Nonwoven Fabrics Market

An increase in demand from the healthcare sector to propel market growth

As per market dynamics, non woven textiles are being increasingly utilized in medical applications as more reasonably priced products become accessible in hospitals with tight budgets. Surgical gowns, drapes, gloves, and instrument covers—disposable and reusable—are routinely used in hospitals. Government programs to reduce HAIs support using Non woven medical products, such as disposable patient gowns, drapes, and linens (Hospital Acquired Infections). The main factor driving the rise in demand for these goods in the healthcare industry is their ability to help stem the spread of HAIs.

Additionally, the aging population in western nations combined with the expanding healthcare sector in emerging regions will further accelerate the growth rate of the Non woven fabric market. The increase in birthrate will also contribute to an increase in market value. Additionally, the market's overall expansion is accelerated by rising disposable income and rising spending on healthcare facilities and services.

Numerous healthcare goods, including surgical gowns, aprons, drapes, face mask components, and wound dressings, are made from Non woven fabric. They are also used in hygiene items, including tampons, baby diapers, sanitary towels, napkins, and liners. The demand for Non woven face masks has significantly increased as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak in order to stop the virus from spreading. As a result, the demand for Non woven materials is rising exponentially ly.

Due to the growing usage of female hygiene products in nations like China and India, Asia-Pacific expects to see considerable growth in the use of hygiene products throughout the projected period.

More than 60% of Indian women do not utilize sanitary items. This is mostly because there are so many people living in rural regions. The market for Non wovens in the nation is anticipated to expand quickly due to the rise in sanitary care product adoption rates brought on by increased hygiene concerns. According sanitary napkin sales in India hit 10.31 billion units in 2021, increasing by almost 100% over the previous five years. Due to rising hygiene-related concerns, the market for infant diapers and feminine products has also been expanding quickly in China.

According to SDMA, the overall cost of wound care in the United Kingdom is anticipated to be roughly EUR 8.3 billion (USD 9.7 billion). The management of unhealed wounds accounts for around 67%, causing the need for Non woven fabric. Every year, the NHS treats 3.8 million patients or around 7% of the world's adult population.

The COVID-19 pandemic has positively impacted the market for Non woven textiles worldwide. Production of protective gear, including isolation gowns, head coverings, face masks, curtains, and shoe covers, has been in high demand from the healthcare industry. Despite the covid pandemic seeming to be under control after harming humanity for two years, individuals still want to keep protected and buy these goods to safeguard their families and themselves. In the end, this encourages the usage of Non woven goods, contributing to the growth of the worldwide Non woven fabrics market.

It is anticipated that this trend will also persist from 2021 to 2031.

The Global Global Non Woven Fabric Market Industry is poised for substantial growth, with projections indicating a market value of 38.1 USD Billion in 2024 and an anticipated increase to 80.2 USD Billion by 2035. This growth trajectory suggests a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.0% from 2025 to 2035, reflecting the increasing adoption of non woven fabrics across various sectors. The expansion is driven by factors such as rising demand in healthcare, personal care, and automotive applications, alongside technological advancements and sustainability initiatives. These projections highlight the dynamic nature of the non woven fabric market and its potential for future development.

Sustainability is becoming a pivotal driver in the Global Global Non Woven Fabric Market Industry, as manufacturers increasingly adopt eco-friendly materials and production processes. The shift towards biodegradable and recyclable non woven fabrics aligns with global environmental goals and consumer preferences for sustainable products. This trend is particularly evident in the packaging and automotive sectors, where companies are seeking to reduce their carbon footprint. As sustainability initiatives gain momentum, the market is likely to witness a transformation, with an anticipated market value of 80.2 USD Billion by 2035, reflecting the growing importance of environmentally conscious practices in non woven fabric production.

The Global Global Non Woven Fabric Market Industry is significantly influenced by the personal care sector, where non woven fabrics are utilized in products such as diapers, feminine hygiene products, and adult incontinence items. The lightweight and absorbent properties of these fabrics enhance product performance and consumer comfort. As the global population ages and awareness of personal hygiene increases, the demand for these products is expected to rise. This trend may contribute to the market's expansion, with projections indicating a growth rate of 7.0% CAGR from 2025 to 2035, underscoring the potential for non woven fabrics in personal care applications.

The Global Global Non Woven Fabric Market Industry experiences a surge in demand from the healthcare sector, driven by the increasing need for hygiene products such as surgical gowns, masks, and drapes. Non woven fabrics offer superior barrier protection and breathability, making them ideal for medical applications. In 2024, the market is projected to reach 38.1 USD Billion, with healthcare applications accounting for a substantial share. This trend is likely to continue as global health standards evolve and the emphasis on infection control intensifies, suggesting a robust growth trajectory for non woven fabrics in healthcare through the next decade.

The Global Global Non Woven Fabric Market Industry is witnessing a notable expansion in automotive applications, where non woven fabrics are utilized for interior components, insulation, and soundproofing. The lightweight nature of these materials contributes to improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions in vehicles. As the automotive industry increasingly focuses on sustainability and performance, the demand for non woven fabrics is likely to grow. This trend aligns with the projected market growth, as the industry adapts to changing consumer preferences and regulatory requirements, further solidifying the role of non woven fabrics in automotive manufacturing.

Technological advancements play a crucial role in shaping the Global Global Non Woven Fabric Market Industry, as innovations in manufacturing processes enhance efficiency and product quality. Techniques such as spunbonding, meltblowing, and needle punching are being refined to produce non woven fabrics with superior properties. These advancements not only reduce production costs but also enable the creation of specialized fabrics for diverse applications, including filtration and insulation. As technology continues to evolve, it is expected that the market will expand, driven by the introduction of high-performance non woven fabrics that meet the demands of various industries.

By Region, the study provides market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Rest of the World. Asia pacific Non woven fabric market accounted for USD 12.5 billion in 2021 and is expected to exhibit a significant CAGR growth during the study period. Due to the growing domestic demand for hygiene goods, the expanding working population, and a strengthening economy, Asia-Pacific accounted for a significant portion of the market in 2020.

Due to the distinctive functional qualities that Non woven fabrics offer, such as hygiene & safety, cost-effectiveness, durability, strength, lightweight, versatility, user-friendliness, environmental-friendliness, and logistical convenience, the demand for Non woven fabrics in the Region is increasing in the automotive, agricultural, geotextiles, industrial/military, medical/healthcare, and construction industries.

Further, the major countries studied in the market report are The U.S., Canada, Germany, France, the U.K., Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil.

Figure 3: NON WOVEN FABRIC MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2021 (%)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, Market Research Future Database and Analyst Review

On the other hand, the North American Non woven fabric market is anticipated to expand profitably between 2022 and 2029 due to the rapid development of new technologies in the area. Due to the growth of infrastructure and building activities, North America (the U.S. and Canada) and Latin America are recognized as the second-largest hub for the manufacturing of Non woven fabric. Additionally, the Region's market demand is further boosted by the growing healthcare spending. Further, the Canada Non woven fabric market held the largest market share, and the U.S.

Non woven fabric market was the fastest-growing market in the Region.

The European Non woven fabric market is anticipated to expand at a substantial rate. The vehicle is the most popular mode of transportation in Europe, including Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, and Italy. As a result of the significant need for Non woven textiles in the automobile sector, this area has swiftly boosted the Non woven fabric market. Further, the Germany Non woven fabric market held the largest market share, and the U.K. Non woven fabric market was the fastest-growing market in the European Region.

Major market players are investing a lot of money in R&D to expand their product portfolios, which will spur further market growth for the Non woven fabric market. With significant industry changes, including new product releases, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, increased investments, and collaboration with other organizations, market participants are also undertaking various strategic activities to expand their presence. To grow and remain in a market that is becoming more and more competitive, Non woven fabric industry competitors must provide affordable products.

Manufacturing locally to cut operational costs is one of the main business tactics. The Non woven fabric industry serves customers and increases the market sector. The Non woven fabric industry has recently given medicine some of the most important advantages. The Non woven fabric market major player such as Dow, DuPont, KCWW, Berry Inc., Glatfelter, Fitesa, WE GmbH & Co. KG, Ahlstrom-Munksjö, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Chevron Corporation, Polymer, Group Incorporation, Asahi Kasei Corporation, Fibertex and others are working to expand the market demand by investing in research and development activities.

Fitesa is a pioneer in the Non woven fabric sector and specializes in offering cutting-edge materials for industrial, medical, and hygiene applications. The acquisition of the South American hygiene Non woven s division of Freudenberg (Germany) by Fitesa was finalized in February 2020. Only the hygiene division of Freudenberg Hygiene Brazil Ltda, which employs 100 people, is being sold. The garment, shoe, and leather operations of Freudenberg Performance Materials in Brazil and other South American countries are unaffected by the transaction.

One of the U.S.'s top producers of geosynthetic and erosion control products, Willacoochee Industrial Fabrics, Inc. (WINFAB), said in August 2022 that it had invested in a brand-new, cutting-edge production line for Non woven geotextiles in Nashville, Georgia. By the second quarter of 2023, the production line should be operational.

Nonwoven Fabrics Market Industry Developments

• Q2 2024: Berry Global Expands Nonwoven Production Capacity in North America Berry Global announced the opening of a new nonwoven fabrics production line at its facility in North America, aimed at meeting increased demand from the healthcare and hygiene sectors.
• Q2 2024: Freudenberg Acquires Majority Stake in Low & Bonar’s Nonwovens Business Freudenberg Group completed the acquisition of a majority stake in Low & Bonar’s nonwovens division, strengthening its position in the global nonwoven fabrics market.
• Q2 2024: Ahlstrom Launches New Sustainable Nonwoven Fabric for Filtration Applications Ahlstrom introduced a new line of sustainable nonwoven fabrics designed for advanced filtration, targeting the automotive and industrial sectors.
• Q3 2024: Kimberly-Clark Opens New Nonwovens Manufacturing Facility in Texas Kimberly-Clark inaugurated a new manufacturing plant in Texas dedicated to the production of nonwoven fabrics for hygiene and medical products.
• Q3 2024: Toray Industries Announces $100 Million Investment in Nonwoven Fabrics Plant in Vietnam Toray Industries revealed plans to invest $100 million in a new nonwoven fabrics manufacturing facility in Vietnam to serve the growing Asian hygiene and medical markets.
• Q3 2024: DuPont Unveils Next-Generation Biodegradable Nonwoven Material DuPont launched a new biodegradable nonwoven fabric aimed at the personal care and wipes market, supporting sustainability initiatives.
• Q4 2024: Fitesa Acquires Brazilian Nonwovens Producer for $200 Million Fitesa announced the acquisition of a major Brazilian nonwovens manufacturer, expanding its footprint in Latin America and increasing its production capacity.
• Q4 2024: Johns Manville Launches High-Performance Nonwoven for Roofing Applications Johns Manville introduced a new high-performance nonwoven fabric specifically engineered for commercial roofing systems.
• Q1 2025: Avgol Industries Signs Multi-Year Supply Agreement with Leading Diaper Manufacturer Avgol Industries secured a multi-year contract to supply nonwoven fabrics to a major global diaper producer, reinforcing its position in the hygiene market.
• Q1 2025: Suominen Appoints New CEO to Drive Growth in Nonwovens Suominen Corporation announced the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer, focusing on expanding its nonwoven fabrics business globally.
• Q2 2025: Alkegen Announces $50 Million Expansion of Nonwovens Facility in the US Alkegen revealed a $50 million investment to expand its US nonwovens manufacturing facility, targeting increased demand in filtration and battery applications.
• Q2 2025: Toray Industries Launches Antimicrobial Nonwoven Fabric for Medical Use Toray Industries introduced a new antimicrobial nonwoven fabric designed for use in medical gowns and masks, enhancing infection control capabilities.