The global nonwoven fabrics market is expected to reach $42.1 billion by 2020, according to a new study by Grand View Research. Growth moving forward is expected to be driven by growth in baby diapers in Asia-Pacific and increased construction spending in emerging economies like China, India and Brazil.

Polypropylene nonwovens are currently the largest product segment, accounting for more than 60% of total market demand in 2013 and these fabrics are expected to see the highest growth rates during the next six years. Increasing birth rates in China and India as well as a larger aged population in the U.S., the U.K., Germany and Japan have driven demand for both baby and adult diapers and this trend will continue to drive growth in polypropylene nonwoven fabrics demand.

In addition, the study found that globally, nonwovens demand was 8,687 kilotons last year and is expected to reach 13,652 kilotons by 2020, growing at a CAGR of 6.7%. Spunlaid technology is the market leader accounting for 48.5% of total market volume and this technology is expected to grow the most quickly during the next couple years on demand from hygiene and medical applications.
Growth in nonwovens will also be driven by increased use of the material in durable applications like construction, automotive and geotextiles as they were the leading application segment in the global nonwoven fabrics market, accounting for 59.7% of market volume.

In terms of regional penetration, Asia-Pacific is the largest, accounting for 42.4% of total market demand in 2013. Growth in major end use industriesl is expected to continue to drive growth and the Middle East and Africa is expected to be the fastest growing regional market, an estimated 8.2%, between now and 2020.

More information: www.grandviewresearch.com.