimulate the consumption of nonwovens as they are ideal in the production of these products. To sum up, the major reasons supporting the growth of the nonwovens market based on the growth of relevant industries include rising demand for healthcare products and services, the huge prevalence of chronic diseases, and the increasing aging population.
Rising Environmental Awareness
Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their purchasing decisions, and this is leading to a growing demand for sustainable products. Nonwovens are often seen as a more sustainable option than traditional materials such as plastics, as they are made from renewable resources and can be recycled or composted. This is expected to drive the growth of the nonwovens market in the coming years. Additionally, government regulations aimed at reducing plastic pollution are also expected to contribute to the growth of the nonwovens market.
Technological Advancements
Moreover, technological developments are likely to spur the growth of the nonwovens market. It is expected that new technologies will be invented to improve the performance and functionality of nonwovens, which will create new applications for these materials. For instance, it is expected that the development of nanofibers will enable new applications of nonwovens in such areas as filtration, drug delivery, tissue engineering, and others. Besides, the development of new bonding technologies is also expected to improve the performance and lifespan of nonwovens.
Nonwovens Market Segment Insights
Nonwovens Market Fiber Type Insights
The Nonwovens Market is segmented based on fiber type into synthetic fibers, natural fibers, and blend fibers. Synthetic fibers held the largest market share in 2023 and are expected to continue to dominate the market during the forecast period. The growth of the synthetic fibers segment can be attributed to the increasing demand for nonwovens in various applications such as hygiene, filtration, and medical. Synthetic Fibers (Polypropylene, Polyester and Nylon) Synthetic fibers are man-made fibers that are produced from petrochemicals. They are strong, durable, and resistant to chemicals and moisture.Polypropylene, polyester, and nylon are the most commonly used synthetic fibers in the nonwovens industry. Natural Fibers (Cotton, Cellulose and Wood Pulp) Natural fibers are derived from plants or animals. They are biodegradable and renewable, but they are not as strong or durable as synthetic fibers. Cotton, cellulose, and wood pulp are the most commonly used natural fibers in the nonwovens industry. Blend Fibers Blend fibers are a combination of synthetic and natural fibers. They offer the advantages of both types of fibers, such as strength, durability, and biodegradability.The choice of fiber type depends on the specific application of the nonwoven fabric. For example, synthetic fibers are often used in hygiene applications such as diapers and wipes because they are strong, absorbent, and resistant to moisture. The growth of the market can be attributed to the increasing demand for nonwovens in various applications such as hygiene, filtration, and medical.
Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
Nonwovens Market Product Type Insights
The Nonwovens Market segmentation by product type comprises Drylaid Nonwovens, Wetlaid Nonwovens, Spunbond Nonwovens, Meltblown Nonwovens, Needlepunched Nonwovens, and Airlaid Nonwovens. Among these, the Spunbond Nonwovens segment held the largest revenue share in 2023, and it is estimated to maintain its dominance throughout the forecast period. This is attributed to the increasing demand for spunbond nonwovens in the automotive and medical industries. The Meltblown Nonwovens segment is projected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period due to the rising demand for melt-blown nonwovens in the filtration and healthcare industries.The Nonwovens Market data indicates that the Drylaid Nonwovens segment is expected to grow steadily over the forecast period due to its increasing use in hygiene and packaging applications. The Wetlaid Nonwovens segment is anticipated to experience moderate growth, driven by its applications in wipes and disposable diapers. The Needlepunched Nonwovens segment is projected to grow at a steady pace, owing to its use in automotive interiors and filtration applications. The Airlaid Nonwovens segment is expected to witness moderate growth, primarily driven by its applications in personal care and hygiene products.
Nonwovens Market Application Insights
The Nonwovens Market segmentation by Application is categorized into Medical and Healthcare, Consumer Products, Industrial Applications, Automotive, and Agriculture. Among these segments, Medical and Healthcare is projected to hold the largest market share in 2023, owing to the increasing demand for surgical gowns, masks, and hygiene products due to the rising prevalence of healthcare-associated infections and the growing emphasis on patient safety. The Consumer Products segment is also expected to witness significant growth, driven by the increasing demand for wipes, baby diapers, and feminine hygiene products.Industrial Applications, Automotive, and Agriculture segments are also poised to grow steadily, supported by the increasing use of nonwovens in filtration, roofing, geotextiles, interior trim, filters, crop covers, and mulch mats.
Nonwovens Market End-Use Industry Insights
The end-use industry segment is a crucial factor in understanding the dynamics of the Nonwovens Market. The healthcare industry held the largest market share in 2023, estimated at around USD 21.7 billion. This dominance is attributed to the extensive use of nonwovens in medical applications such as surgical drapes, gowns, and wipes. The consumer goods industry is another significant segment, driven by the demand for nonwovens products like diapers, wipes, and feminine hygiene products. The industrial sector is also growing, with nonwovens used in filtration, insulation, and protective clothing.The automotive industry utilizes nonwovens for interior components, soundproofing, and filtration systems. The aerospace defense industry also leverages nonwovens for applications such as aircraft interiors, filtration, and protective gear. With the rising demand for nonwovens across these end-use industries, the Nonwovens Market is projected to reach a value of around USD 93.8 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.96% from 2024 to 2032.
Nonwovens Market Processing Method Insights
The Nonwovens Market by processing method is segmented into chemical bonding, mechanical bonding, thermal bonding, and ultrasonic bonding. Chemical bonding held the largest share of the market in 2023, and it is expected to continue to dominate the market during the forecast period. The growth of the chemical bonding segment can be attributed to the increasing demand for nonwovens in applications such as hygiene, medical, and filtration. Mechanical bonding is the second largest segment of the Nonwovens Market. The growth of the mechanical bonding segment can be attributed to the increasing demand for nonwovens in applications such as automotive, construction, and packaging.The thermal bonding segment is expected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period. The growth of the thermal bonding segment can be attributed to the increasing demand for nonwovens in applications such as apparel, home furnishings, and medical. The ultrasonic bonding segment is expected to witness moderate growth during the forecast period. The growth of the ultrasonic bonding segment can be attributed to the increasing demand for nonwovens in applications such as electronics, automotive, and medical.
Nonwovens Market Regional Insights
The Nonwovens Market is segmented into North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and MEA. The regional segmentation provides insights into the market's geographic performance and potential growth opportunities. North America held the dominant market share in 2023, driven by high demand from the healthcare, hygiene, and filtration industries. Europe followed closely, with a strong presence in the automotive and construction sectors. The APAC region is expected to witness significant market growth in the coming years, owing to rising disposable income and population.South America and MEA offer promising opportunities for market expansion, with growing demand from emerging economies.
Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
Nonwovens Market Key Players And Competitive Insights
Leading Nonwovens Market players, including Berry Group, Inc. and Asahi Kasei Corporation, cannot stop investing vast amounts of money in innovations and product development. Moreover, both companies have been pushing the development of new products further by increasing their production capacities and expanding to new regions to meet new demand and new customers. It is expected that the Nonwovens Market will continue to grow in the coming years as it is further developed by key players, who will remain highly competitive. Some of the strategies major players in the Nonwovens Market Industry are pursuing include mergers and acquisitions, as well as partnerships and collaborations. The industry development will be further driven by increased use of nonwovens in key end-use industries such as healthcare, hygiene and automotive.One of the key Nonwovens Market players, Berry Group, Inc., offers numerous nonwoven materials, such as a spun bond, melt blown and air-laid fabrics. Besides, the company operates worldwide with key manufacturing plants located in North America, Europe, and Asia. Berry Group, Inc. is also widely recognized being a major nonwoven provider for the healthcare, hygiene and automotive sectors. Asahi Kasei Corporation is one of the Berry Group, Inc., key competitors and is one of the major nonwoven manufacturers providing spunbond, meltblown and air-laid nonwovens. Asahi Kasei Corporation is also primarily based in the Asia-Pacific region, but the company has been increasingly expanding to North America and Europe as well. Not only is Asahi Kasei Corporation a major nonwoven provider for the healthcare, hygiene, and automotive industries, but the company has also been leading in the development of the Nonwovens Market.
Key Companies in the Nonwovens Market Include
Nonwovens Market Industry Developments
The nonwovens market is projected to reach USD 93.8 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.96% during the forecast period (2024-2032). Increasing demand from the hygiene and medical sectors, coupled with rising urbanization and disposable income, is driving market growth. The market is witnessing advancements in nonwoven technologies, such as nanofiber nonwovens and sustainable nonwovens made from recycled materials. Key players are focusing on strategic partnerships, acquisitions, and capacity expansions to cater to the growing demand. Recent developments include the acquisition of Fibertex Personal Care by Berry and the expansion of production capacity by companies like Asahi Kasei and Toray Industries.
Nonwovens Market Segmentation Insights
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Nonwovens Market Fiber Type Outlook
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Synthetic Fibers (Polypropylene, Polyester, Nylon)
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Natural Fibers (Cotton, Cellulose, Wood Pulp)
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Blend Fibers
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Nonwovens Market Product Type Outlook
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Drylaid Nonwovens
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Wetlaid Nonwovens
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Spunbond Nonwovens
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Meltblown Nonwovens
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Needlepunched Nonwovens
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Airlaid Nonwovens
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Nonwovens Market Application Outlook
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Medical and Healthcare (Surgical Gowns, Masks, Hygiene Products)
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Consumer Products (Wipes, Baby Diapers, Feminine Hygiene Products)
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Industrial Applications (Filtration, Roofing, Geotextiles)
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Automotive (Interior Trim, Filters)
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Agriculture (Crop Covers, Mulch Mats)
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Nonwovens Market End-Use Industry Outlook
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Healthcare
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Consumer Goods
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Industrial
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Automotive
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Aerospace Defense
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Nonwovens Market Processing Method Outlook
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Chemical Bonding
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Mechanical Bonding
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Thermal Bonding
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Ultrasonic Bonding
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Nonwovens Market Regional Outlook
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North America
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Europe
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South America
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Asia Pacific
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Middle East and Africa
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Report Attribute/Metric
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Details
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Market Size 2022
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47.85(USD Billion)
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Market Size 2023
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51.18(USD Billion)
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Market Size 2032
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93.8(USD Billion)
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Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR)
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6.96% (2024 - 2032)
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Report Coverage
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Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends
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Base Year
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2023
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Market Forecast Period
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2024 - 2032
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Historical Data
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2019 - 2023
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Market Forecast Units
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USD Billion
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Key Companies Profiled
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Suominen Corporation, Unicharm Corporation, Fibertex Personal Care A/S, Lydall, Tredegar Corporation, BASF SE, Dupont, Berry Global Group, Inc., Procter Gamble Company, Freudenberg Co. KG, Johnson Johnson, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Covidien, Toray Industries, Inc.
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Segments Covered
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Fiber Type, Product Type, Application, End-Use Industry, Processing Method, Regional
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Key Market Opportunities
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Sustainable Innovations Ecommerce Growth Medical Advancements Expanding Automotive Industry Filtration Applications
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Key Market Dynamics
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Technological Advancements Rising Disposable Income Growing Hygiene Concerns Increasing Demand in Medical Sector Ecofriendly Innovations
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Countries Covered
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North America, Europe, APAC, South America, MEA
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :
The nonwovens market is expected to reach an overall valuation of 51.18 billion USD in 2023.
The nonwovens market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.96% from 2024 to 2032.
Asia-Pacific is expected to hold the largest share of the nonwoven market in 2023, accounting for approximately 40% of the total market value.
Nonwovens are used in a wide range of applications, including hygiene products (such as diapers and wipes), filtration (such as air and water filters), medical and healthcare (such as surgical gowns and bandages), and industrial (such as automotive and construction).
Key competitors in the nonwovens market include Kimberly-Clark, Procter Gamble, Ahlstrom-Munksj, Freudenberg Group, and Toray Industries.
Key growth drivers for the nonwovens market include rising demand for hygiene products, increasing awareness of environmental sustainability, and growing demand from emerging markets.
Key challenges facing the nonwovens market include fluctuating raw material prices, intense competition, and stringent environmental regulations.
The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the nonwovens market, leading to increased demand for hygiene products and medical nonwovens. However, the market is expected to recover and continue growing in the post-pandemic period.
Key trends in the nonwovens market include the development of sustainable and biodegradable nonwovens, the increasing use of nonwovens in advanced applications, and the growing adoption of e-commerce for nonwovens sales.
The nonwoven market is expected to continue growing in the coming years, driven by rising demand from emerging markets, increasing awareness of hygiene and sustainability, and the development of new and innovative nonwoven products.
