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.
Table of Contents
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 (%)