Volume Insights on Nonwoven Fabrics Sector
The global nonwoven fabrics sector volume projection was valued at 15,870.7 kilotons in 2023 and is projected to reach 27,069.6 kilotons by 2033, registering a CAGR of 5.5% from 2024 to 2033.
Volume Insights Strategic Overview
Allied Market Research announces the release of its comprehensive analysis of the global number of nonwoven fabrics. Nonwoven is a novel, innovative, and engineered fabric produced directly from fibers, and is used over an extensive variety of products and applications. Nonwovens are abundantly used in hygiene & medical products, wipes, surgical fabrics, liquid & gas filtration, protective clothing, interlinings & clothing, leather-like goods & coating substrates, shoes, upholstery, floor-covers, furniture & bedding, building & roofing, structural engineering, and in geosynthetics.
Rise in demand for hygiene products is a significant driver of the nonwoven fabrics sector, primarily fueled by rise in awareness about personal hygiene, increase in disposable incomes, and aging global population. Nonwoven fabrics are widely used in the production of baby diapers, feminine hygiene products, and adult incontinence items due to their high absorbency, softness, breathability, and cost-effectiveness. These properties make nonwovens essential in ensuring comfort, skin-friendliness, and effective moisture management in hygiene products.
Regional Nonwoven Fabrics Sector Volume Growth
Asia-Pacific dominates the nonwoven fabrics sector sales with 49.8% share in 2023 and 5.3%, CAGR, while North America, Europe, and LAMEA show strong growth at 6.0%, 5.6%, and 5.4% CAGR, respectively, fueled by rise in demand in hygiene products, including diapers, feminine care, and medical supplies, along with growth in the automotive, filtration, and construction industries.
The regional analysis highlights significant variations in adoption trends and market potential across the globe. The nonwoven fabrics sector is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.5% from 2024 to 2033, with Asia-Pacific leads the market with a 49.8% share. The Asia-Pacific region, growing at a CAGR of 5.3%, dominates due to high demand for hygiene products like diapers and sanitary napkins, rapid urbanization, and strong industrial applications in automotive, construction, and filtration. In addition, government initiatives promoting healthcare and sanitation in countries like China and India further drive the growth of the sector.
Europe holds a 23.0% market share, with a CAGR of 5.6%, supported by stringent environmental regulations and rise in demand for sustainable and biodegradable nonwoven fabrics. Growth is fueled by the automotive sector, medical applications, and geotextiles, with companies investing in eco-friendly and high-performance materials.
North America accounts for 21.4% of the market, registering the highest CAGR of 6.0%, driven by increase in adoption of nonwovens in healthcare, personal care, and industrial applications. The U.S. leads in advanced nonwoven technologies, particularly for medical textiles, filtration, and protective apparel, with Berry Global and DuPont expanding their product offerings.
LAMEA holds a 5.8% market share and is growing at a CAGR of 5.4%, driven by rising demand for hygiene and medical nonwoven products, infrastructure development, and the growing use of nonwovens in agriculture and geotextiles. Countries like Brazil, UAE, and South Africa are investing in local nonwoven manufacturing to meet increasing domestic demand.
Nonwoven Fabrics Sector Volume Growth, By Region, 2023-2033 (Kilotons)
Region | 2023 | 2028 | 2033 | CAGR (2024–2033) |
North America | 3,392.0 | 4,480.5 | 6,056.7 | 6.0% |
Europe | 3,651.1 | 4,723.7 | 6,256.7 | 5.6% |
Asia-Pacific | 7,909.7 | 10,106.8 | 13,213.9 | 5.3% |
LAMEA | 917.9 | 1,176.0 | 1,542.3 | 5.4% |
Total | 15,870.7 | 20,487.1 | 27,069.6 | 5.5% |
Source: AMR Analysis
Nonwoven Fabrics Country Sector Sales
China and the U.S. lead the nonwoven fabrics industry in terms of volume, growing at CAGR of 5.6% and 5.9% respectively
The nonwoven fabrics sector is experiencing significant growth across key countries, with China leading at 5,259.1 kilotons by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 5.6%. The expansion in China is driven by strong demand for hygiene products, industrial textiles, and rapid urbanization, with the country being a global manufacturing hub for nonwoven materials.
The U.S. follows with 4,186.9 kilotons by 2033 at a CAGR of 5.9%, benefiting from rise in healthcare applications, increase in use in filtration and geotextiles, and advancements in sustainable nonwoven technologies. The U.S. market is also supported by major manufacturers such as Berry Global and DuPont.
Germany is projected to reach 2,440.2 kilotons by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 5.5%, supported by high demand in the automotive and medical sectors, as well as government initiatives promoting eco-friendly and biodegradable nonwovens.
India is set to reach 1,719.3 kilotons by 2033 at a CAGR of 5.0%, driven by rise in hygiene awareness, rapid industrialization, and rise in demand for geotextiles and medical nonwoven products. Government initiatives such as "Make in India" and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan are further supporting the industry's growth.
France, growing at the highest CAGR of 6.2%, is expected to reach 928.2 kilotons by 2033. The country's growth is fueled by a strong emphasis on sustainability, increasing demand for biodegradable nonwovens, and the expansion of the healthcare and automotive sectors.
Nonwoven Fabrics Sector Volume Share, By Country, 2023-2033 (Kilotons)
Country | 2023 | 2028 | 2033 | CAGR (2024-2033) |
China |
3,062.3
|
3,967.7
|
5,259.1
| 5.6% |
India | 1,063.1
| 1,336.7
|
1,719.3
| 5.0% |
U.S. | 2,380.3
|
3,120.7
|
4,186.9
| 5.9% |
Germany |
1,441.2
|
1,853.48
|
2,440.2
| 5.5% |
France |
510.4
|
680.5
|
928.2
| 6.2% |
Source: AMR Analysis
However, the sector faces restraints such as volatile raw material prices (particularly polypropylene) and strict environmental regulations regarding plastic-based disposables. Despite these challenges, significant opportunities lie in the development of eco-friendly, biodegradable nonwovens and technological advancements in sustainable production methods, catering to rise in global demand for green materials and circular economy solutions.”
Nonwoven Fabrics Sector Volume Trends
The global push toward sustainability leads to increase in adoption of biodegradable and recyclable nonwoven fabrics. Companies are increasingly adopting bio-based materials such as PLA (Polylactic Acid), bamboo, and hemp, with bio-based nonwoven production reaching over 2 million metric tons in 2023. In response to strict regulations on plastic waste, the EU’s single-use plastics directive and bans on non-biodegradable packaging in China, India, and the U.S. have accelerated the adoption of eco-friendly nonwovens. The hygiene sector, which accounts for 35% of the global nonwoven market, is witnessing a shift toward compostable and plant-based diaper materials, with brands like Kimberly-Clark and Essity investing in sustainable product lines.
Moreover, in 2024, Freudenberg and Ahlstrom-Munksjö introduced biodegradable nonwoven medical fabrics, marking a significant step toward sustainability in the healthcare sector. These fabrics are designed to provide high-performance protection while being compostable and eco-friendly, aligning with the global push for greener alternatives in medical applications. The biodegradable nonwoven fabrics launched by these companies cater to applications such as surgical drapes, gowns, and wound care products, offering a balance of breathability, fluid resistance, and biodegradability. This innovation supports the healthcare industry's shift toward reducing medical waste, especially as global healthcare facilities generate over 5 million tons of non-biodegradable waste annually.
Nonwoven fabrics stakeholders should use the report’s insights to grab new opportunities and plans.
About Allied Market Research
Allied Market Research is a full-service research and business consulting firm that provides actionable insights and strategic recommendations to help clients make informed decisions and achieve sustainable growth. For more inquiries, please visit alliedmarketresearch.com.
About Allied Market Research
Allied Market Research is a full-service market research and business consulting firm, which provides actionable insights and strategic recommendations to help clients make informed decisions and achieve sustainable growth. For more inquiries, please visit alliedmarketresearch.com
