BRUSSELS – Nonwovens production in Greater Europe increased in volume by 2.0% to reach 3,120,967 tonnes (and 87.6 billion square metres) in 2021, driven by 17% growth in the construction sector.
The latest EDANA Nonwovens Production and Deliveries for 2021 figures also show that since 2019, European output has increased by nearly 9%.
Welcoming the latest growth statistics, Jacques Prigneaux, EDANA’s Market Analysis and Economic Affairs Director, said that following the impressive growth recorded in 2020, the updated figures for Greater Europe (incl. Western and Eastern Europe countries, Turkey, Belarus, Russia and Ukraine) again highlighted the ability of the European industry to innovate and to invest in order to respond the challenges of the pandemic crisis. “This 2% average growth is in line with European forecasts disclosed in October 2021 in our Global Nonwoven Markets 2020-2025 report," he said, adding that in 2021, significant growth areas for nonwovens were recorded in building construction (+17.4%), agriculture (+11.3%), electronic materials (+10.1%) and air filtration (+9.1%) sectors.
"Countering this," Prigneaux added, a further decline of -1% was recorded in automotive interior applications. In some market segments, a comparison with the pre-COVID situation is probably more relevant. This is particularly true in hygiene, medical and wipes nonwovens, which were almost flat or slightly decreasing compared to the level reached in 2020, but still much higher than in 2019."
Looking at the different production processes of nonwovens, various trends were observed in 2021. The production of fiber-based materials, including Drylaid, Wetlaid, and Airlaid technologies, recorded divergent growth rates (respectively +2.4%, +1.1% and -4.8%), and spunmelt nonwovens recorded a growth rate of +3.1%. In Drylaid, the highest growth in tonnes was observed in needlepunched, with a 6.4% increase. The production of drylaid-hydroentangled, which peaked in 2020, was at the same level a year later.
“We thank participating companies for their valued input to our annual survey, and for delivering their information on time," Prigneaux added. "This compilation of actual data, combined with a continuous monitoring of the industry, ensures EDANA statistics are a valuable business tool for all our member companies”
Welcoming the latest figures, Pierre Wiertz, General Manager of EDANA said: “As we are celebrating 50 years of EDANA support to the sustainable growth of the nonwovens industry, facts and figures in this year’s report illustrate more than ever the benefits for society of nonwoven-based products, from personal and infection prevention products to life-saving filtration media, to electronic applications supporting the transition to e-mobility.”
“This adds a new dimension to the modest and yet essential role of these annual EDANA statistics – the most comprehensive available in the world – which has been now for 50 years, to document this performance and provide this unique source of business intelligence to our member companies, thanks to direct input from producers and exhaustive market insight.”
Further statistical detail and analysis is available in the report “2021 European Nonwovens Market Insights”, shared with all EDANA members. EDANA members who are nonwoven producers will receive more detailed data, in recognition of their survey participation. Members can also access comprehensive figures across a full range of applications and production processes via the EDANA Statistics App.
For further information visit: www.edana.org
