According to figures recently released by EDANA — the Belgium-based International Association
Serving the Nonwovens and Related Industries — the production of nonwovens in Europe in 2006 grew
by some 6.5 percent to a total of 1.494 metric tons (mt). This is compared with 1.403 mt in 2005,
which achieved 5-percent annual growth.
According to EDANA estimates, based on the same group of companies in 2005 and 2006, the
average price of nonwovens appears to have increased by almost 3 percent, from 3.33 euros
(US$4.50*) to 3.43 euros (US$4.67) per kilogram. As a result, the total turnover of the European
nonwovens industry is estimated at some 5,124 million euros (US$6,983 million).
Needlepunched Nonwovens At The Top
Diverging trends are affecting the various bonding processes of drylaid nonwovens. Referring
to the different production sectors, Pierre Wiertz, general manager of EDANA, said: “Growth in the
hydroentanglement process has still been substantial this year, at more than 6 percent. However,
this year the needling process has recorded the highest apparent growth at 13.8 percent.”
Polymer-based (spunmelt) nonwovens, also witnessed an impressive growth, with a more-than
10-percent increase in 2006. Airlaid production, compared to 2005 figures, recorded a slight
growth, mostly due to an increase in deliveries to the hygiene sector.
The major end-use for nonwovens remains the hygiene market, with a 33-percent share of
deliveries totalling 497,900 mt. This represents an increase of 5.4 percent when compared to 2005
figures.
Growth Areas
The most significant growth areas for nonwovens in 2006 were apparel — with a 14.4-percent
increase, primarily in protective clothing; and wipes for personal care, with a 13.8-percent
increase. These categories were followed by liquid filtration — with a 12.2-percent increase; and
geotextiles — with an 11.4-percent increase — a diversity that perfectly illustrates the ongoing
growth and innovative end-uses of nonwovens, both for industrial and everyday applications.
Polypropylene, in either fiber or granule form, continues to be the most important polymer
used in the European nonwovens industry, accounting for 766,200 mt, or 48.4 percent of the total
fiber and polymer chip consumption. However, wood pulp has retained the highest growth rate, 12.1
percent.
Positive Export Balance
In 2006, the positive EU balance of exports and imports of nonwoven roll goods increased.
The 27 EU member states exported 215,554 mt of nonwovens, compared to 193,716 mt in 2005, at a
value of almost 928 million euros (US$1,264.7 million), which represents an 11.3-percent increase
in volume and a 14.4-percent increase in value when compared to the previous year. Furthermore, the
positive balance of trade — almost 400 million euros (US$545.1 million) — in nonwovens contributed
to the trade surplus of the EU textiles sector by more than 30 percent.
EDANA
EDANA unifies the diversified interests of more than 190 member companies in 26 countries.
It represents, protects and actively promotes the common interests of nonwovens and absorbent
hygiene product industries and their suppliers in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Formed in 1971 as the European Disposables and Nonwovens Association, EDANA provides a
comprehensive range of services, and supplies its members with the information and data necessary
for them to enhance industry goals and performance.
*All monetary conversions based on the current rate of 1 euro = US$1.3628
August 28, 2007
