Global PP Non-woven Market

The global PP (Polypropylene) nonwoven fabric market is expected to reach US$30.61

billion by 2020, according to a new study by Grand View Research Inc. The growing demand
for baby diapers, adult incontinence and feminine disposable products is expected to remain a
key driving factor for the global market over the next six years. In addition, increasing market
penetration of PP nonwoven fabric for durable applications, mainly in Asia Pacific and
Middle East countries, is also expected to have a positive impact on demand over the forecast
period. However, volatility in polypropylene prices on account of constant fluctuations in
crude oil prices is expected to remain a key challenge for the industry. Moreover, stringent
regulatory scenario, mainly in Europe and the U.S. is also expected to restrain market growth
over the next six years.

Further Key findings from the study suggest:

*Global market for PP nonwoven fabric was 5,553.6 kilotons in 2013 and is expected to
reach 9,978.2 kilo tons by 2020, growing at a CAGR of 7.8% from 2014 to 2020.

*Spunbonded PP nonwoven fabric emerged as the leading product segment and accounted for
47.4% of total market volume in 2013. In addition to being the largest consumed product,
spunbonded fabric is also expected to be the fastest growing segment, at an estimated CAGR
of 8.3% from 2014 to 2020. On the other hand, the staple PP nonwoven fabric is expected to
grow at an estimated CAGR of 6.9% from 2014 to 2020.

*Hygiene emerged as the leading application segment for PP nonwoven fabric and accounted
for 50.7% of total market volume consumed in 2013. However, owing to increasing market
penetration in durable application segments, hygiene is expected to lose out some volume
share over the next six years. Global demand for PP nonwoven fabric from medical industry
is expected to grow at an estimated CAGR of 8.8% from 2014 to 2020.

*Asia Pacific dominated the global market and accounted for 40.6% of total market volume
in 2013 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 8.5% from 2014 to 2020. Middle East is
expected to be the fastest growing regional market for PP nonwoven fabric, at an estimated
CAGR of 10.3% from 2014 to 2020. North American demand for PP nonwoven fabric is
expected to reach US$6.91 bln by 2020.

*The global PP nonwoven fabric industry is fragmented with top five participants accounting
for over 40% of the global market in 2013. Leading companies have been involved in
frequent M&A activities in order to increase their market presence. Some of the major
industry participants include AVGOL, Fibertex, Fiberweb, Kimberly-Clark, PGI, First
Quality, Mitsui and Toray among others.