Nonwovens Companies Continue Investment Streak

The latest round of nonwovens investments globally are responding to the need for medical protective fabrics for gowns and drapes which has grown during the Covid-19 crisis. According to a recent study released by Research Dive, COVID-19 response efforts are contributing to a projected 10% annual growth of these materials between now and 2026. This growth will be driven by current demand but also by government efforts to stockpile these materials for future health crises.   Last week, Swiss-based Jacob Holm, the manufacturer of Sontara fabrics and other nonwovens for medical and wipes applications, was the latest company to announce it was ramping up material for PPE. The company will implement a company-wide investment program that would lead to a 500 million square meter capacity expansion annually. The program, called Project Boost, began last month and will be completed by the third quarter of 2022.   “Project Boost is our response to he needs of our