Rising Research and Developments for Creating New Technology Platforms and Increasing Demand for Sustainable Products Is Bolstering the Growth of the Carded Non-wovens Market

Increasing investments by major players for the establishment of carding machinery has driven the demand for spunlaced carded non-wovens. For instance, in February 2018, Suominen invested €6 million (US$ 7.1 Million) in its Green Bay plant, which included the installation of new carding machinery on an existing spunlace production line. With such investments Suominen's ability to supply high-value-added carded nonwovens for personal care wipes, has enhanced after the upgradation of the production line. Carded Nonwovens have a wide range of uses in the filtration of air, bacteria, dust, gases, and liquids. Currently, carded nonwovens have become the media of choice for filtration applications, particularly where robustness under high temperatures is important, because they provide cost-efficiency and performance benefits to consumers. Moreover, the increasing usage of carded nonwovens in air filtration, medical applications such as blood or water filtering and general industrial applications has driven the market growth. Increasing investments made by companies to uplift the growth of carded non-wovens in filtration application will further drive the growth of the industry. Also, carded nonwoven fabrics popularity is steadily increasing in road construction projects as geotextiles, which improves road durability. Their growing popularity in the construction industry is primarily due to their low maintenance costs. Furthermore, rising construction activity, particularly in developing countries, is expected to drive demand for carded non-woven fabrics in the coming years. Carded nonwovens manufacturers are continuing to improve their product offerings by developing novel composites, including new fibre mixes, and employing modern machinery to create nonwovens with greater value attributes. This is further creating opportunities for the market.

Asia-Pacific region dominated the carded non-wovens market in terms of revenue with a share of 31% in 2020 and is projected to dominate the market during the forecast period (2021-2026). In developing countries such as India, South Korea, and Malaysia, the growing production of hygiene products such as diapers, sanitary napkins, wipes, and others have raised the demand for carded nonwovens at a fast pace. For instance, in August 2015, Daio Paper Corporation and Mitsubishi Corporation (MC) have reached a shareholders' agreement to form two joint ventures in the Republic of Indonesia for Daio Paper Group's wholly owned subsidiaries. In the future, the company plans to increase exports from Indonesia as well as expand into new product categories such as adult diapers, sanitary napkins, wet wipes, sanitary paper, and more. In addition, Oji Holdings started production on a new baby diaper line in Malaysia that produced 10 million pieces per month to satisfy domestic demand in May 2016. Furthermore, the Indian sanitary napkin market is driven by the several initiatives taken by the Government of India, in association with several private entities and non-governmental organizations for promoting the use of sanitary napkins, which is steering the carded non-woven market growth in India. For instance, in August 2020, the Indian government launched a scheme to ensure access to sanitary pad across India by its popular Re1/pad Suvidha brand. Some of the other initiatives include the Eco Femme and My Pad, Reproductive, and Child Health Program. With the rising demand and production for hygiene products in the Asia pacific region the market for carded nonwovens is also estimated to rise.

Absorbency, liquid repellence, resilience, stretch, softness, strength, flame retardancy, wash ability, and others are all features of nonwoven materials. These characteristics are integrated to achieve the desired functionality while maintaining a profitable balance between product life and cost. They are utilised alone or as components of health care, and consumer goods, and are used in combination with other materials to offer a range of products with different qualities.  According to India Brand Equity Foundation the India Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) market is expected to reach US$ 220 billion by 2025. This will further create opportunities for the carded nonwoven market. Carded nonwovens are innovative, adaptable, and essential. Consumers are increasingly looking for products that are made of natural fibres and are manufactured in a sustainable manner, especially when nonwovens are used in consumer products that come into direct contact with the skin. This trend will help carded nonwovens in particular because the web bonding procedures used to make these goods allow natural fibres to be employed. As a result, carded nonwovens are becoming increasingly popular.

Research and development are the core strategic focus of carded nonwoven manufacturers. The manufactures are constantly investing in research and development to improve existing product performance and optimising manufacturing efficiencies.

For instance, in November 2019, Advance Nonwoven patented Carding Airlaid Fusion Technology (CAFT) which is produced with a view for creating sustainable and renewable products from the waste of manufacturing units. With the increase in environmental concerns, the demands for such technologies are expected to increase creating opportunities for the carded nonwovens market.

Introduction of new technology platforms and production techniques and applying them in the product development process is expected to create opportunity for carded non woven market.

Technology launches, acquisitions, and R&D activities are key strategies adopted by players in the carded non-wovens market. Major players in the carded non-wovens market are Groz-Beckert KG, Berry Global Inc., Fitesa S.A, TWE Vliesstoffwerke GmbH & Co. KG., WPT Nonwovens Corp., Mondi Plc, NV Evolutia Nonwovens, Schill + Seilacher Struktol GmbH, RKW Group, Fiberweb India Ltd. and others. In March 2021, Berry Global Inc. added spunlace line in Europe. The new investment included US$110 million in non woven materials for products such as hard surface disinfectant wipes. In addition, in January 2021, Fitesa S.A announced the investment in a new state-of-the art Reicofil 5 for its site in Simpsonville, South Carolina.

The presence of COVID-19 has heightened the importance of infection control in medical practice, making medical nonwovens a standout market performer in 2020. As coronavirus infections are controlled, medical nonwovens will continue to be in high demand through 2025, as they are an important tool for infection and disease protection. Demand for carded nonwovens is increasing as a result of the increased use of personal protective equipment in the treatment of COVID-19. This type of nonwoven is used in face masks, which act as a vital barrier against the microscopic virus.  Also, carded nonwoven are used to make anti-bacterial wipes which are used to disinfect skin, most commonly the hands. Hand sanitising wipes containing at least 60% alcohol appear to kill Covid 19. Moreover, international supply chains are being disrupted as countries with a significant manufacturing footprint in nonwovens prioritize domestic supply over export markets. As a result, new capacity is swiftly added, and carded nonwoven lines are repurposed to fulfill the rising demand. Thus, the aforementioned factors are influencing carded nonwovens market growth.