Analysis: Nonwovens Industry in North America
2005-2010

With sales of nonwoven production at the producer level in North America reaching $4.97 billion in 2005, and the industry forecast to continue to grow by more than 4% a year, the market is expected to exceed $6 billion by the end of the decade.

These are just a few of the finding of a new report from INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, entitled “Analysis: Nonwovens Industry in North America — 2005-2010.” This is INDA’s seventh Analysis report of the Nonwovens Industry in North America (U.S. and Canada).

The Analysis also reports that North American roll goods producers shipped 28 billion square meters of nonwoven fabrics in 2005, equivalent to 1.25 million tons. In addition to providing materials for domestic consumption, American and Canadian nonwoven producers exported about 285,000 tons of nonwoven material, with a value of $1.3 billion.

The data in the Analysis was compiled from information provided by major industry roll goods producers. To further an understanding of the industry, INDA also had numerous discussions with resins and fiber producers as well as roll goods converters in significant markets ranging from medical and wipes to absorbent hygiene and automotive products.

“Analysis: Nonwovens Industry in North America — 2005-2010” also provides information on the prospects for the major nonwoven end markets in North America. The study provides information on the current (2005) and forecasted future (2010) volumes in square meters and sales of nonwoven materials by major end markets. In total, 19 nonwoven end markets are studied; in addition, there is considerable detail on the various sub segments of each key market. Industry trends and the market forces driving growth in the larger markets are discussed.

Among the other highlights of the Analysis:

• 2005 production by nonwoven technology is provided with a forecast of their output in 2010. One trend has been the continued expansion of the various spunlaid technologies.
• Spunlaid now accounts for almost half of total North American nonwoven output and is forecast to continue increasing over the five year period through 2010.
• While the production of carded thermal bonded material continues to decline, the demand for spunlaced (hydroentangled) nonwoven is forecast to rise on the average 4.6% per year through 2010.
• While there is still some overcapacity of the airlaid nonwoven technology, the closing of older and inefficient production lines as well as rising demand indicates a much improved supply/demand balance for this technology during the forecast period.
• The report also provides estimates of the current consumption of raw materials (resins and fibers) used in nonwoven production. Volume is given for 2005 with a forecast through 2010.

“Analysis: Nonwovens Industry in North America: 2005-2010” is available to INDA members for $2,200. Non-member pricing is $3,000.

To order, go to the INDA Secure eBookstore Or call Helena Lee at (919) 233-1210 ext. 120 email: hlee@inda.org

INDA’s mission is to promote the growth and profitability of the nonwovens industry. It is also our role to serve the worldwide interests of our many members and consumers of the industries’ products. To that end, we are publishing this report on the North American Nonwovens industry to provide a benchmark of the industry’s position at the beginning of the 21st century and its outlook for growth.