US demand for nonwovens to increase by 5% per annum to 2013

25 November 2009, London - According to a new report ‘Nonwovens US industry: forecasts for 2013 & 2018’, demand for nonwoven roll goods is projected to increase 5.0 percent per year through to 2013, driven by gains in key markets such as filtration, construction, wipes, medical disposables and adult incontinence.

In area terms, nonwovens demand will advance 4.2 percent per year. Spunbonded nonwovens will remain the largest product segment, accounting for roughly half of total area in 2013, owing to their position as the material of choice in major markets such as baby diapers, the report says. Gains in spunbonded nonwovens will be driven by strong growth in the use of disposable medical garments and textiles, rising demand for composite spunbonded/meltblown nonwovens that combine the performance advantages of each; and increased penetration of markets now served by competitive products. Meltblown nonwovens will benefit from greater use in the filtration market.

The 362 page report states that demand for nonwoven fabrics bonded by the spunlacing process will increase at an above-average rate through 2013. These types of nonwovens are finding greater use in markets such as personal care wipes and medical products, where consumer comfort is of primary importance. Gains in airlaid nonwovens will benefit from increased use in absorbent food pads, adult incontinence products, filters, various disposable medical supplies and wipes.

However, sales gains will be restrained somewhat by competition from other nonwoven fabrics. Wetlaid nonwoven fabrics will also be subject to stiff competition from other materials. However, heightened demand for better performing nonwoven materials in battery separators, filters and roofing, all of which use wetlaid glass nonwovens for higher-end applications, will provide some impetus to future market gains.

The report ‘Nonwovens US industry: forecasts for 2013 & 2018’ is available from Report Buyer