Spunlace Nonwoven Market Report

In 2023, the spunlace nonwoven market consumed 1.8 million tons, valued at $10.3 billion. Spunlace represented 12.7% of the market by volume and 17.5% by value. By 2028, these figures are expected to rise to 14% and 20%, respectively, with a projected growth rate of 8.65% in volume and 10.1% in value. The growth is driven by investments in spunlace lines and the diversification of materials in applications like hygiene, wipes, and durable goods.

The wipes market, the largest target for spunlace nonwovens, continues to adapt post-Covid-19, with many consumers maintaining the habit of carrying disinfectant wipes. As demand for environmentally friendly products increases, there’s growing scrutiny on disposable products, with many countries considering bans on items containing plastic. Manufacturers are focusing on sustainable raw materials to meet these demands.

Technological advances in spunlace production allow the use of diverse fibers, making it a more adaptable and eco-friendly solution. This shift toward sustainability, driven by consumer awareness and environmental regulations, has spurred innovation in the industry. Companies like Welspun are leading with products made from cellulosic fibers, which cater to sustainability-focused markets in the EU. They have invested in high-speed spunlace production lines, becoming India’s largest producer of spunlace nonwovens.

Suominen, a Finnish company, is also expanding its sustainable product offerings, with new production lines in Spain and the U.S. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to lead in the sustainable nonwovens market. Suominen’s innovations, like the biodegradable Biolace with cotton, highlight the industry's shift toward environmentally friendly wipes and other products.

Fibertex Nonwovens, based in Denmark, is expanding its multi-layer spunlace technology in both Europe and North America. The company believes this technology will be a game changer, offering customizable solutions for various industries. Fibertex also sees opportunities in nonwovens for sustainable hygiene, medical, and automotive applications.

Magnera, formed from the merger of Glatfelter and Berry Global’s HHS unit, is focusing on plant-based, plastic-free spunlace solutions, particularly for wipes and hygiene products. Their emphasis on sustainable raw materials like cotton, hemp, and lyocell is helping the company address growing environmental concerns and regulatory pressures, such as those on flushability and labeling.

Sandler, a key player in the spunlace market, continues to innovate by exploring new raw materials and improving the sustainability of disposable products. With customized production lines, Sandler works closely with partners to develop solutions tailored to customer needs. Sustainability and performance are central to their strategy, driving growth in wipes and other technical applications.

Mogul Nonwovens, despite challenges in the Turkish market, is finding growth in niche areas like automotive, filtration, and synthetic leather, in addition to the wipes sector. Their advanced materials, such as Madaline Ultraleather and Durell, are used in diverse applications from clothing to military gear.