The global sales of non-woven fabric are estimated to be worth USD 30.0 billion in 2024 and anticipated to reach a value of USD 36.3 billion by 2034. Sales are projected to rise at a CAGR of 1.9% over the forecast period between 2024 and 2034. The revenue generated by non-woven fabric in 2023 was USD 29.5 billion. The industry is anticipated to exhibit a Y-o-Y growth of 1.7% in 2024.
Hygiene and medical textiles combined would form around 40.2% of total market share by 2024 and during the assessment period, is expected to grow with a CAGR of 1.5% and 1.1%, respectively. The increasing applications of hygiene and medical textile based products like diapers, feminine hygiene, adult incontinence, surgical gowns, face masks, and drapes drive the demand in hygiene and medical textile markets.
The heightened infection control, especially in post-COVID-19 has raised the demand for better quality medical textiles. Hygiene products also gain from advancements in absorbent technologies and pressure to develop biodegradable and sustainable materials that align with consumer preferences and regulatory mandates. Factors, including innovations in spunbond and meltblown production technologies, are propelling consistent growth in the sectors.
Global Non-Woven Fabric Industry Assessment
| Attributes | Key Insights |
|---|---|
| Historical Size, 2023 | USD 29.5 billion |
| Estimated Size, 2024 | USD 30.0 billion |
| Projected Size, 2034 | USD 36.3 billion |
| Value-based CAGR (2024 to 2034) | 1.9% |
Spunbond process is anticipated to gain an incremental opportunity worth USD 1,006.5 million and is predicted to gain an incremental expansion of 1.1x times the total market value. The spunbond process is very commonly used because it is efficient, cost-effective, produces lightweight but strong versatile fabrics, and is used in a variety of applications.
Its high production speed and very little wastage along with the ability to use various types of polymers make it ideal for hygiene products, medical textiles, automotive components, and geotextiles. Moreover, with the change in technology, the quality and sustainability of spunbond fabrics have improved, encouraging their adoption across industries while contributing to their considerable market expansion.
Polypropylene resin type is expected to lead among the other resins reaching a market valuation of USD 17,710.8 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 22,090.7 by 2034. Manufacturers prefer this material more than other materials due to its balance of properties regarding being lightweight, having very high tensile strength, yet still being economical.
Also, the material has chemical resistance that is similar, though superior, among hygiene products, medical textiles, and packing. Apart from this, polypropylene is further transformable into durable and breathable fabrics with excellent processability in spunbond and meltblown technologies. Also, recyclability as per sustainability objectives further strengthens the holding of this material on the market.
Asia pacific regions to lead the global non-woven fabric market reach a market valuation of USD 11.8 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to reach USD 14.6 billion by the end of 2034. With a well-established manufacturing base, substantial production capacities, and some of the important players in the industry, the Asia Pacific region is likely to lead the global non-woven fabric market.
The region is a major contributor to hygiene products, medical textiles, and geotextiles, besides possessing rich availability of competitive raw materials and hi-tech manufacturing process for the same. Furthermore, with strong government support to augment industrial growth and with increasing investments in sustainable and innovative non-woven fabric solutions, the region's domination in such markets is only brightening.
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The below table presents the expected CAGR for the global non-woven fabric market over several semi-annual periods spanning from 2024 to 2034. In the first half (H1) of the decade from 2023 to 2033, the business is predicted to surge at a CAGR of 1.5%, followed by a slightly higher growth rate of 2.3% in the second half (H2) of the same decade.
| Particular | Value CAGR |
|---|---|
| H1 | 1.5% (2023 to 2033) |
| H2 | 2.3% (2023 to 2033) |
| H1 | 1.7% (2024 to 2034) |
| H2 | 2.1% (2024 to 2034) |
Moving into the subsequent period, from H1 2024 to H2 2034, the CAGR is projected to increase slightly to 1.7% in the first half and decrease to 2.1% in the second half. In the first half (H1) the market witnessed an increase of 20 BPS while in the second half (H2), the market witnessed a decrease of 20 BPS.
Nonwovens Revolutionizing Hygiene Products with Softness and Absorbency
Several growth indicators, such as an increase in population, awareness about hygiene, and demographic changes, fuel the increasing demand for hygiene products across the globe, such as diapers, sanitary napkins, adult incontinence supplies, and wipes, both in developed and emerging markets. The most common hygiene products used are spunbond nonwoven fabrics because of their beneficial properties, including lightweight, breathability, and absorbency.
Furthermore, spunbond fabric also has a characteristic of softness and comfort; therefore, they have been used significantly in all applications that directly contact human skin. Increasing hygiene awareness and convenience among consumers are probable to drive the demand for disposable hygiene products and may remain strong and positive, mainly in fast-developing economies like China, India, and Brazil.
Government policies related to hygiene awareness amongst women and children will most likely further strengthen demand for such products. Manufacturers are also concentrating on quality improvement, which has led to the enhanced consumption of higher-grade spunbond fabrics that deliver improved performance. This driver positions the spunbond nonwoven fabric market for significant growth in the hygiene sector.
Automation, Multi-Layer Composites, and Eco-Friendly Non-Woven Fabrics Lead to Growth
Technological advancement in the manufacture of spunbond manufacturing technology is the key growth driver for this market. Extrusion techniques of polymers and bonding technologies have really moved ahead, making possible the production of high-quality spunbond fabrics that are stronger, more uniform, and functional. New applications areas become feasible in numerous industries with the use of multi-layer composite spunbond fabrics-automotive, packaging, agriculture, and many others.
The integration of automation in the production process of spunbond is simultaneously reducing costs, thus enabling producers to produce more units at lower prices. These innovations are of particular concern to industries that require customization, such as medical textiles and hygiene products. Some fabricated functionalities are now available, for example, producing spunbond nonwovens with characteristics such as antimicrobial, flame-retardant, and ultraviolet resistant.
This makes them meet the changing needs of consumers. Further, producers are using environmentally friendly technologies. Some of these include bio-based or recycled polymers used in the manufacture of spunbond nonwovens. This helps manufacturers in keeping pace with growing environmental concerns. The spunbond nonwoven fabric market will continue to expand on the back of technology innovation, particularly in high-performance and niche applications.
Non-Woven Competes with Needlepunch, Airlaid, and Wetlaid Technologies in Applications
Competitions exist from other nonwoven fabric production technologies, including needlepunch, airlaid, and wetlaid processes. Such technologies often provide certain cost, material variety, or performance characteristics that can be used in applications for which the spunbond may not be suitable. For instance, nonwovens made by the needlepunch process are better suited for durable applications, whereas the wetlaid technology is used in the specialized filtration products.
This will be at the expense of spunbond in terms of market share in markets where these technologies are more efficient or offer better properties, thereby reducing growth prospects. Spunbond, though in direct competition with other nonwoven technologies such as meltblown, airlaid, and needlepunched nonwovens, gives them a tough run for the money in an application-specific way, as each of them possesses certain strongholds up to a point.
For example, meltblown fabric can be used in filter applications, and can also provide finer fiber structures than spunbond. Airlaid nonwoven materials are very absorbent and soft, which also qualify them for use as hygiene products. While spunbond is the dominant technology in a whole lot of areas, such as medical textiles and hygiene products, it will continue facing competition in its market share and growth from these technologies, especially for specific applications.
The global non-woven fabric industry recorded a CAGR of 1.8% during the historical period between 2019 and 2023. The growth of the non-woven fabric industry was positive as it reached a value of USD 29.5 billion in 2023 from USD 27.4 million in 2019.
Growth has been consistent in the worldwide non-woven fabric market since 2019 until the close of 2023, triggered mainly by rising demand from areas such as hygiene, medical, automobile and building-related application fields. The COVID-19 pandemic strongly boosted the demand of non-woven fabrics within 2020 and 2021 as these items are used for producing many kinds of PPE related commodities such as masks, gowns, and drapes.
Hygiene, which comprised diapers, sanitary products, and adult incontinence products, was another segment that was in strong demand. The major regions that contributed to this growth were Asia-Pacific, North America, and Europe, where Asia-Pacific became an important producer and consumer because of the establishment of its industrial base and increased population. Consolidation improvements in the spunbonding and meltblowing processes continued to push the market toward prosperity during the time period.
The future looks bright for the entire international market for nonwoven textiles. During the decade from 2024 to 2034, promises a buoyant CAGR due to the applications of these textiles in geotextiles, filtration, and sustainable packaging. More innovative products, such as bioplastic and recycled nonwoven fabrics, are expected to find impetus from increased attention to all those eco-friendly recyclable materials. Demand from manufacturing and construction industries would prosper, along with lightweight and durable material solutions.
New emerging markets in Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa appear set to create additional growth opportunities. The strict regulations or requirements that consumers are expecting from governments in many cases are seen to change the dynamics of the market around the world.
Tier 1 company leaders are characterized by high production capacity and a wide product portfolio. These market leaders are distinguished by their extensive expertise in manufacturing and reconditioning across multiple packaging formats and a broad geographical reach, underpinned by a robust consumer base.
They provide a wide range of series including reconditioning, recycling, and manufacturing utilizing the latest technology and meeting the regulatory standards providing the highest quality. Prominent companies within Tier 1 include DuPont, Freudenberg Performance Materials, Fitesa S.A., and Johns Manville.
Tier 2 companies are characterized by a strong presence overseas and strong market knowledge. These market players have good technology and ensure regulatory compliance but may not have advanced technology and wide global reach. Prominent companies in Tier 2 include PFNonwovens Holding s.r.o., Berry Global Inc., Schouw & Co, Kolon Industries Inc., Indorama Ventures (Avgol Nonwovens), RadiciGroup, and Unitika Ltd.
Tier 3 includes the majority of small-scale companies operating at the local presence and serving niche markets. These companies are notably oriented towards fulfilling local market demands and are consequently classified within the tier 3 share segment. They are small-scale players and have limited geographical reach. Tier 3, within this context, is recognized as an unorganized market, denoting a sector characterized by a lack of extensive structure and formalization when compared to organized competitors.
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The section below covers the industry analysis for the non-woven fabric market for different countries. Market demand analysis on key countries in several regions of the globe, including North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and others, is provided. USA is anticipated to remain at the forefront in North America, with a CAGR of 1.5% through 2034. In South Asia & Pacific, India is projected to witness a CAGR of 3.0% by 2034.
| Countries | Value CAGR (2024 to 2034) |
|---|---|
| USA | 1.5% |
| Canada | 1.4% |
| Brazil | 2.6% |
| Argentina | 3.3% |
| Germany | 1.2% |
| China | 1.3% |
| India | 3.0% |
Strong growth in the spunbond market in the USA has been seen, especially with regards to hygiene products. The product design and innovation in materials have been the drivers behind this development. The softness of spunbond fabric combined with breathability and lightweight characteristics make it favorable to the manufacturers who are trying to target their products from diapers or feminine hygiene products to adult incontinence products.
The replacement is for these developed products because of the preference towards the eco-friendly version in production to consumer demand. Also, usage of modern processes in manufacturing has led to improvements in production efficiencies and economies of scale for fabrics in the hygiene area.
The German non-woven market is significantly growing in that aspect of the automotive industry owing to the lightweight, good durability, and multi-potentiality of the materials. Spunbond fabrics are being extensively used as interior linings, seat covers, and insulators that support the automotive sector in its commitment to fuel savings and sustainability.
The development of a strong automotive manufacturing base and highly innovative Germany has driven the adoption of spunbond materials that contribute much to noise reduction, thermal insulation, and the beauty of vehicles. In addition, with increased focus on eco-friendly and recycled material usage, the demand for these fabrics is expected to get a significant boost in the automotive area, matching the interests of the country in that area.
The section contains information about the leading segments in the industry. By process, melt bounding is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.0% through 2024 to 2034. Additionally, the geotextiles applications to grow at the highest CAGR of 3.4% during the forecast period and to reach a valuation of USD 3.0 billion in 2024.
| Melt Flow Rate | Medium (11-25g/10 Min) |
|---|---|
| Value Share (2034) | 47.8% |
Medium (11-25g/10 Min) melt flow rate is expected to lead among others with a market share of 47.8% by the end of 2034 and is predicted to reach a market valuation of USD 13.9 billion by the end of 2024. Medium melt flow rates (11-25 g/10 min) are the market leaders because they have an optimum balance of processability and mechanical strength, which makes them multifunctional.
Extremely high for hygiene products, medical textiles, and packaging solutions, which need excellent durability and flexibility, this melt flow rate also guarantees effective production of non-woven fabrics without any sacrifices in performance, making it popular among all industries, resulting in its largest market share.
| Resin Type | Polyester |
|---|---|
| Value Share (2034) | 18.6% |
Polyester non-woven fabric products are anticipated to reach a market valuation of USD 6.2 billion in 2024 and is set to capture approx. 18.6% by 2034. Fibers or products made with polyester non-woven fabric are widely used for its strength and durability, flexibility, sprawl, and have promising market opportunities. Polyester is an excellent moisture, chemical, and abrasion-resistant material for automotive, filtration, medical textiles, and geotextile applications.
Easy blending with different fibers supports modern methods of sustainable manufacturing where this material fits into - and makes it possible as an attractive candidate for leading success in the non-woven fabric market aside from polypropylene.
Key players operating in the non-woven fabric market are investing in the development of innovative sustainable solutions and also entering into partnerships. Key non-woven fabric providers have also been acquiring smaller players to grow their presence to further penetrate the non-woven fabric market across multiple regions.
Recent Industry Developments in the Non-Woven Fabric Market:
In terms of process, the industry is divided into spunbonding, melt blowing, spunmelt, flashspun, and coform.
In terms of resin type, the industry is segregated into polyester, polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), bioplastic (biobased, compostable), and recycled material (PIR, PCR).
By melt flow rate, the market is divided into low melt flow (0-10 g/10 minute), medium melt flow rate (11-25 g/10 min), high melt flow rate (26-40 g/10 min), and very high melt flow rate (above 40 g/10 min).
The market is classified by applications such as hygiene products, medical textiles, geotextiles, agriculture, packaging, home furnishings, automotive, filtration, construction. Further, hygiene products are categorized into diapers, feminine hygiene products, adult incontinence products. Medical textiles are sub-divided into surgical gowns, face masks, surgical drapes. Geotextiles are categorized as road construction, erosion control, drainage systems. Agriculture are classified as crop protection, weed control. Packaging are classified as industrial packaging, consumer packaging. Home furnishings are categorized as upholstery, bedding. Automotive is sub-divided into interior linings, seat covers and construction is categorized as roofing, insulation.
Key countries of North America, Latin America, East Asia, South Asia & Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East & Africa have been covered in the report.
The global non-woven fabric industry is projected to witness CAGR of 1.9% between 2024 and 2034.
The global non-woven fabric industry stood at USD 29.5 billion in 2023.
The global non-woven fabric industry is anticipated to reach USD 36.3 billion by 2034 end.
Latin America region is set to record the highest CAGR of 2.7% in the assessment period.
The key players operating in the global non-woven fabric industry include Berry Global Inc., Mitsui Chemicals America Inc., Freudenberg Performance Materials, PT Multi Spunindo Jaya Tbk, TORAY INDUSTRIES, INC., PFNonwovens Holding s.r.o., DuPont, Fibertex Personal Care, Avgol Nonwovens, Johns Manville, and RadiciGroup.
| Estimated Size, 2025 | USD 737.9 million |
|---|---|
| Projected Size, 2035 | USD 1,225.4 million |
| Value-based CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 5.1% |
| Estimated Market Size (2024E) | USD 70156.2 million |
|---|---|
| Projected Market Value (2034F) | USD 100115.7 million |
| Value-based CAGR (2024 to 2034) | 3.6% |
| Industry Valuation in 2024 | USD 518.7 million |
|---|---|
| Projected Industry Value by 2034 | USD 829.9 million |
| Value-based CAGR for 2024 to 2034 | 4.8% |
| Expected Market Value (2023) | USD 905.5 million |
|---|---|
| Anticipated Forecast Value (2033) | USD 1,419.7 million |
| Projected CAGR (2023 to 2033) | 4.6% |
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Non-Woven Fabric Market
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