Surging Focus on Hygiene Boosting Spunbond Nonwovens Consumption

Spunbond nonwoven refers to a fabric created by bonding long fibers and staple fibers together. The manufacturing process of this material involves spinning of fibers and dispersing of fibers into a web by using deflectors, thereby, forming a continuous fabric known as spunbond nonwoven. This fabric is usually made up of materials like polypropylene, polyethylene, polyurethane, and polyester. However, in recent years, companies across the world have been investing in research and development (R&D) activities to develop novel spunbond nonwoven fabrics.

Additionally, spunbond nonwovens are also used in diapers, feminine hygiene pads, and toddler training pads. Owing to the growing per capita income and surging awareness on personal hygiene, the consumption of this fabric is expected to witness a considerable rise in the coming years. Moreover, the booming population of the elderly in countries like Italy, Japan, and Germany will accelerate the requirement for adult incontinence products in the foreseeable future. Soaring demand for such products will, therefore, boost the adoption of spunbond nonwovens in these countries.

Owing to the wide application base of this fiber, major players like PEGAS NONWOVENS SA, Johns Manville Corporation, DowDuPont Inc., Mitsui Chemicals Inc., Asahi Kasei Corporation, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Radici Partecipazioni SpA, Toray Industries Inc., Berry Global Inc., and Schouw & Co. are producing spundound nonwovens in large quantity. These companies use polyurethane, polyamide, polypropylene, rayon, polyester, and polyethylene to manufacture this fabric. Among the different types of materials, the manufacturers mostly prefer polypropylene, due to its low cost and high strength.

Globally, the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region led the spunbond nonwovens market in 2017. This was due to the largescale consumption of the fabric for the production of personal hygiene products, and vast population base in China, Japan, and India adopting hygiene products in high volume. Moreover, rapid industrialization in these nations will fuel the consumption of the fabric in the packaging, building and construction, and automotive industries. Furthermore, the burgeoning population and expanding industrial base in APAC will boost the adoption of spunbond nonwovens in the coming years as well.

Thus, the rising awareness about personal hygiene products and improving healthcare and medical industries will amplify the consumption of spunbond nonwovens in the coming years.