The nonwoven geotextiles market is expected to reach $6.91 billion by 2025, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. It is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 6.7% during the forecast period. Favorable government policies for the use and development of geotextiles is expected to boost product demand.
 
China is anticipated to contribute majorly to the demand for geotextiles owing to its increasing penetration in the construction of new roads and drainage systems. In addition, the Chinese government has invested a large number of resources in infrastructure development, wherein major investments were made in the construction of highways and railways.

Geotextiles are used to control erosion owing to their reinforcement characteristics. In addition, the product aids in holding the soil particles together and also promotes vegetation growth, which reduces erosion in the long run. The use of geotextiles in drainage systems helps create a solution for consistent flow of water, thereby complementing the market growth.

Market participants are actively involved in investing in new technologies, forming joint ventures and licensing agreements and acquiring complementary technologies to gain competitive edge.

Here is a look at some recent activity in the geotextiles market.
  
• In August 2021, Bangladesh-based Confidence Infrastructure Ltd announced it would install two complete needlepunching geotextile fabric lines. Using state-of-the art technology, Confidence Infrastructure is able to adapt to the continually growing market requirements and to react promptly and flexibly to individual customer needs. A growing demand in the last years led to the decision to invest in a two new geotextile fabric production lines.

The scope of supply includes complete solution from fiber opening and blending, Double Doffer card, crosslapper Topliner with web profile control WebMax and needlepunching machines Stylus NL with winders. Confidence Infrastructure will produce 300-600gsm polypropylene and polyester nonwoven geotextile with maximum width up to 4.2m. The majority of the production will be consumed in geobag application for erosion control.

The project is designed to cater the increasing demand of geotextiles in Bangladesh and international markets. Shahid Islam, senior GM & COO of Confidence Infrastructure, says: “We chose Autefa as our partner for this project because of its proven technology in needlepunching nonwoven field. This contract is the beginning of long partnership of Confidence group with Autefa Solutions.”
 
• In March 2021, Puerko Sp. z.o.o. said it would install an Andritz needlepunch line in Myszków, Poland. The line will process recycling fibers from garment waste for the production oftechnical felts dedicated to furniture and geotextile applications. The final products will have fabric weights ranging from 300 to 500 gsm, and the production capacity will be up to 750 kg/h. Installation and start-up are scheduled for the third quarter of 2021.

Andritz will supply  a complete neXline needlepunch eXcelle line – from web forming to needling – as well as engineering and ANDRITZ’srecently launched scanning gauge. This is the second Andritz line to be supplied to Pureko, thus demonstrating the strong partnership between both companies. Three years ago, Pureko invested in a new, modern plant supplied by ANDRITZ Asselin-Thibeau to produce fluffy nonwovens used in the furniture, textile, and clothing industries. The new line will enable Pureko to continue its ongoing growth.

Founded in 2009, Pureko is one of the most important producers of nonwovens in Poland. The company’s nonwoven products are mainly used for wadding; they are free of chemicals, do not involve any health hazards, and are hypoallergenic. Pureko’s products carry top certificates such as INTERTEK, FIRA, OEKO-TEX, and the National Institute of Hygiene.
 
 
• In April 2021, BontexGeo, a European producer of geotextiles for civil engineering applications, acquired 100% of the shares of the West Yorkshire (U.K.) based company ABG Ltd, specialized in the development and sale of geosynthetic systems with a market leading position in the United Kingdom.

Through this acquisition, which was completed on April 23, 2021, BontexGeo will reinforce its position on the important U.K. market.

ABG Ltd is a market leader in the design, development, manufacture and technical support of high performance geosynthetic systems for use in a wide range of civil engineering, environmental and sustainable building projects. ABG is located in Meltham, situated between Manchester and Leeds.

“This acquisition allows us to strengthen our position in the U.K. market and reinforces our commitment to invest in growth opportunities following the carve-out from Low & Bonar plc.” explains Rob van der Valk, managing director of BontexGeo. “The portfolio and expertise of ABG allow us to continue to build on our success of the last years.”

ABG will remain operational under the same name, as part of the BontexGeo Group. Alan Bamforth, the managing director of ABG, will remain in his current position to further manage the company together with his team.

“We look forward to our future as part of the BontexGeo Group” says Bamforth. “ABG has been working with BontexGeo for a long time and this step will provide opportunities on both sides to benefit even more from each other’s expertise and experience.”
 
 
• Solmax, a global leader in the production of high-quality polyethylene geomembranes for industrial and environmental applications, has reached an agreement with Koninklijke Ten Cate (the Netherlands) on the acquisition of TenCate Geosynthetics, a global provider of geosynthetics and industrial fabrics. Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ) and Fonds de solidarité FTQ, Solmax's long-term financial partners, are both investing in this transaction. 

"This is the joining of two leading companies in their respective segments, recognized globally for the quality of their products and services, bringing their geosynthetic products together under the same roof for the first time. This transaction will increase their products' use in civil engineering, road infrastructure, hydraulic and environmental works," says Jean-Louis Vangeluwe, president of Solmax. "This is a game changer in the history of geosynthetic manufacturers that develop lesser-known engineered products that are essential to protecting the environment and developing infrastructure projects."

"I am highly pleased to position our company alongside Solmax. We both are among the leaders in our respective segments and now we will join together to create a stronger global leader in geosynthetics. The long-term vision of Solmax around sustainability aligns very well with that of TenCate Geosynthetics, and I am energized to lead my team confidently into this new business environment where we can contribute even more value together," says Wally Moore, CEO of TenCate Geosynthetics.

"I'm delighted to see the family grow again. The addition of TenCate Geosynthetics to Solmax will have a positive overall effect on the geosynthetics sectors. Together, with our products, services and available resources, we will be able to make an impact on the quality of lives of individuals and society as a whole," concludes Jacques Côté, founder and executive chairman of the Board of Solmax.

The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2021 and is subject to customary approvals by regulatory authorities.