Global market for PP Nonwoven Fabric to grow past US$30 bln by 2020

Global PP (Polypropylene) nonwoven fabric market size is anticipated to be valued at US$ 30.6 billion by 2020, as per Radiant Insights, Inc. Growing usage of hygiene products such as incontinence products and baby diapers is likely to drive market growth. Baby diapers are expected to witness an increase in the PP nonwoven fabric market owing to increase in birth rate particularly in Asia Pacific. Growth in incontinence products demand owing to increasing ageing population is likely to surge industry growth. Tremendous scope in durable applications such as geotextiles, waste contaminant and automotive owing to rapid industrialization is expected to positively influence demand. Fluctuating propylene market prices coupled with stringent regulations to curb carbon emissions is expected to challenge industry growth. Spunbonded dominated the product segment and accounted for more than 45% of the total volume in 2013. This application is expected to be the fastest growing owing to wide preference in disposable applications and increasing penetration in durable segment. Staple PP Nonwoven Fabric Market demand is likely to exceed 3 mln tons by 2020 with an estimated CAGR of 6.9% over the forecast period. Key report insights suggest: Global PP nonwoven fabric market size was estimated 5.94 mln tons in 2013 and may register 9.97 mln tons by 2020 growing with an estimated CAGR of 7.8% over the forecast period. Hygiene dominated the application segment and accounted for 50.7% of the market share in 2013. Furniture applications are expected to be the fastest growing application segment with gains estimated at over 9% upto 2020. Growing furniture demand owing to increase in residential & commercial spending in BRICS nations is likely to influence the demand. Asia Pacific dominated the regional market by accounting 40.6% of the market share in 2013. This region is likely to witness higher growth rates owing to presence of large scale manufacturing facilities coupled with large infrastructure investments particularly in China, India and Indonesia. North America was the second largest and is expected to witness moderate growth rates of CAGR of 7.0%. It is a highly consolidated market observed by frequent mergers and acquisitions for increasing their regional presence. Key companies involved in this market include Kimberley-Clark Corp, Toray Industries, Fiberweb and PGI. Other prominent companies include Mitsui Chemicals, SABIC, ExxonMobil, Fitesa and Polymer Group, Inc.