Spunlace, wipes and sustainability

In the run up to its World of Wipes conference and exhibition which takes place in Chicago from June 5-7, INDA has released a new report, Global Spunlaced Technology Markets and Trends — 2011-2016.

Wipe substrates were still by far the biggest market for the 819,000 tons of spunlace that were produced globally in 2011 by approximately 150 spunlaced producers operating more than 260 production lines worldwide.

Production growth over the past five years has averaged 9.5% with the three largest markets – NAFTA (Canada, Mexico and the United States), Europe and China – predicted to continue to grow at an average rate of 8.2% per year through to 2016. Significant growth is also forecasted in the developing markets of the Middle East and South America.

Other end-uses for spunlace materials include surgical gowns and surgical patient drapes as well as substrates for coating and laminating, industrial apparel and filtration media and INDA believes that the number of spunlaced lines will continue to increase globally. The key markets of NAFTA, Europe and China will expand, but

Global Spunlaced Technology Markets and Trends provides an in-depth look at the history and future of spunlaced technology, key end-uses and an overview of the global spunlaced market, including a breakout of capacity by world regions. Also included are charts and figures detailing global production capacities and end-uses in major world markets.

The cost of the report is $1,995 for INDA members and $2,795 for non-members. For more information or to purchase the report, contact Helena Lee, [email protected], Tel: +1 919 233-1210 ext. 120. www.inda.org.

Among speakers at the World of Wipes 2012 conference will be editor of Sustainable Nonwovens Adrian Wilson, who will highlight the recognisable divide between nonwovens for disposable consumer products and those that play a more durable role elsewhere. Recent commercial developments suggest this split is becoming increasingly more distinct. The implications in terms of market demands, product requirements and sustainability measures will be examined.

Since 1968, INDA has provided a variety of industry focused networking events to help members increase sales and market share.  INDA is the nonwoven industry’s premier source for market leading education, global forecasts, testing standards and trend reports which provide members the information and knowledge to better plan and execute their business. Through its on-the-ground efforts in Washington DC, INDA provides members a strong voice within government on topics that affect the nonwovens industry.