INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announced the release of a new report, entitled ‘North American Wipes Market: Trends & Forecasts 2012-2017’, which includes sales estimates by consumer channel and national brands/private labels.

Sales in some of these consumer channels accounts for a significant portion of total sales for certain wipe SKUs and, according to INDA, this data is not typically captured in other wipes reports.

Unrelenting growth

Brad Kalil, INDA’s Director of Market Research and Statistics, said: “We are pleasantly surprised by the unrelenting growth of the disposable nonwovens wipes industry, even during these challenging economic times for consumers and businesses.”

“In the consumer wipes segment, which accounts for two-thirds of the tonnage, we still see sustained growth in the mature baby wipes category; while both household and personal wipes expanded at a rapid rate, not only through broader usage but also with continuous product innovation.”

Forecasts and trends

This report provides detailed forecasts and trends for the consumer and industrial/institutional wipes markets. Product segments include:

• Consumer wipes

- Baby wipes

- Household wipes, including hard surface/disinfecting, wet floor cleaning, general cleaning, electrostatic dry floor cleaning, automotive (home use), furniture polish and glass/metal cleaning, and wet and dry floor cleaning

- Personal wipes, including premoistened toilet, cosmetic/facial cleaners, toddler flushables, antibacterial, general body/bath incontinent, intimate feminine care

• Industrial/institutional wipes

- Industrial/commercial wipes including an estimate of ranges and towel/shop wipes

- Institutional wipes in healthcare and food service

The report also includes trends and construction details of leading brands within consumer wipes.

Future expectations

“Looking forward, a few variables may cause swift expansion within the industrial/institutional segment, such as re-classification of wipes and laundered shop towels within the Resource Conservation Recovery Act (the Wiper Rule) and the medical industries’ increased liability around healthcare associated infections (HAIs) coupled with a strong GDP forecast at the end of our outlook period,” said Kalil.

“Consequently, our outlook for the North American disposable nonwovens wipes market is for continued strong growth with a 16% increase in the per annum growth rate over the outlook period (2012-2017) compared to recent historical period (2007-2012).”

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