Nonwovens Output In Greater European Countries Drops 5.7%
Nonwovens production in Greater European countries dropped 5.7 percent year on year by volume to 2.86 million tons in 2023, while it fell 5.5 percent in surface area to 81.7 billion square metres.
“However, differing trends were seen at the national level when comparing output between Greater European countries, and also when assessing the various production processes of nonwovens and market segments,” EDANA said in a press release.
“European nonwovens production recorded its second consecutive decline since it peaked in 2021,” Jacques Prigneaux, EDANA’s Market Analysis and Economic Affairs Director said.
“However, it is necessary to refine the data further and assess the trends according to the different production processes,” he added.
For drylaid, the production of thermally and chemically bonded nonwovens both demonstrated a double-digit decline.
While, the production of polymer-based nonwovens decreased again, but remained above its 2019 level, despite a severe decrease in meltblown stand-alone materials.
Meanwhile some production processes, such as drylaid-hydroentangled and short-fibres airlaid, stayed flat or slightly above their respective levels for the previous year.
If sales are considered both within and outside Europe, segments such as hygiene, medical (other than face masks), building construction, filtration, and electronic materials decreased compared to their 2022 levels.
However, they were either at the same level as or above figures observed in 2019.
Overall, the wipes’ market, including personal care, industrial, and household segments, was stable at 0.9 percent.
But in a few applications they recovered like automotive interiors with 3.7 percent, agriculture at 7.7 percent, table linen at 4.2 percent, cotton pads with 6.8 percent and personal protective garments at 10 percent
Jacques Prigneaux elaborated further that trends for surface area data can be different, as the product’s weight is also important.
“As a result, EDANA’s figures in square metres continue to provide our member companies with important information year after year,” he observed.
