Africa Nonwoven Fabrics Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Disposable, Durable), By Material (Polypropylene, Polyester, Polyethylene, Wood Pulp) By Application, By Technology, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030

Market Size & Trends

The Africa nonwoven fabrics market size was estimated at USD 1.44 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7% from 2023 to 2030. The nonwoven fabric market has benefited from a rise in Hospital-acquired Infections (HAIs), which, in turn, is fueling the demand for nonwoven fabrics throughout the healthcare sector of Africa addressed in the wake of the COVID-19 issue. Furthermore, they are extensively used in medical applications, including surgical masks, N95 respirators, and other medical garments. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly boosted demand for these products. The disposable product segment market in Africa will carry the industry's growth for emerging and mature economies.

Central Africa market dominated the market and accounted for a market share of 51.71% in 2022. Textile industry is one of the main industries of the Central African Republic. The automotive industry of Gabon experienced a downfall of 11.4% in the fourth quarter of 2021. A USD 90 million grant from the International Development Association (IDA) has been granted by the World Bank to assist Chad in increasing the use and caliber of key health services.

The automotive industry in African countries generates significant demand for the market. These products are used to produce more than 40 automotive components, ranging from air and fuel filters to carpets and trunk liners. They contribute to a significant reduction in the overall weight of a vehicle, improve comfort and aesthetics, and offer advanced insulation, and fire retardancy.

The market is highly fragmented in light of high product demand from fashion, industrial, construction, automotive and medical application segments. The establishment of strategic partnerships with buyers for the development of tailored forms of nonwoven fabrics is expected to remain a critical success factor for the Africa nonwoven fabrics manufacturers.

The Africa nonwoven fabrics market is characterized by strong competition owing to the presence of large and established players in the market. Prominent players operating in the African market include Fibertex Nonwovens A/S, PFNonwovens Group, Spunchem International, Kimerby-Clark, Freudenbreg Group, and Wemy Industries.

Product Insights

Durable product segment accounted for 65.3% of the revenue share in 2022. The durable fabrics can be made using mixtures of different fiber webs that impart properties like water absorption or repellency, thermal and fire resistance, antimicrobial treatment, etc. In comparison to traditional woven uniform fabrics, the reinforced multi-layer nonwoven composite fabrics have been created to be lighter in weight, much more breathable, and superior in tear and breaking strength.

The materials used to make functional clothes must be able to go through numerous washings without losing their functionality (or appearance). Even though they can last a very long period, washable materials are not always possible. Nonwovens that can be washed and are durable belong to a different class. Construction industry uses polyester based spunbond materials as durable fabrics.

The disposable product segment accounted for a market value of USD 500.8 million in 2022. Disposable nonwoven fabrics are used in single-use products. They go by the name non-durable fabrics as well. Diapers, bandages for injuries, cleaning supplies, and disposable protective garments are examples of single-use items.

Additionally, they are used in the production of disposable items like slippers and shoes as well as bath and face towels. Disposables products made of fabrics are manufactured using spunbond technology. These products also cater to industries like medical, automotive, filtration, construction, and hospitality.

Material Insights

The polypropylene material segment led the Africa nonwoven fabric industry and accounted for a 49.9% share of revenue in 2022. Nonwoven fabrics made of polypropylene have primary usage is in non-woven bags, interlinings, coveralls for the medical industry, masks, and filters. It is gaining popularity in the healthcare and fashion industries.

The polyester product segment is expected to experience substantial growth during the forecast period with a CAGR of 6.6%. Polyester is the preferred material in many manufacturing technologies like wet laid web formation, spunlaid, and melt blown. Fabrics made of polyester are durable and strong. Polyester blends or 100% polyester filaments can be used to make polyester fabric.

The polyethylene fabric was valued at USD 35.6 million in 2022 owing to the rising demand in building & construction, industrial, filtration, and furniture industries. A polyethylene fabric is made by meltblown technology, employing a resin composition consisting of polyethylene and polyethylene wax.

The wood pulp segment of the African nonwoven fabric market was valued at USD 133.4 million in 2022. It is expected to expand at a CAGR of 7.3%, reaching USD 233.9 million over the forecast period. This growth is attributed to the sustainability offered by wood pulp. Wood pulp is regarded as an optimum fit for air-laid manufacturing technology. Air laid process uses wood pulp and assures sustainability.

Rayon, a natural fiber, is a derivative of wood pulp. Pure rayon filament or a blend of rayon is used to make nonwoven fabrics. The fiber made of rayon offers a smooth finish, a high degree of softness, and significantly high absorbency. Nonwoven fabrics made of rayon are easier to dye and hence, offer a wide array of options for coloring.

Application Insights

The hygiene application segment led the market and accounted a for 27.7% share of revenue in 2022. They are utilized in personal care items, feminine hygiene products, adult incontinence products, and baby diapers, among others. They are used in numerous product components.

The building & construction segment of Africa nonwoven fabrics market is projected to witness significant growth from 2022 to 2030. The growth of this segment can be attributed to the ease of use offered by nonwoven fabrics in construction projects. They are ideal for a variety of construction elements, including flashing materials, house wraps, and roof underlayment.

The market for Central Africa nonwoven fabric was valued at USD 0.74 million in 2022 owing to the rising demand for filtration products. Rise in the demand for face masks post the pandemic, as per the strict regulations by the Centra Africa government to make the usage of masks mandatory at public places and workplaces, is likely to boost the market growth of Central Africa nonwoven fabric.

The industrial segment of the market in Africa is projected to witness significant growth from 2022 to 2030 at a CAGR of 6.3%. Nonwoven fabrics are frequently used in industrial applications. There are high-quality nonwoven fabrics, meltblown fabrics, and fabrics with various treatments available for use in a variety of industrial applications.

Technology Insights

The spunbond segment dominated the market in 2022 by accounting for a 43.9% share of the market in Africa. With expanding demand and advancements & innovations in the nonwoven industry, the market is experiencing significant growth. In order to meet the standard and tailored demands of end-users, manufacturers need to bring innovation in manufacturing technologies.

The dry laid technology segment of Africa nonwoven fabric is expected to experience substantial growth during the forecast period with a CAGR of 6.6%. Manufacturers like Fibertex Nonwovens claim that the dry laid technology can provide high performance products, owing to the manufacturing facilities being competent with cutting-edge technologies. The company uses needlepunch production technology to produce nonwoven fabric through dry laid technology.

The spunlace technology segment of Africa nonwoven fabric accounted for a market value of USD 180.7 million in 2022 and is expected to experience fastest growth during the forecast period. Due to its low wet modulus, which enables it to immediately adapt to water jets, the spunlace technique is gaining popularity when used with cotton fiber.

Meltblown technology is used for N95 masks water filters, PP gowns, napkins, teabag, filter papers, and surgical masks. Spunchem International serves the automotive, industrial, personal care, agriculture, and medical industries through meltblown technology. Sinaatec SPA has announced to add two Reifenhauser Reicofi nonwoven production facilities by 2023.

Regional Insights

Central Africa led the market and accounted for a market value of USD 745.6 million in 2022. The Central African nonwoven fabrics market has a huge potential for growth over the forecast period. The reason for the growth is that they have replaced woven and knitted textiles in the textile industry.

The market for North Africa nonwoven fabric is expected to experience the fastest growth during the forecast period with a CAGR of 7.7%. Algeria has considerably rich natural resources, mainly oil & natural gas. Egypt and Morocco contain huge industrial bases. The economy of North Africa is based on textile and consumer goods amongst others. The Egyptian economy was a major driving factor for the market in Africa.

The South Africa nonwoven fabric market was valued at USD 247.0 million in 2022 owing to the deposits of valuable minerals that are plentiful in this region. The main industries of the region are mining, transport, energy, manufacturing, tourism, and agriculture. South Africa currently has over 420 state hospitals and 200 private hospitals. On account of the expanding healthcare sector, the South African market is expected to grow significantly over the forecast period.

The African nonwoven fabrics market has a huge potential for growth over the forecast period. The reason for growth is that these products have replaced woven and knitted textiles in the textile industry. Approximately 30,000 and 100,000 people are employed directly and indirectly, respectively, by the nonwoven industry in Africa.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The market participants are adopting various strategies to gain a competitive edge, and thus sustain the growing industry rivalry. Africa nonwoven fabric manufacturing companies have a position in the market because of the diversity in the product portfolios, having strategically fulfilled R&D centers, consistency in development, and advanced technology.

The companies resort to multiple mergers and acquisitions in a bid to gain market share in a particular region. In some cases, the companies build technological collaborations for the production of an advanced product with superior performance characteristics to increase company revenues. Some prominent players in the Africa nonwoven fabrics market include:

• Fibertex Nonwovens A/S

• PFNonwovens Group

• Spunchem

• Kimberly-Clark

• Wemy industries

• Brits Nonwoven

• Freudenberg Group

• Ahlstorm-Munksjo

• Berry Global Group Inc.

• Fitesa S.A. and Affiliates

• Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited

• Asahi Kasei Corporation

• Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.

• Glatfelter Corporation

• Dupont

Africa Nonwoven Fabrics Market Report Scope

Africa Nonwoven Fabrics Market Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at regional & country levels and provides an analysis on the industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the Africa nonwoven fabric market on the basis of product, material, application, technology, and region:

• Product Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million; 2018 - 2030)

  • Disposable

  • Durable

• Material Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million; 2018 - 2030)

  • Polypropylene

  • Polyester

  • Polyethylene

  • Wood Pulp

  • Rayon/Lyocell

  • Biopolymers

  • Others

• Application Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million; 2018 - 2030)

  • Hygiene

  • Building & Construction

  • Industrial

  • Consumer Products

  • Filtration

  • Automotive

  • Medical & Healthcare

  • Others

• Technology Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million; 2018 - 2030)

  • Spunbond

  • Dry Laid

  • Wet Laid

  • Spunlace

  • Meltblown

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million; 2018 - 2030)

  • Africa

    • South Africa

    • North Africa

    • Central Africa