2015: What Will it Bring for the Nonwovens Industry?
As we embark on a new year, several megatrends will influence nonwovens manufacturers as they look for growth.
The aging population.
The rapidly growing aging population will open up significant opportunities for adult incontinence makers. Already, this market has seen a bevy of new products and players.
The millenial boom.
Another demographic, millenials or those born in the 1980s, are changing the way marketers will reach consumers. These consumers rely more heavily on digital technology and social media than ever before.
The need for clean drinking water.
The WHO estimates that one billion people lack access to clean drinking water as population growth and urbanization have put pressure on resources. The nonwovens industry surely has the tools to help mitigate this problem.
The EPA wiper rule.
As more states adopt the EPA wiper rule, opportunities for nonwovens in industrial wipes will grow. Estimates put growth in this market around 13% in coming years.
Declining petroleum prices.
As petroleum prices decline worldwide so will costs of polypropylene and other nonwovens industry feedstocks. This could open up new opportunities for producers.
Acquisitions.
The last couple of years have seen significant industry consolidation across many sectors. How these newly merged companies will move forward will be interesting to watch.
Asian growth.
It is estimated that the Asian diaper market will grow from 29 billion pieces in 2012 to 65 billion pieces in 2020. Companies across the nonwovens industry supply chain are working hard to make sure they capitalize on this growth.
Plastic bag ban.
In late 2014, California banned disposable plastic bags from most stores and many other states and cities, including New York City, are weighing similar legislation. This will create opportunities for reusable shopping bags, many of which are made from Chinese-supplied spunbond materials.