Smithers
(Source: Smithers)
The global consumption of meltblown nonwovens in 2023 is 253,500 tons or 4.0 billion m², is valued at US$1 billion. Growth rates for 2018-2023 were 5.6% (tons), 5.3% (m²) and 6.3% ($). As the Covid-driven surge dissipates growth rates will return to slightly above historic averages. A new report from Smithers, Akron, OH/USA, “The Future of Meltblown Nonwovens Markets to 2028” documents the growth of meltblown nonwovens from 2018 through 2028 and includes a detailed quantitative breakdown of meltblown nonwovens consumption by raw material use, end-use application, and geographic region.
The dramatic recent fluctuations in meltblown nonwoven sales appears to have ended in 2023. Following a Covid-driven increase of over 70% in volume consumed between 2019 and 2020, there was a corresponding correction for 2021 and 2022, where volume consumed decreased by almost 30%. Volume consumption in 2023 remains around 20% higher than that in 2019. For the entire period of 2018–28, the compound annual growth rate for meltblown volume is forecast at 5.3%. This is only slightly higher than the growth rate projected prior to Covid.
Meltblown nonwovens were a critical component in the fight to control Covid-19. Notably face masks, especially N95 type face masks, and other personal protective equipment, garments and covers, all make use of meltblown nonwovens. In 2019 most meltblown nonwovens were produced in Asia and they represented less than 1% of Asian nonwovens production. In 2020, global consumption rose to 367,800 tons, an increase of 77.4%. Meltblown for face masks increased by over 800% in tons.
The report [LINK: https://www.smithers.com/services/market-reports/nonwovens/the-future-of-meltblown-nonwovens-markets-to-2028] is based on extensive primary and secondary research. Primary research consisted of targeted interviews with material suppliers, converters and experts drawn from key markets. This was supported by secondary research in the form of extensive literature analysis of published data, official government statistics, domestic and international trade organization data, company websites, industry reports, trade press articles, presentations, and attendance at trade events.
The dramatic recent fluctuations in meltblown nonwoven sales appears to have ended in 2023. Following a Covid-driven increase of over 70% in volume consumed between 2019 and 2020, there was a corresponding correction for 2021 and 2022, where volume consumed decreased by almost 30%. Volume consumption in 2023 remains around 20% higher than that in 2019. For the entire period of 2018–28, the compound annual growth rate for meltblown volume is forecast at 5.3%. This is only slightly higher than the growth rate projected prior to Covid.
Meltblown nonwovens were a critical component in the fight to control Covid-19. Notably face masks, especially N95 type face masks, and other personal protective equipment, garments and covers, all make use of meltblown nonwovens. In 2019 most meltblown nonwovens were produced in Asia and they represented less than 1% of Asian nonwovens production. In 2020, global consumption rose to 367,800 tons, an increase of 77.4%. Meltblown for face masks increased by over 800% in tons.
The report [LINK: https://www.smithers.com/services/market-reports/nonwovens/the-future-of-meltblown-nonwovens-markets-to-2028] is based on extensive primary and secondary research. Primary research consisted of targeted interviews with material suppliers, converters and experts drawn from key markets. This was supported by secondary research in the form of extensive literature analysis of published data, official government statistics, domestic and international trade organization data, company websites, industry reports, trade press articles, presentations, and attendance at trade events.
