Demand for disposable nonwovens is forecast to grow at a healthy rate in the coming years, according to a report in the latest issue of Technical Textile Markets from the global business information company Textiles Intelligence.

Such growth will be due in part to greater demand among the growing upper and middle classes in Asia for consumer goods which offer higher performance and are of higher added value, such as diapers and feminine hygiene products. At the same time, the market for flushable wipes is growing strongly.

Reflecting the potential for growth in these markets, a number of the leading nonwoven fabric producers are investing in new production lines in a bid to take advantage and increase sales. At the same time, the new lines are providing producers with the latest technologies which are enabling them to produce thinner, lighter weight fabrics that are cheaper to produce and satisfy demand for hygiene products which are less bulky.

The world's largest nonwovens company, Berry Plastics, has announced plans to install a new line in the USA in order to offer its customers softer materials. Also, following the installation of a new carding line at its site in Terno d'Isola, Italy, the company has launched several new products for the hygiene market.

Kimberly-Clark is adding new lines for making baby wipes and diaper pants in Singapore as it continues to look to emerging markets for growth in its consumer products businesses. Also, it is adding new capacity for making products using its proprietary Coform technology in four countries, namely Brazil, Colombia, Singapore and South Korea.

Fitesa has made a number of recent investments in spunmelt technology. Among these is a new line which came on stream in Peine, Germany, in early 2017 following the completion in 2016 of new lines in Cosmópolis, Brazil, and José Iturbide, Mexico -- which came hot on the heels of an investment in the previous year in Norrköping, Sweden. Looking ahead, the company is likely to invest in a new line in 2019 in Simpsonville, South Carolina, USA, although it has not come up with a specific time frame.

Also looking to the future, Glatfleter plans to invest US$80 mn in a new line for making air-laid nonwovens in Fort Smith, Arkansas, USA. Production on the line is expected to start in late 2017 or early 2018.

Meanwhile, a number of new investments by Suominen are nearing completion. These include a large production line in Bethune, South Carolina, USA, as well as upgrades in Spain and Brazil. Output from the line in the USA will be aimed mainly at the growing market for flushable wipes while the investment in Spain will be targeted at increasing production of nonwovens for industrial wipes and medical nonwovens markets. In Brazil, Suominen is aiming to expand its product portfolio and strengthen its position in the South American market for wipes. In particular, it intends to open up supplies of wipes to markets for medical and hygiene nonwovens.

"The World nonwovens industry: part 1—the leading ten producers" was published by the global business information company Textiles Intelligence in issue No 106 of Technical Textile Markets.

Other reports published in the same issue include: "Editorial: UK technical textiles companies grow with help from the Composites Innovation Cluster"; "Product developments and innovations"; "UV protective clothing: a practical approach to sun care"; "Global technical textiles business update"; and "Statistics: nonwoven fabric production in Asia".

Technical Textile Markets is published four times a year by Textiles Intelligence. Each issue provides an independent and worldwide perspective on the global technical textile industry.

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For further information, please contact Belinda Carp at Textiles Intelligence, Fulshaw Hall, Wilmslow, SK9 1RL, UK. Tel: +44 (0)1625 536136; fax: +44 (0)1625 536137; email: info@textilesintelligence.com

For press copies and editorial enquiries, please contact Robin Anson at Textiles Intelligence. Tel: +44 (0)1625 536136; fax: +44 (0)1625 536137; email: editorial@textilesintelligence.com