Low Demand & Over Capacity Puts Stress On Nonwovens Sector
The Covid-19 pandemic forced spunmelt nonwovens and medical nonwovens industry to increase their capacity and build up production.
In the two-year period, when the pandemic was at its peak, meltblown and well as spunlace products production doubled.
“But with the impact of the pandemic on a decline, demand for single use medical textiles dwindled, resulting in over stock situation,” Seshadri Ramkumar, Professor at Texas Tech University, USA explained.
Rebalancing the supply and demand situation, moving towards sustainability and handling regulations were some of the key themes that were discussed in the recently held World of Wipes conference in Atlanta, USA.
“There will be overcapacity of wipes for next three years,” Rahul Bansal, Global Head-Nonwovens at Birla Cellulose said.
“Inventory has to be repurposed and new markets have to be explored. In April 2023, Birla Cellulose and Sparkle announced their partnership to develop viscose based diaper products. Co-creation is the way forward,” Bansal emphasised while citing the importance of collaboration.
“Trade associations in developed nations such as INDA and EDANA have work cut out to work with the governments on behalf of the industry with regard to single use plastic directive, flushability issues, and other chemical regulations,” Seshadri added.
“Collaboration with all segments of the industry and effective communication with consumers are the need of the hour,” he concluded by saying.
