Global Non-woven Fabrics Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)
By Technology;
Spun-Bond, Wet-Laid, Dry-Laid, and Others.By Material;
Polyester, Polypropylene, Polyethylene, Rayon, and Others.By Geography;
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America - Report Timeline (2021 - 2031).Introduction
Global Non-woven Fabrics Market (USD Million), 2021 - 2031
In the year 2023, the Global Non-woven Fabrics Market was valued at USD 47,959.18 million. The size of this market is expected to increase to USD 71,165.82 million by the year 2030, while growing at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.8%.
The global non-woven fabrics market is experiencing steady growth due to their wide range of applications across various industries, including healthcare, automotive, textiles, and packaging. Non-woven fabrics, which are made by bonding fibers together through mechanical, chemical, or thermal processes rather than weaving or knitting, offer significant advantages such as cost-effectiveness, versatility, and ease of manufacturing. These fabrics are increasingly favored for their durability, lightweight nature, and functional properties, which include filtration, absorbency, and breathability, driving their demand across both consumer and industrial sectors.
In the healthcare industry, non-woven fabrics are widely used in medical disposables such as surgical gowns, drapes, masks, wound dressings, and sterilization wraps. Their ability to provide high levels of hygiene, protection, and comfort makes them essential for maintaining sterile environments in medical settings. The rise of infection prevention measures, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic, has led to an increased demand for non-woven fabrics in personal protective equipment (PPE), further bolstering market growth. Additionally, non-woven fabrics are used in hygiene products such as diapers, sanitary napkins, and adult incontinence products, where absorbency and skin-friendliness are critical.
Geographically, the Asia-Pacific region dominates the global non-woven fabrics market, driven by the presence of major manufacturing hubs in China and India, along with a large consumer base in emerging markets. The rapid urbanization and industrialization in these regions are contributing to the increasing demand for non-woven fabrics in a variety of applications, particularly in hygiene products and automotive materials. North America and Europe are also significant markets, with the healthcare sector being a major driver of demand for non-woven fabrics. The growing emphasis on sustainability and environmental concerns is pushing for innovations in biodegradable and eco-friendly non-woven fabrics, further enhancing market prospects globally.
Global Non-woven Fabrics Market Recent Development
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In August 2022, Willacoochee Industrial Fabrics, Inc. (WINFAB), one of the leading manufacturers of geosynthetic and erosion control products in the United States, announced its investment into a new state-of-the-art nonwoven geotextile manufacturing production line in Nashville, GA. The production line was anticipated to begin operation by the second quarter of 2023.
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In June 2022, Asten Johnson announced the creation of its new division named AJ Nonwovens. The global industrial textile manufacturer stated that it intends to increase production capacity and improve speed in the North American market through this move.
Segment Analysis
The Global Non-woven Fabrics Market has been segmented by Technology, Material and Geography, by technology categorizes non-woven fabrics based on the manufacturing processes involved in their production. This includes techniques such as spunbonding, meltblowing, airlaid, wet-laid, and needle punching, among others. Spunbonding and meltblowing are among the most commonly used technologies, offering advantages such as high production speeds, uniform fiber distribution, and versatility in fabric properties. Airlaid and wet-laid processes are employed for producing non-woven fabrics with specific characteristics such as absorbency and softness, making them suitable for hygiene and medical applications. Needle punching technology is utilized for producing non-woven fabrics with enhanced strength and durability, ideal for applications such as geotextiles and automotive interiors.
Material segmentation classifies non-woven fabrics based on the raw materials used in their production. This includes categories such as polypropylene, polyester, nylon, rayon, and natural fibers like cotton and wood pulp. Polypropylene and polyester are the most commonly used materials due to their affordability, versatility, and compatibility with various manufacturing processes. Nylon offers superior strength and abrasion resistance, making it suitable for specialized applications such as automotive airbags and filtration media. Natural fibers like cotton and wood pulp are valued for their biodegradability, absorbency, and softness, making them preferred choices for hygiene products and medical textiles.
Geographical segmentation divides the non-woven fabrics market into regions such as North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa. Each region exhibits unique market dynamics influenced by factors such as population demographics, industrialization, infrastructure development, and regulatory landscapes. While developed regions like North America and Europe have established markets driven by technological advancements and stringent quality standards, emerging economies in Asia-Pacific and Latin America offer growth opportunities fueled by rising disposable incomes, urbanization, and increasing demand for consumer goods and industrial applications.
Global Non-woven Fabrics Segment Analysis
In this report, the Global Non-woven Fabrics Market has been segmented by Technology, Material and Geography.
Global Non-woven Fabrics Market, Segmentation by Technology
The Global Non-woven Fabrics Market has been segmented by Technology into Spun-Bond, Wet-Laid, Dry-Laid, and Others.
Spun-Bond technology involves extruding thermoplastic polymers into continuous filaments, which are then laid down on a conveyor belt, bonded together through heat and pressure, and subsequently cooled to form a non-woven fabric. Spun-Bond fabrics are known for their strength, durability, and resistance to tearing, making them suitable for applications requiring high tensile strength and dimensional stability, such as geotextiles, automotive upholstery, and disposable medical garments.
Wet-Laid technology utilizes a slurry of fibers dispersed in water, which is deposited onto a moving screen or belt, dewatered, and then bonded together through mechanical, thermal, or chemical processes. Wet-Laid fabrics offer excellent uniformity, softness, and absorbency, making them ideal for applications such as wipes, hygiene products, and filtration media.
Dry-Laid technology involves randomly laying or air-laying fibers onto a moving conveyor belt or web-forming equipment, followed by bonding through mechanical, thermal, or chemical means. Dry-Laid fabrics exhibit versatility, ranging from lightweight and breathable materials used in hygiene products and medical dressings to heavier and more robust materials used in automotive interiors and construction.
The "Others" category encompasses additional non-woven fabric technologies and processes, including melt-blown, needle-punch, and composite technologies. Melt-blown technology involves extruding thermoplastic polymers through fine nozzles to form microfibers, which are then collected on a conveyor belt and bonded together to create non-woven fabrics with ultra-fine filtration properties, suitable for medical face masks, air filters, and oil absorbents. Needle-punch technology mechanically interlocks fibers through barbed needles, producing non-woven fabrics with enhanced strength, resilience, and dimensional stability, used in applications such as automotive upholstery, carpet backing, and insulation. Composite technologies combine multiple non-woven layers or incorporate additional materials such as films, foams, or coatings to create specialized non-woven fabrics with tailored properties for specific applications, including packaging, medical textiles, and industrial composites.
Global Non-woven Fabrics Market, Segmentation by Material
The Global Non-woven Fabrics Market has been segmented by Material into Polyester, Polypropylene, Polyethylene, Rayon, and Others.
Rayon non-woven fabrics, derived from natural cellulose fibers, offer softness, absorbency, and drapability, making them ideal for applications in hygiene products, apparel, and medical textiles. Other materials used in non-woven fabric production include natural fibers like cotton, viscose, and bamboo, as well as specialty fibers such as aramid, carbon, and glass fibers, each offering unique properties and applications in niche markets.
The segmentation of the non-woven fabrics market by material type reflects the diverse range of properties, functionalities, and end-use applications within the industry. Polyester, polypropylene, and polyethylene dominate the market due to their widespread availability, cost-effectiveness, and performance characteristics that meet the requirements of various industries. Rayon non-wovens cater to applications demanding softness, moisture management, and breathability, particularly in the healthcare and hygiene sectors.
The market for non-woven fabrics is characterized by continuous innovation and technological advancements aimed at enhancing material properties, manufacturing processes, and product performance. Emerging trends in sustainable materials, biodegradable fibers, and eco-friendly production methods are driving the development of environmentally friendly non-woven fabrics that meet the evolving needs of consumers and regulatory requirements.
Global Non-woven Fabrics Market, Segmentation by Geography
In this report, the Global Non-woven Fabrics Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.
Global Non-woven Fabrics Market Share (%), by Geographical Region, 2024
North America, characterized by mature economies such as the United States and Canada, is a significant market for non-woven fabrics driven by strong industrial infrastructure, high consumer spending, and stringent regulatory standards. The region's focus on technological innovation, sustainability, and healthcare drives demand for non-woven fabrics in applications such as hygiene products, medical textiles, and automotive components.
Europe, with its emphasis on environmental sustainability, circular economy principles, and advanced manufacturing capabilities, represents another key market for non-woven fabrics. Countries like Germany, the United Kingdom, and France lead in innovation and adoption of non-woven fabrics across various sectors, including automotive, construction, and personal care.
Asia Pacific emerges as a rapidly growing market for non-woven fabrics, fueled by factors such as population growth, urbanization, and expanding manufacturing activities. Countries like China, Japan, India, and South Korea are major contributors to the region's non-woven fabrics market, driven by demand from industries such as healthcare, consumer goods, and agriculture.
The Middle East and Africa region presents opportunities for non-woven fabrics manufacturers, driven by infrastructure development, increasing disposable incomes, and growing awareness of hygiene and healthcare standards. Countries like the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa are witnessing rising demand for non-woven fabrics in construction, healthcare, and personal care applications.
Latin America, with countries like Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina, showcases a growing market for non-woven fabrics driven by urbanization, industrialization, and changing consumer lifestyles. The region's focus on sustainability, coupled with increasing investments in infrastructure and healthcare, drives demand for non-woven fabrics in packaging, filtration, and medical applications.
Market Trends
This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Non-woven Fabrics Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities.
Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis
Drivers
- Growing Demand in Hygiene and Medical Applications
- Expanding Geotextile Applications
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Substitution of Traditional Textiles - Non-woven fabrics are engineered materials manufactured directly from fibers using mechanical, chemical, or thermal processes, without the need for traditional weaving or knitting. This results in a versatile and cost-effective material that offers numerous advantages, including lightweightness, flexibility, durability, and ease of customization. Unlike woven fabrics, non-woven fabrics can be produced in a single step, allowing for efficient mass production and reduced manufacturing costs.
Non-woven fabrics exhibit superior performance characteristics compared to traditional textiles in many applications. They offer excellent breathability, moisture management, and barrier properties, making them suitable for use in hygiene products, medical textiles, and protective apparel. Non-woven fabrics also provide insulation, sound absorption, and filtration capabilities, making them ideal for automotive interiors, construction materials, and air filtration systems.
Non-woven fabrics offer design flexibility and versatility that traditional textiles may lack. They can be engineered to meet specific performance requirements, such as strength, porosity, and surface finish, through variations in fiber type, bonding techniques, and processing parameters. This versatility enables non-woven fabrics to address a wide range of end-use applications, from disposable consumer products to high-performance industrial components.
Restraints
- Price Volatility of Raw Materials
- Quality and Performance Variability
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Market Fragmentation - One aspect of market fragmentation is the proliferation of diverse product types within the non-woven fabrics segment, ranging from spunbonded and meltblown fabrics to needle-punched and wet-laid fabrics. Each product type offers distinct properties, applications, and performance characteristics, leading to a fragmented market landscape with numerous product variants competing for market share.
Another dimension of market fragmentation is evident in the wide range of raw materials utilized in non-woven fabric production, including synthetic fibers (e.g., polypropylene, polyester), natural fibers (e.g., cotton, wood pulp), and biodegradable polymers (e.g., PLA, PHA). The availability and cost of raw materials vary across regions, contributing to disparities in production costs and pricing strategies among manufacturers.
Market fragmentation is further exacerbated by the diverse end-use industries served by non-woven fabrics, including hygiene and healthcare, construction, automotive, agriculture, and consumer goods. Each industry sector has unique requirements, specifications, and quality standards for non-woven fabric applications, leading to a fragmented customer base and demand landscape.
Geographical fragmentation adds another layer of complexity to the non-woven fabrics market, with regional variations in market size, growth rates, regulatory environments, and competitive dynamics. While established markets in North America and Europe exhibit relatively mature non-woven fabric industries, emerging economies in Asia-Pacific and Latin America offer growth opportunities driven by expanding industrialization, urbanization, and infrastructure development.
Opportunities
- Innovations in Sustainable Materials
- Emerging Applications in Healthcare and Personal Care
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Digitalization and Industry 4.0 Technologies - One of the key opportunities presented by digitalization and Industry 4.0 in the non-woven fabrics market is the optimization of production processes through predictive analytics and real-time monitoring. By leveraging IoT sensors and data analytics platforms, manufacturers can gather valuable insights into machine performance, material utilization, and production workflows, enabling proactive maintenance, resource optimization, and waste reduction. This not only improves operational efficiency but also reduces downtime and production costs, ultimately enhancing competitiveness and profitability.
Digitalization enables greater flexibility and agility in manufacturing operations, allowing non-woven fabric producers to respond quickly to changing market demands and customer requirements. Advanced automation technologies, such as robotic process automation (RPA) and machine learning algorithms, enable adaptive production scheduling, customized product configurations, and rapid prototyping, enabling manufacturers to deliver tailor-made solutions to diverse end-use industries.
Another opportunity arising from digitalization and Industry 4.0 in the non-woven fabrics market is the enhancement of product quality and consistency. By integrating sensors, actuators, and quality control systems into production lines, manufacturers can ensure precise control over key process parameters such as fiber orientation, web formation, and bonding techniques. This results in the production of non-woven fabrics with uniform properties, enhanced performance characteristics, and superior end-user satisfaction.
Competitive Landscape Analysis
Key players in Global Non-woven Fabrics Market include:
- Berry Global Inc.
- Freudenberg Group
- KCWW
- DuPont
- Ahlstrom-Munksjö
In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:
- Company Overview and Product Portfolio
- Key Developments
- Financial Overview
- Strategies
- Company SWOT Analysis
- Introduction
- Research Objectives and Assumptions
- Research Methodology
- Abbreviations
- Market Definition & Study Scope
- Executive Summary
- Market Snapshot, By Technology
- Market Snapshot, By Material
- Market Snapshot, By Region
- Global Non-woven Fabrics Market Dynamics
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Drivers
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Growing Demand in Hygiene and Medical Applications
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Expanding Geotextile Applications
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Substitution of Traditional Textiles
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- Restraints
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Price Volatility of Raw Materials
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Quality and Performance Variability
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Market Fragmentation
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- Opportunities
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Innovations in Sustainable Materials
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Emerging Applications in Healthcare and Personal Care
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Digitalization and Industry 4.0 Technologies
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- Drivers
- PEST Analysis
- Political Analysis
- Economic Analysis
- Social Analysis
- Technological Analysis
- Porter's Analysis
- Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- Bargaining Power of Buyers
- Threat of Substitutes
- Threat of New Entrants
- Competitive Rivalry
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Market Segmentation
- Global Non-woven Fabrics Market, By Technology, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
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Spun-Bond
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Wet-Laid
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Dry-Laid
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Others
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- Global Non-woven Fabrics Market, By Material, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
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Polyester
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Polypropylene
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Polyethylene
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Rayon
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Others
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- Global Non-woven Fabrics Market, By Geography, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- North America
- United States
- Canada
- Europe
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Nordic
- Benelux
- Rest of Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Japan
- China
- India
- Australia & New Zealand
- South Korea
- ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Countries)
- Rest of Asia Pacific
- Middle East & Africa
- GCC
- Israel
- South Africa
- Rest of Middle East & Africa
- Latin America
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Argentina
- Rest of Latin America
- North America
- Global Non-woven Fabrics Market, By Technology, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Competitive Landscape
- Company Profiles
- Berry Global Inc.
- Freudenberg Group
- KCWW
- DuPont
- Ahlstrom-Munksjö
- Company Profiles
- Analyst Views
- Future Outlook of the Market