Nonwoven Filter Media Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Technology (Spunbond, Meltblown, Wetlaid, Needlepunch), By Application (Transportation, Manufacturing, HVAC, Healthcare, F&B), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030

Nonwoven Filter Media Market Size & Trends

The global nonwoven filter media market size was valued at USD 6.55 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7% from 2023 to 2030. Increasing applications of the product in end-use industries such as healthcare, automotive, personal care, and advanced technology is expected to drive the market over the forecast period. In China, the market for nonwoven filter media is expected to exhibit significant growth due to rapid product penetration in various application industries. China is projected to lead the Asia Pacific market for nonwoven filter media on account of its rising population, growing economy, and demand from the healthcare sector, especially after the pandemic.

An increase in product use for geotextiles is expected to have a positive impact on the industry. Nonwoven filter media are preferred over paper, cloth, or other filtration media because of their cost-effectiveness, easy handling, durability, efficiency, ability to withstand high temperatures, and adoption of the customized product as per requirements and functions.

Several regulations have been enforced to produce and use nonwoven filter media in various application industries. Emerging countries like India and Brazil are taking significant steps to control water and air pollution problems in the region. With the government's help, companies have begun investing in R&D activities for the development of filters in the region.

The market faces severe challenges in coping with the fluctuating prices of raw materials, including polymers, resins, fibers, and additives. High oil prices, shifting consumer needs, trade patterns, and the availability of raw materials such as carbon fibers and aramids and high tenacity yarns are expected to hamper the market prospect over the forecast period.

Technology Insights

The spunbond segment accounted for the largest revenue share of 37.7% in 2022 and is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 7.3% during the forecast period. The demand for spunbond is driven by increasing demand for filtration in the healthcare, personal care, automotive, and packaging industries. Spunbond is durable, lightweight, cost-effective, and has high liquid retention properties favoring product penetration.

Rising environmental concerns regarding pollution, and favorable government initiatives, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), promoting nonwoven filter products in the food and beverage industry and healthcare industry such as drapes, disposable gowns, are projected to propel the growth of the market for nonwoven filter media.

The meltblown technology is expected to grow at a significant CAGR of 6.4% in 2022, as it exhibits outstanding physical characteristics that are considered safe and useful for several applications. Nonwovens filter medias are widely used as a preferred alternative to traditional textile filters owing to their softness, absorption properties, strength, and cost-effectiveness.

Other technologies include wetlaid, needlepunch, and others. Technological advancement favors the significant growth of products as it brings down the production-associated costs and offers manufacturing feasibility. Incorporating high-performance material technologies creates new opportunities for the manufacturers and is projected to fuel the demand.

Application Insights

The healthcare segment accounted for the largest revenue share of 31.7% in 2022 and is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 7.4% during the forecast period, owing to the excellent properties nonwoven filter media offers, such as breathability, resistance to fluid penetration, sterilizability, and impermeability to bacteria. Nonwoven Filter Media are extensively used in medical and healthcare applications to provide decent protection against biological agents. Nonwoven products are used to manufacture various disposable healthcare products and hospital supplies and are thus projected to witness significant growth over the forecast period.

The product is expected to have burgeoning demand in transportation application as they are widely used for filter filtration of cabin air, oil, engine air, and fuel. Moreover, increasing sales of vehicles and extensive use of nonwoven filters in broad application areas in the transportation industry are projected to witness significant growth over the forecast period.

Other applications include water filtration, HVAC, food and beverages, manufacturing, and advanced technologies. Shifting consumer needs, improvement in the economic situation, rising environmental concerns, and filtration media are some of the crucial factors propelling the growth over the forecast period.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific dominated the market and accounted for the largest revenue share of 46.8% in 2022 and is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 8.1% during the forecast period. This growth can be attributed to China and India's significant emphasis on water and air pollution control, Japan's increasing geriatric population, and a surge in demand for filtration solutions following the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, the region is anticipated to witness a high demand for filtration products in the automotive industry.

The product demand in North America and Europe is expected to be dominated by hygiene applications. The market is projected to witness stiff competition on account of the availability of alternative filtration solutions in the market. Developed countries, including the U.S. and Germany, are projected to showcase significant market growth due to its highly industrialized economy.

North America is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.1% over the forecast period. This growth can be attributed to a rise in product demand for personal care and hygiene care products. A positive outlook for the food and beverage, HVAC, and automotive industry positively impacts industry growth.

The demand for nonwoven filter media in Central & South America is likely to witness significant growth over the projected period owing to the rising demand from application industries. High consumer awareness, rising water, air pollution concerns, and advancement in filtration technology are expected to impact market growth positively over the forecast period.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The nonwoven filter media market has witnessed an increasing trend of organic and inorganic growth through production expansion, new product launches, product innovation, and mergers and acquisitions. The companies are trying to increase their sales through investment and innovation. The companies are expanding their capacities to facilitate the respective markets.

The market is competitive due to the significant presence of major national and multinational companies involved in product manufacture. The market is characterized by a considerable consumer base across the globe, with the companies operating their business through dedicated distribution networks.

Recent Developments

• In February 2023, Ahlstrom unveiled an advanced series of HVAC filter media, incorporating cutting-edge technology from their state-of-the-art production facility in Turin, Italy. This innovative line aims to deliver extended filter longevity while significantly reducing its environmental footprint.

• In February 2023, WPT Nonwovens Corp. announced an investment of USD 18.5 million in a state-of-the-art man-made fiber nonwoven manufacturing line located in Beaver Dam, Kentucky.

• In April 2023, Ahlstrom introduced a cutting-edge line of eco-friendly and sustainable filtering solutions tailored for automotive applications. Known as Ahlstrom ECOTM, this technology caters to the increasing sustainability demands of the global transportation industry and offers filter manufacturers an innovative and environmentally conscious alternative. 

• In February 2022, Fibrix Filtration acquired Americo Manufacturing Co. This acquisition was aimed at strengthening the strategic alliance between Fibrix Filtration & Americo Manufacturing Co. in order to deliver a nonwoven manufacturing platform focusing on cutting-edge clean solutions for residential and commercial settings utilising environmentally friendly methods.

Nonwoven Filter Media Market Report Scope

Global Nonwoven Filter Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global nonwoven filter media market based on technology, application, and region:

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

  • Spunbond

  • Meltblown

  • Wetlaid

  • Needlepunch

  • Others

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

  • Transportation

  • Water Filtration

  • HVAC

  • Food & Beverages

  • Healthcare

  • Manufacturing

  • Advanced Technology

  • Hydrocarbon Processing

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

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • France

    • Italy

    • U.K.

    • Spain

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan

    • South Korea

    • Australia

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil

  • Middle East & Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • UAE

    • South Africa