INDA
(Source: INDA)
North American nonwovens capacity continues to increase with investments being made across all the processes and for a variety of end-uses. In 2021, capacity of nonwovens in North America reached 5.540 million tons, an increase from the previous year of 1.8% (net growth of 98,300 tons) and an improvement over the previous year’s pandemic-impacted growth rate of 0.5%.
The industry was able to quickly react to the demand for electrostatically charged fine fiber meltblown used in the manufacture of respirators and pleated face masks. 22 meltblown lines were added in 2020, resulting in 7.2% year-over-year growth rate for meltblown. In 2021, another 12 lines were added, resulting in 8.5% annual growth over 2020.
North American imports, in tonnage, increased 1.6% in 2021 as exports decreased 6.0%. Imports were led by China accounting for 39% of the imports into North America followed by India (14%) and Germany (9%).
The 9th edition of the annual North American Nonwovens Supply Report has been published by the Association of the Nonwovens Fabrics Industry, INDA, Cary, NC/USA. Based on extensive research, producer surveys and interviews with industry leaders, the report provides an overall view of North American supply, including the key metrics of capacity, production and operating rates, in addition to regional trade, through the year 2021. The 75-page report contains 36 figures and 11 tables.
The full report is available to all INDA members.
The industry was able to quickly react to the demand for electrostatically charged fine fiber meltblown used in the manufacture of respirators and pleated face masks. 22 meltblown lines were added in 2020, resulting in 7.2% year-over-year growth rate for meltblown. In 2021, another 12 lines were added, resulting in 8.5% annual growth over 2020.
North American imports, in tonnage, increased 1.6% in 2021 as exports decreased 6.0%. Imports were led by China accounting for 39% of the imports into North America followed by India (14%) and Germany (9%).
The 9th edition of the annual North American Nonwovens Supply Report has been published by the Association of the Nonwovens Fabrics Industry, INDA, Cary, NC/USA. Based on extensive research, producer surveys and interviews with industry leaders, the report provides an overall view of North American supply, including the key metrics of capacity, production and operating rates, in addition to regional trade, through the year 2021. The 75-page report contains 36 figures and 11 tables.
The full report is available to all INDA members.
»This is a great time to be in nonwovens.«
