Chemical Bonded Nonwoven Market To Reach USD 32 Bn by 2033

Updated · Nov 27, 2024

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Key Takeaways
Chemical Bonded Nonwoven Statistics
Emerging Trends
Use Cases
Major Challenges
Market Growth Opportunities
Key Players Analysis
Conclusion

Introduction

The global Chemical Bonded Nonwoven Market is experiencing significant growth and is projected to reach a value of approximately USD 32.0 Billion by 2033, up from USD 15.1 Billion in 2023, reflecting a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.8% during the forecast period from 2023 to 2033.

The increasing demand for chemical bonded nonwovens is driven by their widespread applications across various industries such as automotive, healthcare, consumer goods, and construction. These materials, known for their strength, durability, and versatility, have gained popularity due to their cost-effectiveness and environmentally friendly properties compared to traditional woven fabrics.

Key growth factors include advancements in production technologies, rising demand for sustainable and eco-friendly materials, and a shift towards lightweight, high-performance materials in automotive and personal care products. Additionally, the growing healthcare sector, with increasing requirements for surgical gowns, masks, and wound care products, has been a major driver for market expansion. Furthermore, the chemical bonded nonwoven market presents ample opportunities in emerging economies, where rapid industrialization and urbanization are fueling the demand for nonwoven fabrics in various sectors.

As companies continue to innovate and explore new applications for chemical bonded nonwovens, the market is expected to see steady growth, making it an attractive space for investments and strategic expansions. With an expanding array of potential applications and increased focus on sustainability, the chemical bonded nonwoven market is poised for continued expansion in the coming years. In addition to the growing demand across established markets, the chemical bonded nonwoven market is witnessing increasing adoption in emerging regions, particularly in Asia-Pacific, driven by rapid industrialization, urbanization, and rising consumer demand for high-quality, affordable products.

Countries like China, India, and Southeast Asian nations are becoming key players in the production and consumption of chemical bonded nonwovens due to the low manufacturing costs and availability of raw materials. Moreover, the global push toward sustainability is encouraging manufacturers to innovate and focus on the development of biodegradable and recyclable nonwoven materials, further boosting the market’s growth potential.

Key Takeaways

Market Growth: Expected to reach USD 32.0 billion by 2033, with a 7.8% CAGR from USD 15.1 billion in 2023.
Material Dominance: Polypropylene (PP) leads, capturing over 38.7% market share in 2023.
Functional Preferences: Disposable functionality dominates, with over 65.4% market share in 2023.
Manufacturing Processes: Drylaid processes hold over 40% market share in 2023.
Application Diversity: Hygiene & Personal Care leads, accounting for over 37.5% market share in 2023.

Chemical Bonded Nonwoven Statistics

China produced 8.143 million tons of nonwovens in 2023, a 0.1% rise from the previous year.
The production of spunbonded nonwovens among them fell 7.1% annually to 3.87 million tons as a result of the drop in demand for medical, healthcare, and hygiene applications.
At 1.73 million tons, the output of needlepunched nonwovens grew 8.3% annually.
The market demand for anti-pandemic materials declined dramatically in 2023, resulting in a 47.8% year-over-year decrease in meltblown nonwovens production to 140,000 tons.
Vietnam is now the biggest importer of Chinese nonwovens, with $330 million in 2023 imports, a 16.9% decrease from the previous year.
In 2023, nonwoven exports from China to South Korea and Japan fell 8.9% and 11.9%, respectively, while exports to the United States fell 4.3% year over year.
Exports to Russia rose 25.9% year over year, while exports to Mexico and Italy gained 8.3% and 5.4%, respectively, despite the decline in demand for China’s nonwovens among the major importers.
China imported $820 million worth of nonwovens, a 10.3% drop from the previous year. China’s nonwoven imports were primarily from Italy, Japan, and the United States.
In the medical and surgical field, nonwovens were used 9% of the time.
The amount of nonwovens used in filtration dropped by 2.3% in 2023, making up 8.3% of the total.
China’s automotive production and sales increased by 11.6% and 12% annually, respectively, maintaining their upward trajectory. This led to a 10.5% increase in the use of nonwovens in transportation, which accounted for 7% of all nonwovens consumed.
The ASTM D-3776-96 standard test method was used to measure the foundation weight of nonwoven webs.
Produced by carding (roller carding), hygienic nonwovens weigh between 20 and 120 g/m2 and are bonded utilizing three distinct bonding techniques: mechanical, thermal, and chemical.
From 0.519 N/mm2 to 1.448 N/mm2, the mechanically bonded samples show the lowest breaking stress.
45 μm is the greatest pore diameter. The first sample has a thermal bond. In this instance, the sample has very little mass because the binder fibers bond other nonwoven fibers at the contact locations.
Although the National Science Foundation (NSF) defines nanofibers as having at least one dimension of 100 nm or less, the nonwoven industry typically considers nanofibers to have a diameter of less than 1µm.
The bicomponent fiber content of soft nonwoven fabrics usually falls between 10 and 20 percent, which results in a softer texture.
Soft fabrics have a comparatively lower bonding temperature 140–150ºC, which permits a softer bond between fibers without sacrificing softness.
The bicomponent fiber percentage rises marginally to 15–30% in medium nonwoven textiles.

Emerging Trends

Sustainability and Eco-friendly Materials: There is a growing demand for biodegradable and recyclable chemical bonded nonwoven fabrics. Manufacturers are focusing on sustainable production methods to meet the increasing consumer and regulatory demand for environmentally friendly products.
Technological Advancements in Manufacturing: Innovations in bonding technologies, such as airlaid and needle punching, are improving the performance, quality, and versatility of chemical bonded nonwoven materials, enabling their use in a wider range of applications.
Increased Use in Healthcare Applications: The healthcare sector is seeing a surge in the use of chemical bonded nonwovens for products like surgical masks, wound dressings, and medical gowns, driven by heightened health awareness and a growing global healthcare market.
Growth in Automotive Industry Demand: Chemical bonded nonwovens are increasingly used in the automotive industry for lightweight, durable, and cost-effective interior components such as insulation, headliners, and noise-reducing materials, improving vehicle performance and fuel efficiency.
Rise in Consumer Goods Applications: Chemical bonded nonwovens are gaining popularity in consumer goods, including hygiene products like diapers, feminine care items, and wipes, due to their softness, absorbency, and strength, meeting the growing demand for disposable products.
Focus on Performance and Durability: Manufacturers are developing chemical bonded nonwoven fabrics with enhanced durability and performance characteristics, such as moisture-wicking, antimicrobial, and UV-resistant properties, to cater to specialized market needs.
Expansion in Geotextile and Construction Markets: The use of chemical bonded nonwoven fabrics in construction and geotextiles is expanding, particularly for applications such as soil stabilization, drainage systems, and insulation, driven by demand for energy-efficient and sustainable building materials.
Adoption of Smart and Functional Nonwovens: The emergence of “smart” nonwoven fabrics embedded with sensors or antimicrobial agents is a growing trend, particularly in medical and industrial applications where functionality, performance, and safety are paramount.
Emerging Markets and Regional Growth: The market is expanding rapidly in regions such as Asia-Pacific and Latin America, driven by increasing industrialization, urbanization, and consumer demand for high-quality nonwoven products across multiple sectors.
Collaborations and Strategic Partnerships: Companies in the chemical bonded nonwoven space are forming strategic alliances and collaborations with research institutions and material suppliers to enhance product offerings and drive innovation in manufacturing processes.

Use Cases

Medical and Healthcare Products: Chemical bonded nonwovens are extensively used in medical applications such as surgical gowns, wound dressings, masks, and bandages. These products are valued for their softness, absorbency, and ability to provide a barrier against fluids and bacteria.
Hygiene and Personal Care: In the hygiene sector, chemical bonded nonwovens are widely used in products like diapers, feminine hygiene items, and wet wipes. Their high absorbency and comfort make them ideal for sensitive skin applications, catering to the growing demand for personal care solutions.
Automotive Industry: Nonwoven fabrics are increasingly used in automotive interiors, such as upholstery, headliners, and insulation panels. Their lightweight nature helps improve fuel efficiency, while their durability and noise-reducing properties enhance overall vehicle performance.
Building and Construction: Chemical bonded nonwovens are used in the construction industry for applications such as geotextiles, drainage systems, and insulation. These materials offer durability, moisture resistance, and support in soil stabilization, contributing to more sustainable building practices.
Consumer Goods Packaging: Nonwoven materials are also used in the packaging of consumer goods, especially in protective wraps and bags. Their ability to offer cushioning and protection while being lightweight makes them a popular choice for packaging fragile items.
Industrial Applications: In industries such as filtration, nonwoven materials are used in air, water, and liquid filtration systems. The high porosity and strength of chemical bonded nonwovens make them suitable for capturing fine particles and contaminants efficiently.
Home Furnishings: Chemical bonded nonwovens are increasingly used in home furnishings, such as mattresses, curtains, and upholstery, due to their softness, durability, and resistance to wear and tear. These materials provide comfort and improve the lifespan of household products.
Agriculture and Landscaping: Nonwoven fabrics are used in agricultural applications, such as crop protection covers, weed control fabrics, and soil erosion prevention. Their lightweight yet sturdy nature helps in enhancing crop yield and protecting plants from external conditions.
Filtration Systems: Chemical bonded nonwovens are widely used in air and water filtration systems due to their excellent filtration efficiency and capacity to trap dust, dirt, and other contaminants. Their use spans industrial, commercial, and residential applications.
Sports and Outdoor Gear: In sportswear and outdoor gear, nonwoven fabrics are employed for their moisture-wicking, breathable, and lightweight qualities. Products such as performance wear, tents, and sleeping bags benefit from these materials’ durability and comfort features.

Major Challenges

Raw Material Price Volatility: The cost of raw materials used in the production of chemical bonded nonwovens, such as polyester and polypropylene, can fluctuate significantly due to market conditions. This price volatility can increase production costs, impacting profitability and making pricing strategies less predictable for manufacturers.
Environmental Concerns and Sustainability: While chemical bonded nonwovens offer numerous benefits, the environmental impact of their disposal remains a challenge. Many nonwoven fabrics are not biodegradable, contributing to landfill waste. As sustainability becomes a key focus, manufacturers face pressure to develop eco-friendly and recyclable alternatives without compromising on performance.
Technological Limitations: Despite advances in manufacturing technologies, the production of chemical bonded nonwovens can still face limitations in terms of scalability, quality control, and efficiency. Innovations are required to enhance bonding methods, improve material properties, and reduce energy consumption in production processes.
Intense Market Competition: The chemical bonded nonwoven market is highly competitive, with numerous established and emerging players vying for market share. This intense competition often leads to price wars, lower profit margins, and challenges in differentiating products, making it harder for companies to maintain a competitive edge.
Regulatory and Compliance Issues: As global regulations surrounding materials and manufacturing processes tighten, chemical bonded nonwoven manufacturers must ensure compliance with stringent environmental, safety, and health regulations. This can lead to increased operational costs and the need for continual investment in research and development to meet evolving standards.
Consumer Preference Shifts: Changes in consumer preferences, especially in industries like hygiene and healthcare, may challenge manufacturers to adapt quickly to new demands. For example, increasing demand for organic and natural materials puts pressure on nonwoven producers to innovate with bio-based raw materials and processes.
Limited Awareness in Emerging Markets: While the use of chemical bonded nonwovens is expanding, there is still limited awareness of their benefits in some emerging markets. This lack of understanding can slow down adoption rates and hinder the growth potential of nonwoven applications in certain regions.
Durability and Performance Trade-offs: While chemical bonded nonwovens offer flexibility and cost advantages, balancing durability and performance in highly demanding applications (such as automotive or medical sectors) remains a challenge. Ensuring long-term effectiveness without compromising on comfort or functionality requires continuous innovation in material science.
Supply Chain Disruptions: Disruptions in the supply chain, whether from global events like pandemics or geopolitical tensions, can impact the timely availability of raw materials and production schedules. Such disruptions can lead to delays, increased costs, and challenges in meeting growing market demand for nonwoven products.
High Energy Consumption in Production: The manufacturing processes for chemical bonded nonwovens often require significant energy input, especially for bonding methods like thermal or chemical bonding. This not only increases production costs but also raises concerns over the environmental footprint, especially in energy-intensive regions.

Market Growth Opportunities

Sustainability and Eco-friendly Innovations: As demand for eco-friendly products increases, there is a significant opportunity to develop biodegradable, recyclable, and bio-based chemical bonded nonwoven materials. Manufacturers can capitalize on this shift by investing in sustainable production technologies to meet consumer and regulatory expectations.
Expanding Applications in Healthcare: The healthcare sector presents substantial growth potential, particularly for chemical bonded nonwovens used in medical disposables, such as surgical masks, wound care products, and hygiene materials. Rising health awareness and demand for high-quality, sterile, and cost-effective healthcare solutions are driving market opportunities.
Automotive Industry Demand: With the automotive industry increasingly focusing on lightweight materials to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, chemical bonded nonwovens are gaining popularity for use in interior applications such as insulation, soundproofing, and upholstery. This trend offers significant growth prospects in the automotive sector.
Growth in Hygiene Products: The global demand for hygiene products, including diapers, feminine care items, and adult incontinence products, is on the rise. Chemical bonded nonwovens, with their superior absorbency and comfort, are well-positioned to meet this growing demand, offering a lucrative opportunity for market expansion.
Innovation in Filtration Systems: There is growing demand for advanced filtration systems in various industries, such as air and water filtration. Chemical bonded nonwovens are ideal for these applications due to their superior filtering capabilities. Developing specialized, high-performance nonwoven filters offers substantial growth opportunities in this sector.
Emerging Markets Growth: Expanding industrialization and urbanization in emerging markets, particularly in Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Africa, offer significant growth opportunities for chemical bonded nonwovens. Rising disposable incomes and increased demand for nonwoven products in sectors like healthcare, automotive, and construction are driving market expansion.
Use in Sustainable Building Materials: The construction industry is increasingly focused on sustainability and energy-efficient materials. Chemical bonded nonwoven fabrics are gaining traction in applications such as geotextiles, insulation, and moisture barriers, offering opportunities for growth in sustainable building practices and green construction projects.
Development of Smart Nonwoven Materials: There is a growing trend toward integrating smart technologies, such as antimicrobial agents, sensors, and conductive materials, into nonwoven fabrics. This opens up new growth avenues in high-tech applications, including wearable electronics, medical devices, and advanced filtration systems.
Rising Demand for Agricultural Solutions: Chemical bonded nonwovens are finding increasing applications in agriculture, including crop protection, weed control, and soil erosion prevention. The growing need for efficient and sustainable farming solutions, especially in developing countries, presents a significant market opportunity in the agricultural sector.
Expansion in Consumer Goods Packaging: The rising demand for sustainable and protective packaging materials creates a new opportunity for chemical bonded nonwovens in the consumer goods sector. Nonwoven fabrics provide protective cushioning and are lightweight, making them a viable alternative for packaging fragile or sensitive products.

Key Players Analysis

Freudenberg Performance Materials a global leader in nonwoven fabrics, Freudenberg specializes in chemical bonded nonwovens for a variety of industries, including automotive, healthcare, and hygiene. Their materials are renowned for their high performance, durability, and sustainability, contributing significantly to applications in filtration, insulation, and protective clothing.
Kimberly-Clark Corporation is a major player in the nonwoven sector, offering chemical bonded nonwoven fabrics primarily used in hygiene products, including diapers, feminine care, and adult incontinence products. Their products are known for their comfort, absorbency, and skin-friendliness, making them a trusted brand in the personal care market.
DuPont manufactures chemical bonded nonwoven materials used in diverse sectors such as medical, automotive, and filtration. Known for their innovation in high-performance fabrics, DuPont’s nonwoven solutions provide superior strength, barrier properties, and reliability, particularly in protective and industrial applications like personal protective equipment (PPE).
Ahlstrom-Munksjo specializing in fiber-based materials, Ahlstrom-Munksjö produces high-quality chemical bonded nonwoven fabrics used in filtration, medical, and hygiene products. The company emphasizes sustainability and advanced manufacturing technologies to provide eco-friendly, high-performance materials suitable for a range of end-use applications, particularly in the healthcare sector.
Glatfelter is a global supplier of engineered materials, including chemical bonded nonwovens. Their products are widely used in sectors like filtration, automotive, and personal hygiene. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, Glatfelter provides nonwoven fabrics that meet strict performance requirements for both industrial and consumer applications.
Johns Manville a part of Berkshire Hathaway, Johns Manville is a leading manufacturer of nonwoven fabrics, including chemical bonded materials used in insulation, filtration, and automotive sectors. Their nonwoven solutions are prized for their thermal and acoustic insulation properties, helping to improve energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
Fitesa is a prominent producer of chemical bonded nonwoven fabrics, specializing in hygiene, medical, and industrial applications. Their products, such as nonwoven materials for diapers and surgical gowns, are known for their softness, strength, and performance, making Fitesa a trusted name in the nonwoven industry, particularly in Latin America.
Suominen Corporation is a leading manufacturer of nonwoven fabrics, offering a wide range of chemical bonded solutions for hygiene, medical, and automotive industries. The company focuses on innovation and sustainability, creating materials that are lightweight, durable, and recyclable, meeting the growing demand for eco-friendly solutions in nonwoven applications.
Sandler AG is a key player in the production of chemical bonded nonwoven fabrics, specializing in products for automotive, hygiene, and filtration applications. Known for their commitment to quality and environmental sustainability, Sandler’s materials are designed to provide durability, absorbency, and high performance in demanding applications.
TWE Group is a global supplier of nonwoven fabrics, offering a wide variety of chemical bonded solutions for industries like automotive, hygiene, and building. Their advanced nonwoven materials provide high strength, moisture resistance, and thermal properties, making them ideal for a broad range of applications, from personal care to construction.
Berry Global Inc. is a leading manufacturer of nonwoven fabrics, with a strong portfolio of chemical bonded materials used in personal care, hygiene, and medical applications. The company focuses on innovation and sustainability, providing high-performance nonwoven products that are lightweight, absorbent, and suitable for environmentally-conscious applications.
Lydall Inc. specializes in engineered materials, including chemical bonded nonwoven fabrics, with applications in filtration, automotive, and medical sectors. Their nonwoven solutions offer excellent filtration efficiency, thermal insulation, and soundproofing capabilities, helping to meet the growing demand for sustainable and high-performance industrial materials.
Hollingsworth & Vose manufactures chemical bonded nonwoven fabrics, primarily serving the filtration, automotive, and industrial sectors. Known for their high-quality and innovative materials, their products provide excellent filtration, acoustical, and thermal properties, meeting stringent requirements in both commercial and industrial applications.
Avgol Nonwovens is a key supplier of chemical bonded nonwoven fabrics for the hygiene, medical, and industrial markets. Their products, including nonwoven materials for diapers and sanitary products, are known for their softness, comfort, and high absorbency, making them a trusted brand in personal care applications.
Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. is a leading player in the chemical bonded nonwoven sector, providing advanced materials for applications in automotive, hygiene, and filtration. Their nonwoven fabrics are valued for their high strength, durability, and resistance to environmental factors, supporting innovations in sustainable and high-performance products across multiple industries.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Chemical Bonded Nonwoven Market is poised for substantial growth, driven by a combination of technological advancements, expanding applications across diverse industries, and increasing demand for sustainable and high-performance materials. With its unique properties, including durability, cost-effectiveness, and versatility, chemical bonded nonwoven fabric is gaining traction in sectors such as healthcare, automotive, consumer goods, and construction.

As consumer preferences shift towards sustainable and efficient materials, manufacturers are likely to focus on enhancing product performance while meeting environmental standards. Despite challenges such as raw material price fluctuations and competition, the market’s potential for growth in emerging economies and untapped sectors provides ample opportunities for stakeholders to capitalize on.