#Market Analysis & Forecasts

2024-02-29

Economic and geopolitical headwinds influence industrial nonwovens growth to 2029

The global consumption of industrial nonwovens in 2024 is 5.3 million tonnes or 83.4 billion square metres (m2), valued at $21.2 billion, according to The Future of Industrial Nonwovens to 2029 from Smithers. Growth rates for 2019-24 were 6.9% (tonnes), 6.9% (m2) and 6.7% ($). This reflects a recovery in some markets from Covid-19 as well as an adjustment to the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and its repercussions (inflation, energy supply/price, global economic growth reductions).

Other external factors affecting industrial nonwovens include China’s slowing economic growth, overexpansion in many nonwoven products, and ongoing geopolitical issues in the Middle East (Hamas/Israel war and Red Sea shipping).

Growth rates for 2024-29 are projected at 7.3% (tonnes), 8.0% (m2), and 8.2% ($). This accounts for projections that there will be an economic recovery globally by 2029.

There are almost 20 independent end use markets defined as industrial nonwovens in this report. This diversification shields the overall market from some issues. When consumers are not buying automobiles, governments are supporting road and bridge building, when the residential housing market slows, the non-residential market may surge; this has kept industrial nonwovens growing even in slow global economic growth periods. Projections in 2024 are that this slow growth period will end by 2029 (perhaps as early as 2025) and the overall industrial nonwovens market will benefit; the last four to five years have caused some slowing in the industrial wipes market growth.

The largest end uses are building/construction, geotextiles/agriculture, filtration, automotive and coating substrates.

Some of the fastest-growing end uses for industrial nonwovens are filtration, geotextiles, shoes/footwear, conveyor belts/wires, composites and industrial wipes.

https://www.smithers.com/services/market-reports/nonwovens/the-future-of-industrial-nonwovens-to-2029

Texprocess 2026: Automation, digitalisation and AI redefine textile processing

Making investment decisions in textile processing has become significantly more demanding. Increasing energy costs, a shortage of skilled labour and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties are compelling companies to focus on technologies that deliver clear gains in efficiency and process reliability. This applies equally to apparel manufacturing and to the processing of technical textiles and high-performance materials. As a result, modernisation initiatives are assessed more carefully – even as the need to upgrade production systems continues to intensify.

Techtextil 2026: Between innovation pressure & market reality

From 21 to 24 April 2026, Techtextil in Frankfurt am Main will once again become the central meeting point for the international technical textiles and nonwovens industry. Running in parallel, Texprocess will focus on the industrial implementation of textile processing technologies as the leading platform in this field. Together, the two trade fairs form a closely integrated presentation and working platform along the entire textile value chain – from material development to finished applications.

Between geopolitical pressure and industrial resilience

In this interview, Dr. Janpeter Horn (VDMA) discusses the current challenges facing textile machinery manufacturers, shaped by geopolitical tensions, regulatory developments and subdued investment. He also outlines why innovation strength, integrated solutions and strategic positioning remain key to global competitiveness.

Fluff pulp market maintains steady growth

Despite being impacted by political and economic woes, the global fluff pulp market in 2024 will reach 7.3 million air dried tonnes with a value of $9.7 billion, according to a new Smithers produced study, The Future of Fluff Pulp to 2029. This is up from 6.2 million air dried tonnes valued at $5.5 billion in 2019.

Itema to showcase weaving excellence at ITM 2026

From June 9 to 13, Itema will exhibit at ITM 2026 in Istanbul (Hall 8 – Stand 806D), unveiling a distinctive exhibition concept designed to highlight the Company’s expertise across the entire weaving value chain. For this year’s edition, Itema will introduce an innovative stand experience built around two core areas: advanced weaving and spare parts solutions and an immersive textile gallery featuring fabrics produced by Itema Customers worldwide.

Last chance to apply: ITMA 2027 Start-Up Valley closes tomorrow

Applications for the Start-Up Valley at ITMA 2027 close tomorrow, offering young technology companies the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of several successful participants from the 2023 edition. The initiative, organised under the CEMATEX Start-Up Grant programme, has already helped a number of textile start-ups accelerate their transition from early-stage concepts to industrial partnerships, funding rounds and commercial deployment.