09.11.24
Taipei, Taiwan
www.knh-global.com
2023 Nonwovens Sales: $90 million
Key Personnel
H.M. Tai, chairman; Vicky Tai, general manager; H.H. Yang, manufacturing vice president; Glen Lin, vice president, International Hygiene Business Unit
Plants
Taipei & Tainan, Taiwan; Shanghai & Yangzhou, China
Processes
Air through bonding, thermal bonding, meltblown, airlaid, spunlace
Major Markets
Hygiene, industrial materials, medical, apparel
In 2023, KNH’s sales of nonwoven fabric-related products totaled $90 million. Fluctuating demand for nonwovens following the pandemic, as well as lower demand from its major customers, have impacted sales. This impact is gradually subsiding and market demand is stabilizing.
“The nonwoven market expanded rapidly during the pandemic in Asia, resulting in a situation where supply has exceeded demand,” says marketing manager Celine Hsiung. “Although the relevant demand has gradually bounced back, overall nonwoven overcapacity still remains in the market. The market for absorbent products, however, is currently showing steady growth, with urinary incontinence products posting significant increases. Factors including rapid urbanization, rising disposable income levels and an increasing elderly population have all contributed to strong growth of urinary incontinence products in Asia Pacific, particularly in China, India and Japan. Meanwhile, the rising awareness of personal healthcare and improvement in the use of medical facilities have also driven the demand in incontinence products in the Asia Pacific region on the institutional side. To cope with this demand, KNH has taken a proactive approach to develop related product extensions and strengthen market research and analysis to better adapt to changes in market demand.”
To meet sustainability demands, KNH has been using more renewable raw materials in its products, optimizing production processes to reduce carbon emissions and promoting recyclable and biodegradable products. Hsuing states, “Additionally, we have been actively testing various sustainable materials in recent years. Our goal is to provide customers with environmentally friendly products without compromising functionality.”
In terms of business development, KNH has strengthened its collaboration with suppliers to jointly promote research and development projects for sustainable materials and products. This has resulted in the establishment of stricter internal environmental standards aimed at rapidly fostering the development of eco-friendly materials and finished products. “Although it is extremely difficult to completely replace plastic materials, the urgency of sustainability cannot be ignored,” Hsuing adds. “Due to this, KNH will first consider recycled plastics, bio-based materials and biodegradable materials when it comes to manufacturing products.”
In fact, it is an emphasis on research and development that has allowed KNH to maintain a leading position in Taiwan’s nonwoven fabric industry. “We take a keen interest in exploring and experimenting with new materials via working with academic institutions and industry experts to achieve technological innovation,” Hsuing says. “At the same time, we proactively take note of market information so as to illustrate the future direction of our products. For example, high-performance absorbent materials and biodegradable nonwoven fabrics not only enhance product performance, they also better meet the increasingly diverse needs of customers. By seizing emerging opportunities, we are able to maintain our competitive edge.”
www.knh-global.com
2023 Nonwovens Sales: $90 million
Key Personnel
H.M. Tai, chairman; Vicky Tai, general manager; H.H. Yang, manufacturing vice president; Glen Lin, vice president, International Hygiene Business Unit
Plants
Taipei & Tainan, Taiwan; Shanghai & Yangzhou, China
Processes
Air through bonding, thermal bonding, meltblown, airlaid, spunlace
Major Markets
Hygiene, industrial materials, medical, apparel
In 2023, KNH’s sales of nonwoven fabric-related products totaled $90 million. Fluctuating demand for nonwovens following the pandemic, as well as lower demand from its major customers, have impacted sales. This impact is gradually subsiding and market demand is stabilizing.
“The nonwoven market expanded rapidly during the pandemic in Asia, resulting in a situation where supply has exceeded demand,” says marketing manager Celine Hsiung. “Although the relevant demand has gradually bounced back, overall nonwoven overcapacity still remains in the market. The market for absorbent products, however, is currently showing steady growth, with urinary incontinence products posting significant increases. Factors including rapid urbanization, rising disposable income levels and an increasing elderly population have all contributed to strong growth of urinary incontinence products in Asia Pacific, particularly in China, India and Japan. Meanwhile, the rising awareness of personal healthcare and improvement in the use of medical facilities have also driven the demand in incontinence products in the Asia Pacific region on the institutional side. To cope with this demand, KNH has taken a proactive approach to develop related product extensions and strengthen market research and analysis to better adapt to changes in market demand.”
To meet sustainability demands, KNH has been using more renewable raw materials in its products, optimizing production processes to reduce carbon emissions and promoting recyclable and biodegradable products. Hsuing states, “Additionally, we have been actively testing various sustainable materials in recent years. Our goal is to provide customers with environmentally friendly products without compromising functionality.”
In terms of business development, KNH has strengthened its collaboration with suppliers to jointly promote research and development projects for sustainable materials and products. This has resulted in the establishment of stricter internal environmental standards aimed at rapidly fostering the development of eco-friendly materials and finished products. “Although it is extremely difficult to completely replace plastic materials, the urgency of sustainability cannot be ignored,” Hsuing adds. “Due to this, KNH will first consider recycled plastics, bio-based materials and biodegradable materials when it comes to manufacturing products.”
In fact, it is an emphasis on research and development that has allowed KNH to maintain a leading position in Taiwan’s nonwoven fabric industry. “We take a keen interest in exploring and experimenting with new materials via working with academic institutions and industry experts to achieve technological innovation,” Hsuing says. “At the same time, we proactively take note of market information so as to illustrate the future direction of our products. For example, high-performance absorbent materials and biodegradable nonwoven fabrics not only enhance product performance, they also better meet the increasingly diverse needs of customers. By seizing emerging opportunities, we are able to maintain our competitive edge.”
