The report “The Future of Industrial Nonwovens to 2029” shows that in 2023 total consumption across 37 industrial end-use applications totaled 6.86 million metric tons, with a value of $27.16 billion.  

This sector is growing faster than consumer nonwovens, as the business disruption through the first half of the decade recedes. World consumption is projected to increase to 7.41 million tons in 2024, and just exceed 10.56 million tons in 2029; equivalent to a +7.3% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for 2024-2029. Over the same period, the total surface area of these will increase at a faster rate:+8.0% CAGR, as lighter basis weight, higher performance industrial nonwovens enter the market. 
Reflecting this wider trend across the next five years value in constant terms will increase at a +8.2% CAGR, to reach $43.65 billion in 2029. 

The most important applications for industrial nonwovens in 2024 are automotive manufacturing, building/construction, geotextiles, packaging, coating substrates, and industrial wipes – combined accounting for over 85% of contemporary consumption.  

In building/construction, nonwovens are used in carpeting and other flooring, house, insulation, and roofing. This makes the segment highly dependent on house building. This is forecast to recover moderately over the next five years, with more purchases of nonwovens for house-wrap, insulation, laminate underlays, carpeting. 

In vehicle construction, a stimulus is expected as supply chain issues are resolved. A return of consumer confidence and incentives to transition to electric vehicles will have a positive impact, including higher performance, and lightweight nonwovens. Among the most lucrative opportunities is developing nonwoven battery separators to optimize the performance of next-generation vehicle batteries. 

Nonwoven coating substrates have multiple applications – vinyl tablecloths and upholstery, luggage, drapes, wall coverings, synthetic leather, coated papers, tape bases, and flocked fabric bases. 

Nonwovens can offer lower-cost, higher-performance alternatives to textiles and specialty paper for these. 

 Recovery in industries like building/construction, geotextiles, auto manufacturing, and filtration will drive major increases in demand for durable high-performance nonwovens across the next five years.