Asia-Pacific Nonwoven Fabrics Market Size & Outlook, 2025-2033

Asia-Pacific Nonwoven Fabrics Market Size

The Asia-Pacific Nonwoven Fabrics Market size was valued at USD 24,612.5 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 44,478.8 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period (2025–2033).

This growth is driven by rapid urbanization, increased healthcare investments, and growing demand for durable and sustainable materials across the construction, automotive, and hygiene industries.

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Asia-Pacific Nonwoven Fabrics Market Growth Factors

Expanding Healthcare Sector in Emerging Economies

Healthcare infrastructure development in countries like China, India, and Southeast Asian nations is driving the adoption of nonwoven fabrics for medical and hygiene applications. These materials are essential for disposable medical products like masks, gowns, and surgical drapes, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic emphasized the importance of infection control.

According to EDANA (2024), the demand for healthcare nonwovens in Asia-Pacific is expected to grow at a 7.1% CAGR during the forecast period, supported by rising healthcare expenditures. For instance, China’s health spending surged by 8.5% in 2024, while India launched initiatives like Ayushman Bharat to improve access to medical products. Moreover, Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia are witnessing a growing preference for nonwovens in hygiene products due to increasing disposable incomes and awareness about personal care.

Market Restraining Factors

Environmental Challenges and Sustainability Concerns

The heavy reliance on synthetic nonwovens derived from petrochemical resources poses significant environmental concerns. Issues like plastic pollution and non-biodegradability have attracted strict regulatory scrutiny in Asia-Pacific. Governments are enforcing policies to minimize the ecological footprint of disposable products.

For instance, China’s 2024 Five-Year Action Plan on Plastic Pollution Control aims to restrict single-use plastics, indirectly affecting synthetic nonwoven production. Similarly, India has banned specific plastic-based products, urging manufacturers to innovate eco-friendly alternatives. However, the higher production costs of biodegradable materials remain challenging, especially for small-scale manufacturers in developing economies. As a result, balancing cost-efficiency with environmental sustainability is a significant hurdle for the market.

Market Opportunities

Rising Investments in Sustainable Nonwoven Solutions

The increasing focus on sustainability offers immense opportunities for biodegradable and eco-friendly nonwovens in the Asia-Pacific market. Innovations in bio-based raw materials, such as polylactic acid (PLA) and cellulose, are gaining traction, aligning with regional government mandates and consumer preferences for sustainable products.

In 2024, Japan’s Ministry of Environment reported a 20% increase in demand for bio-based nonwovens across healthcare and packaging industries, driven by the country’s ambitious Zero Plastic Waste by 2050 initiative. Similarly, companies in South Korea, such as Toray Advanced Materials, are heavily investing in R&D for green technologies, offering biodegradable alternatives to synthetic fibers. With growing support from local governments and increasing consumer awareness, the sustainable nonwoven segment is expected to grow significantly during the forecast period.

Regional Analysis

China leads the Asia-Pacific nonwoven fabrics market, accounting for the largest share due to its vast production capacity and advanced manufacturing technologies. The country’s focus on healthcare and construction applications drives demand. For example, Fibertex Nonwovens expanded its facility in China in 2024 to meet the growing need for spunbond fabrics used in surgical masks and gowns.

India’s market is fueled by its rapidly expanding healthcare sector and increasing use of nonwovens in hygiene products. According to ASSOCHAM (2024), India’s hygiene product segment grew by 9.0%, driven by government campaigns like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and rising consumer awareness. Cities like Delhi and Bengaluru are witnessing significant investments in nonwoven manufacturing units.

Japan’s demand for sustainable nonwovens is high due to strict environmental regulations and the adoption of advanced technology. The country’s Zero Plastic Waste initiative has encouraged companies like Unitika Ltd. to invest in biodegradable, nonwoven solutions. Tokyo and Osaka have led the adoption of sustainable healthcare products, contributing significantly to regional growth.

South Korea focuses on high-tech applications of nonwoven fabrics, particularly automotive and filtration. Companies such as Toray Advanced Materials and Kolon Industries are innovating in durable synthetic fabrics. Seoul is a hub for R&D, while Busan sees rising production in automotive applications.

Indonesia is an emerging nonwoven fabric market driven by growing construction and agricultural applications. Nonwovens are widely used in geotextiles for infrastructure projects. Local companies are investing in spunbond manufacturing to cater to regional demand. Jakarta is a crucial center for production and distribution.

Segmental Analysis

By Type

Spunbond dominates the type segment and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.0% over the forecast period. Spunbond nonwoven fabrics dominate the market due to their versatility, cost-effectiveness, and broad application in hygiene, construction, and packaging. Countries like China and India are key production hubs, driven by technological advancements and increasing demand for disposable medical and hygiene products.

By Material

Synthetics dominates the material segment and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.1% during the forecast period. These materials’ durability and water resistance make them indispensable in industries like automotive and construction. China’s dominance in polypropylene production and South Korea’s innovations in material recycling are key growth contributors.

By Technology

Spun-melt dominates the technology and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.0% over the forecast period. Spun-melt technology is forecast to increase primarily due to its strength and superior filtration properties. Widely used in masks, surgical drapes, and automotive filters, this technology’s growth is fueled by increased demand for advanced healthcare materials in Southeast Asia and Japan.

By End-User

Healthcare dominates the end-use segment and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.1% during the forecast period. Increasing investments in hospital infrastructure and hygiene awareness drive the healthcare segment. India and Indonesia are emerging as significant markets, with rising adoption of nonwoven fabrics in medical disposables.

List of key players in Asia-Pacific Nonwoven Fabrics Market

1. Glatfelter Company
2. DuPont
3. Lydall Inc.
4. Ahlstrom-Munksjo
5. Berry Global Inc.
6. Fitesa
7. Suominen
8. TWE Group
9. Freudenberg Group
10. PFNonwovens

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Analyst's Perspective

As per our analyst, the Asia-Pacific nonwoven fabrics market is poised for rapid expansion in the coming years. This growth is primarily driven by rising investments in healthcare infrastructure, increased urbanization, and innovations in sustainable materials. The Asia-Pacific region benefits from its robust manufacturing base, growing middle-class population, and favorable government policies promoting industrial and environmental development.

Additionally, the shift toward biodegradable nonwovens aligns with global sustainability goals, while technological advancements in spun-melt processes enhance production efficiency. Challenges related to environmental regulations are expected to encourage the adoption of green technologies, further bolstering market growth. The Asia-Pacific nonwoven fabrics market is thus set to witness significant progress, driven by its dynamic and diverse industrial landscape.