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
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