Garagum Nonwoven

Garagum Economic Society was founded in 1992 in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. The company entered the nonwovens industry in 2020, initially producing disposable medical masks before expanding into nonwoven fabrics, converted medical products, agricultural solutions and packaging applications.

The founders recognized the growing need for reliable local production of medical and hygiene products in Turkmenistan and the wider Central Asian region. The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the strategic importance of domestic manufacturing capabilities for essential healthcare products and personal protective equipment.

This motivated Garagum to invest in modern nonwovens technologies and medical apparel manufacturing to support healthcare systems, reduce dependence on imports and create a reliable regional source of high-quality medical and hygiene products.

Today, Garagum exports its products to more than 15 countries, including Brazil, the U.K., Germany, Romania and neighboring Central Asian markets.

Over the past several years, Garagum has invested in meltblown production, coating and laminating technologies, Ethylene Oxide (EtO) sterilization, recycling systems and research and development. The company has also established close cooperation with the Institute of Chemistry of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan and the International Scientific-Technological Park of Turkmenistan to support innovation and product development.

Garagum operates through four specialized business divisions. Garagum Fab produces nonwoven raw materials, including spunbond, meltblown, SMS, hydrophilic spunbond, coated spunbond and laminated spunbond fabrics for medical, hygiene, agricultural and industrial applications.

Garagum Med manufactures converted medical products, including surgical gowns, surgical drapes, medical kits, disposable masks, respirators, coveralls, shoe covers, bouffant caps and other healthcare products. It has the capacity to produce up to 500,000 surgical gowns per month. 

Garagum Pack produces a wide range of reusable and nonwoven shopping bags for retail, promotional and industrial applications.

Garagum Agri manufactures agricultural nonwoven solutions, including mulch fabrics and UV-stabilized crop protection fabrics available in various widths, dimensions and roll formats.

“Together, these divisions enable Garagum to serve healthcare, hygiene, agriculture, packaging, furniture and industrial sectors with both raw materials and finished products,” says Mekan Vepayev, co-founder of Garagum Nonwoven.

This vertical integration is one of Garagum’s key strengths. The company manages the entire value chain, from nonwoven fabric production to converting, packaging, sterilization and finished products.

The primary raw material for nonwoven production is fiber-grade polypropylene homopolymer supplied by the Turkmenbashy Oil Processing Complex. “Access to a reliable local raw material source provides supply chain stability, shorter lead times and greater production flexibility,” says Vepayev.

Garagum sees strong growth potential in Central Asia, where a young and growing population is expected to drive demand for healthcare and hygiene products.

“Significant investments are currently being made in healthcare infrastructure and hygiene manufacturing, driving increased demand for disposable surgical sets, medical apparel, nonwoven materials, baby diapers and sanitary napkins,” he explains. “At the same time, many countries in the region are seeking to strengthen local manufacturing capabilities and reduce dependence on imports, creating additional opportunities for regional producers.”

To support this growth, Garagum plans to expand its nonwoven production capacity and enter the hygiene converting sector, focusing on baby diapers and other personal hygiene products.

“We believe that companies that continue to invest in technology, quality, sustainability, research and development and innovation will be well positioned to benefit from the long-term growth opportunities within the global nonwovens industry,” Vepayev concludes.