• Login
    • Join
  • Subscribe Free
    • Magazine
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Exclusives
    • Applications
    • Technology
    • Market
    • Other
    • Top 40
    • Buyers Guide
    • Hygiene Directory
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Exclusives
  • Applications
  • Technology
  • Market
  • Other
  • Top 40
  • Buyers Guide
  • Hygiene Directory
  • Current / Back Issues
    Features
    Editorial
    Columns
    Digital Edition
    Southeast Asia Edition
    eNewsletter Archive
    Editorial Guidelines
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    Top Features
    Fluff Pulp Market Faces Year of Transition

    Roofing & Construction Report

    Investment Continues for Needlepunch Nonwovens

    Sustainability Report

    Spunmelt Nonwovens Update
    Company Cameo
    Financial News
    Machinery Equipment
    New Products
    Nonwovens News
    Patent Review
    People in the News
    Supplier News
    Top News
    Live From Shows
    Top News
    Weekly Recap: Ontex Confirms Possibility of Attindas Deal, Purell Launches New Wipes & More

    EDANA Celebrates 50th Anniversary

    INDA Names Three Finalists for WOW Innovation Award

    Proof Launches Reusable Period Products in Walmart Stores

    Purell Healthcare Surface Disinfecting Wipes Launched
    Nonwovens Insights
    Online Exclusives
    Adult Incontinence
    Absorbent Core
    Antimicrobials
    Apparel
    Automotive and Transportation
    Face Masks
    Chemicals / Adhesives
    Construction
    Contract Services
    Diaper, Baby
    Electronics
    Feminine Hygiene
    Fibers
    Filtration
    Flame Retardance
    Geotextile / Agrotextile
    Home Products
    Hygiene Film/Components
    Industrial / Institutional
    Inspection / Quality Control
    Machinery and Equipment
    Medical
    Wipes

    INDA Names Three Finalists for WOW Innovation Award

    Proof Launches Reusable Period Products in Walmart Stores

    Video Bite: Curt G. Joa, Inc. Offers Speed, Quality, and Innovation

    Purell Healthcare Surface Disinfecting Wipes Launched

    Weekly Recap: Codi Introduces Wipes from Recycled Ingredients, U.K. Retailers Ban Plastic-Based Wipes
    Air Through Bonding
    Airlaid
    Carded/Carding
    Chemical Bonded
    Composite
    Meltblown
    Needlepunch
    Nanotechnology
    Spunbond
    Spunbond/Spunmelt
    Spunlace
    Thermal Bonded
    Wetlaid

    Executive Talks: 5K Fibres' President Doug Brown

    Borealis, Grabher Partner to Recycle Face Masks

    Glatfelter, Blue Ocean Closures Receives Sustainability Award at IDEA22

    Investment Continues for Needlepunch Nonwovens

    Murtra Nonwovens
    China
    Eastern Europe/Russia
    India
    Middle East/North Africa
    North America
    Pacific Rim
    South/Central America
    Turkey
    Western Europe

    Sub-Saharan Africa’s Specialist Nonwovens and Fibers Capability is Growing Steadily

    Southeast Asian 5 Nonwoven Capacity and Demand Development

    Chinese Baby Diaper Brands

    Retail Disposable Hygiene in Southeast Asia and China: Growth Outlook, Challenges, Opportunities

    Albarrie Installs Stenter
    Associations
    Contracts / Awards
    Education
    Facilities / Capacity
    Green / Sustainability
    Legal / Regulatory
    Market Data
    Flushability
    Mergers and Acquisitions
    Product Improvement / Innovation
    R&D/Basic Research
    Shows / Events

    Rif care Launches Hemp-Based Period Products

    Boots to Prohibit Sale of Plastic-Based Wipes

    Dyper Partners with rePurpose Global to Remove Nearly 100,000 KG of Plastic Waste from Environment

    Borealis, Grabher Partner to Recycle Face Masks

    Suominen Installs Solar Panels at Alicante Plant
    Chart
    Companies
    All Companies
    Categories
    Company Profiles
    Add New Company
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    Valco Melton

    Alliance Machine and Engraving

    ELSNER

    Schott & Meissner Maschinen- und Anlagenbau GmbH

    Shemesh Automation
    Brands
    Brand Owners
    • Magazine
      • Current / Back Issues
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Columns
      • Digital Edition
      • Southeast Asia Edition
      • eNewsletter Archive
      • Editorial Guidelines
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
    • Breaking News
    • Buyers Guide
      • All Companies
      • Categories
      • Company Profiles
      • Add Your Company
    • Applications
      • Absorbent Core
      • Adult Incontinence
      • Antimicrobials
      • Apparel
      • Automotive and Transportation
      • Chemicals / Adhesives
      • Construction
      • Contract Services
      • Diaper, Baby
      • Electronics
      • Feminine Hygiene
      • Fibers
      • Filtration
      • Flame Retardance
      • Geotextile / Agrotextile
      • Home Products
      • Hygiene Film/Components
      • Industrial / Institutional
      • Inspection / Quality Control
      • Machinery and Equipment
      • Medical
      • Wipes
      • Face Masks
    • Technology
      • Air Through Bonding
      • Airlaid
      • Carded/Carding
      • Chemical Bonded
      • Composite
      • Meltblown
      • Needlepunch
      • Nanotechnology
      • Spunbond
      • Spunlace
      • Thermal Bonded
      • Wetlaid
      • Spunbond/Spunmelt
    • Market
      • China
      • Eastern Europe/Russia
      • India
      • Middle East/North Africa
      • North America
      • Pacific Rim
      • South/Central America
      • Turkey
      • Western Europe
    • Other
      • Associations
      • Contracts / Awards
      • Education
      • Facilities / Capacity
      • Green / Sustainability
      • Legal / Regulatory
      • Market Data
      • Mergers and Acquisitions
      • Product Improvement / Innovation
      • R&D/Basic Research
      • Shows / Events
      • Flushability
    • Top 40 Companies
      • Chart
      • Companies
    • Online Exclusives
    • Slideshows
    • Hygiene Directory
      • Brands
      • Brand Owners
    • Experts Opinions
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Infographics
    • Whitepapers
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live From Show Events
      • Webinars
      • Live From Asian Connections
    • Jobs
    • Resources
      • Suppliers Gallery
      • Literature Showcase
      • Web Showcase
      • Home Page Showcase
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise With Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    Features

    Spunmelt Polypropylene: The World’s Largest Nonwovens Technology

    Global capacity was just over four million tons in 2016; growth projected at 3.2%.

    Spunmelt Polypropylene: The World’s Largest Nonwovens Technology
    Related CONTENT
    • Poligof Expands Breathables Films Business for Hygiene
    • Ontex to Cease Manufacturing in Mayen, Germany
    • Exten Installs an Innovative Lamination Line
    • Avgol
    • Lydall Inc.
    David J. Price, Partner, Price Hanna Consultants LLC02.02.17
    We estimate that the global nameplate capacity of spunbonded/spunmelt polypropylene nonwovens at year end 2016 was just over 4.0 million tons, or about 3.6% higher than year-end 2015. Based upon announced expansions, nameplate capacity will increase in 2017 to nearly 4.2 million tons equal to annual growth rate of 3.2% during the period 2015–2017.  Based upon expansions underway or announced, we expect global nameplate capacity to be on the order of 4.3 million tons in 2020 equal to a 2% annual growth rate during 2015 – 2020.  This rate of capacity expansion compares to 5.3% per year during 2010–2015.  Actual global capacity is likely to be slightly higher in 2020 given that suspected, but not yet announced capacity expansions are not included in our estimates.  Year-over-year annual capacity growth may be higher due to uneven installations of capacity.  

    Although still early in the period, underway or announced global capacity expansion in tons during 2015–2020 is well behind that realized during 2010–2015. During 2010–2015, 1.39 million tons of new capacity was commissioned as compared to 415,000 tons thus far commissioned or announced during 2015–2020. We expect that capacity will be higher than our current estimate in 2020 but still lag that installed during 2010–2020 as capacity installed in the latter period continues to be absorbed.

    Selected producers continue to install capacity to modernize their technology base, meet changing and growing demand, position themselves in high growth regional markets and achieve lower cash costs once new higher output capacity is fully utilized. 

    By region and based upon already announced projects, capacity growth during 2015 - 2017 in Southern Asia is expected to be above 10% per year and ahead all other global regions. Capacity growth in Southern Asia (India/other), Africa and Asia-Pacific will be above the global average.  Capacity growth in Europe is expected to be above 4% per year during this period with most of that new capacity being installed in Northern Europe. In North America, capacity growth is expected to be about 4% per year as merchant market demand is growing faster than total demand.   New installations in China are expected to be limited in the near term following a multi-year period of rapid expansion.

    Global demand growth for nonwovens made on this technology is expected to grow about 4.9% per year in tons and 5.1% in square meters during 2015–2020. Higher square meter demand growth is related to the use of lower weight nonwovens in hygiene end uses, which results in lower demand in tons although we believe that most of the downward trend in down weighting has now been fully realized. We estimate that global machine output capacity utilization increased slightly in 2016 and will continue to increase through 2020 given the current assumption of capacity expansion now foreseen.

    Demand is expected to grow at higher rates in emerging markets where penetration of disposable and durable nonwovens is low.  Total market growth in tons is expected to be highest in Africa, China and Southern Asia and in the Asia-Pacific region during 2015–2020. More moderate growth is projected in Europe, North America and South and Central America while modest growth is expected in the Middle East.

    Demand for spunbonded and spunmelt nonwovens in hygiene end uses as well as in other end use markets will drive growth.  Year-over-year demand growth in China has weakened from high levels but remains attractive. On the whole, hygiene demand growth in the Asia-Pacific region remains attractive due to increasing use of spunbonded and spunmelt polypropylene nonwovens as a substitute for other nonwoven materials, as well as from increasing penetration of disposable hygiene products.  Improving growth is beginning to result in increased machine utilization, particularly in Asia as a whole and among selected producers worldwide. Attractive growth in Asia Pacific and increasing capacity utilization in South America and China will attract new machine installations late in the period. 

    The largest market for spunmelt polypropylene is hygiene, which commands about two thirds of the total worldwide capacity of fine and coarse denier spunmelt polypropylene nonwovens.  Other important markets for nonwovens made from spunmelt polypropylene technology include a variety of construction applications (geotextiles, residential and commercial wall wrap and ground covers), home furnishings (furniture construction fabrics and carpet backing), medical and industrial protective apparel, automotive and other end uses.  We estimate that more nonwovens are made from spunmelt polypropylene technology than any other type of nonwovens technology worldwide.  

    We expect machine capacity utilization to increase through 2020.  In certain global regions, this will lead to installation of new capacity to meet demand.  In some of those global regions which are oversupplied, demand is somewhat concentrated among selected producers.  These producers will have higher capacity utilization than the regional average, which may drive installation of added capacity in an otherwise oversupplied market.

    Historically, spunmelt polypropylene capacity has grown to keep pace with rising demand.  Over the last several years, however, other reasons have arisen to install new capacity.  Demand for lower weight spunmelt nonwovens, which could not be cost efficiently made on older generation technology, drove installation of new capacity.  More recently, demand for softer nonwovens has given rise to increased bicomponent capacity which is but one of a number of methods that may be employed to achieve more soft nonwovens made on this technology.

    Secondly, the latest generation spunmelt technology offers more spinning beams, wider width, higher throughput, faster line speeds, finer fiber denier extrusion, greater energy efficiency and higher output than earlier generation technology.  This new technology, once fully utilized, can make a lower cost product.  The versatility and benefits of this new generation of technology motivated many producers to modernize, even in advance of demand being sufficient to absorb the new capacity. 

    Thirdly, there has been competitive positioning in strategic and emerging markets in recent years. New producers have entered North America, China, Peru, Egypt/Africa, Russia, Indonesia and India. More recently, strategic positioning within global regions themselves has led to the installation of capacity more closely located to demand to minimize transportation costs. Lastly, while there has been some consolidation among producers, there has been very little equipment rationalization.  Early generation equipment continues to operate, mostly at cash cost margins. 

    We expect that the newest units of capacity will be utilized first as this technology will have the greatest product capability and will achieve lowest cost of manufacture once the lines are fully utilized.  The next earliest generation of capacity may then replace even older units of capacity now in operation, possibly resulting in the retirement of very early generation technology.  We estimate that in 2015, 30% of all fine denier spunbonded capacity still in operation was early generation. 

    In addition to how producers deal with the installation of new and the rationalization of old capacity, there are other impacts that new installations of spunbonded polypropylene capacity bring about.  One of these impacts is the increasingly high capital cost of new spunmelt polypropylene technology, which could prompt consolidation among some producers to lessen the burden of the high investment cost.  This issue has given rise to the introduction of smaller units of capacity which incorporate the most modern features of advanced spinning technology at lower costs. A second related impact is the challenge of technological obsolescence requiring continuing reinvestment to remain competitive. The rapid pace of technology modernization drives concern about falling behind in the race to modernize, forcing a choice between modernizing, repositioning or even withdrawing from the market. Still, another issue will be the change in import and export flows as new producers in regions formerly requiring imports seek to become exporters.

    Recent investments allow producers to remain product capable and to achieve higher growth in emerging markets.  Consolidation among the both large and small producers has occurred and may likely continue.

    Despite these impacts, the modernization of the spunmelt polypropylene technology platform is healthy and positive. New capacity is being installed demonstrating the vibrancy of the market demand for products made on this, the leading technology for nonwovens manufacture in the world.
     


    David Price is the author of the Price Hanna Consultants LLC annual subscription report  “Spunbonded and Spunmelt Nonwoven Polypropylene World Capacities, Supply/Demand and Manufacturing Economics.  More info: Michele Scannapieco; mscannapieco@pricehanna.com; www.pricehanna.com.                          
    Related Searches
    • Feminine Hygiene
    • Spunbond/Spunmelt
    • Meltblown
    • Adult Incontinence
    Related Knowledge Center
    • Feminine Hygiene
    • Diaper, Baby
    • Spunbond/Spunmelt
    Suggested For You
    Poligof Expands Breathables Films Business for Hygiene Poligof Expands Breathables Films Business for Hygiene
    Ontex to Cease Manufacturing in Mayen, Germany Ontex to Cease Manufacturing in Mayen, Germany
    Exten Installs an Innovative Lamination Line Exten Installs an Innovative Lamination Line
    Avgol Avgol
    Lydall Inc. Lydall Inc.
    Glatfelter Glatfelter
    DuPont DuPont
    Fitesa Fitesa
    Kimberly-Clark Kimberly-Clark
    Wipes Makers Ditch Plastics Wipes Makers Ditch Plastics
    Maxcess Europe Expands Rotary Die Repair Services Maxcess Europe Expands Rotary Die Repair Services
    Freudenberg Freudenberg
    Berry Global Berry Global
    2020 A Good Year for Nonwovens, Mainly 2020 A Good Year for Nonwovens, Mainly
    Jacob Holm Completes Nonwovens Investment Jacob Holm Completes Nonwovens Investment

    Related Content

    • Hygiene Film/Components
      Poligof Expands Breathables Films Business for Hygiene

      Poligof Expands Breathables Films Business for Hygiene

      Company will add blown extrusion, flexographic press capabilities in Italy
      09.22.21

    • Facilities/Capacity | Western Europe

      Ontex to Cease Manufacturing in Mayen, Germany

      Site will become an excellence center for global process engineering and global platform innovation
      09.17.21

    • Hygiene Film/Components

      Exten Installs an Innovative Lamination Line

      Line will provide hot melt laminates as well as more sustainable glue-less laminates
      09.16.21


    • Avgol

      Avgol

      ...
      09.03.21

    • Lydall Inc.

      Lydall Inc.

      ...
      09.02.21

      Breaking News
      • Essity Wins Innovation Award at Interclean
      • Weekly Recap: Ontex Confirms Possibility of Attindas Deal, Purell Launches New Wipes & More
      • TSG Finishing Starts Modernization Project
      • Berry Global Sets New Target to Reduce Scope 3 Emissions
      • PCMC and Hudson-Sharp Help Outfit Press & Packaging's New Flexible Packaging Division
      View Breaking News >
      CURRENT ISSUE

      April 2022

      • Roofing & Construction Report
      • Investment Continues for Needlepunch Nonwovens
      • Sustainability Report
      • Spunbonded/Spunmelt Polypropylene Capacity and Demand Outlook 202
      • Spunmelt Nonwovens Update



      Cookies help us to provide you with an excellent service. By using our website, you declare yourself in agreement with our use of cookies.
      You can obtain detailed information about the use of cookies on our website by clicking on "More information”.

      • About Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms And Conditions
      • Contact Us

      follow us

      Subscribe
      Nutraceuticals World

      Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

      Solvay Invests in Suanfarma’s Vanillin Production
      GNC Adds Products from The Honest Company, Hers, and Womaness
      NSF and SCNM’s School of Nutrition Collaborate on Master of Science Program
      Coatings World

      Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

      PPG Launches HOMAX TEX>>PRO Texture System by PPG
      New Digital Solution from Interpon Helps Customers Bring Colors to Life
      What Are You Reading?
      Medical Product Outsourcing

      Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

      Texas Medical Center Partners with Enterprise Ireland
      MMT Acquires Medical Production Technology Europe
      Avanos Recalls Cortrak*2 Over Potential Enteral Tube Misplacement
      Contract Pharma

      Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

      Catalent Introduces UpTempo Virtuoso Platform
      Elicio Therapeutics Enters Clinical Supply Agreement with Regeneron
      Reaction Biology Expands Executive Leadership Team
      Beauty Packaging

      Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

      A Look at Machine Gun Kelly's $30K Diamond Mani
      Doja Cat Rocks Glam Makeup & Nails at the Billboard Music Awards
      Maggie Q Launches Beauty Supplement
      Happi

      Latest Breaking News From Happi

      Dr. Squatch Launches Black Hole Bar Soap in Light of Recently-Revealed Black Hole in Milky Way
      Nautica Introduces Nautica Oceans Pacific Coast Collection
      Thread Beauty Launches Vegan Lip Gloss Collection
      Ink World

      Latest Breaking News From Ink World

      INX to Highlight Color Perfection Program, INX University at GulfCan
      Kornit Hosts Kornit Fashion Week London 2022
      Zeller+Gmelin Launches UV-Curable and Water-Based Inkjet Inks
      Label & Narrow Web

      Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

      Schreiner ProTech introduces new PCS solution for electric vehicle charging
      FTA and FFTA announce 2022-2023 board updates
      Bar Graphic and J&J Converting open US demo center
      Nonwovens Industry

      Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

      Essity Wins Innovation Award at Interclean
      Weekly Recap: Ontex Confirms Possibility of Attindas Deal, Purell Launches New Wipes & More
      TSG Finishing Starts Modernization Project
      Orthopedic Design & Technology

      Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

      Denise Pedulla Appointed as Chief Legal Officer at Conformis
      ODT's Most-Read Stories This Week—May 14
      Steven Haddad Joins Extremity Medical as Chief Clinical Officer
      Printed Electronics Now

      Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

      Google Cloud, Saule Technologies and Columbus Energy Begin Strategic Cooperation
      JDI Develops eLEAP, World’s First Maskless Deposition + Lithographic OLED
      Toppan Develops Temperature Logger Label for Long-Distance Transportation

      Copyright © 2022 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.

      AD BLOCKER DETECTED

      Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
      Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.


      FREE SUBSCRIPTION Already a subscriber? Login