This week at RISE, Research, Innovation & Science for Engineered Fabrics Conference, INDA’s director of markets and research Brad Kalil gave an update on markets for durable nonwovens, which comprise about 32.5% of total nonwovens tonnage in North America.

According to Kalil, the leading markets for durables are geotextiles, home and office furnihisngs, transporation and building and construction, which together represent about 80% of all durable tonnage. In recent years, growth in these markets has outpaced growth in disposable markets, except for a few years in the early 2000s when the wipes market was driving disposable growth.

By market segment, geotextiles, representing 10% of nonwovens or 31% of durables, is predicted to grow 7.7% from 2012-2017, driven by growth in higher performance materials or heavier weights. Meanwhile the markets for home and office furnishings is expected to grow 5.1% on advances in construction, increased interest in interior design and a rebound in the “repair and remodel market.” This market represents about 9% of nownovens or 28% of durables and could see additional growth from pending flammability regulations governing upholstered furniture.

The transportation market represents 5% of nonwovens and 16% of durables. INDA is predicthing the market to grow about 5.6% as the automotives market continues to rebound and consumer demand for comfort continues to expand.

Finally, the construction market, which represents 4% of nonwovens tonnage and 11% of durables is expected to grow 8.2% per year after decreasing 6.3% per year in the wake of the recession. This growth will be driven by recovery in the residential and non residential construction markets as well as larger homes sizes, Kalil explains.

INDA will release an updated report covering the North American nonwovens market next year. More info: www.inda.org.