Chemicals & Material // Yarns Fabric & Textile
The global nonwoven
filtration market is foreseen to grow by 6.3%, from USD 7.35 Billion in 2022 to
USD 11.98 Billion in 2030. Growing demand in HVAC systems, coupled with growing
awareness pertaining to air intake quality, increasing use in healthcare and
manufacture of medical personal protective items to boost demand is to drive
the market for the upcoming forecast period. However, Volatility in raw
material prices, availability of low-cost and inferior-quality filtration
products remains one factor hindering the market growth over the anticipated
period.
Market Definition
What Is Nonwoven
Filtration?
Market Overview
Types of
Nonwoven Filtration
There are two
main types of nonwoven filtration: depth filtration and surface filtration.
Depth filtration is a process where the liquid or gas to be filtered is passed
through a thick layer of nonwoven material, which traps the impurities and
contaminants. This type of filtration is highly effective for removing large
particles and sediment from liquids.
Surface
filtration, on the other hand, involves the use of a thin layer of nonwoven
material that captures impurities and contaminants on the surface. This type of
filtration is commonly used for removing smaller particles from liquids and
gases, such as bacteria and viruses.
Applications of
Nonwoven Filtration
Nonwoven
filtration is used in a wide range of applications across several industries.
Some of the most common applications of nonwoven filtration include:
Air filtration:
Nonwoven materials are used in air filters to remove dust, pollen, and other
contaminants from the air.
Water
filtration: Nonwoven materials are used in water filters to remove sediment,
bacteria, and other impurities from water.
Healthcare:
Nonwoven materials are used in surgical masks, gowns, and other medical devices
to prevent the spread of infections.
Automotive:
Nonwoven materials are used in air filters and oil filters in cars to remove
impurities from the engine.
Industrial:
Nonwoven materials are used in a wide range of industrial applications, including
oil and gas filtration, food and beverage processing, and chemical processing.
Advantages of
Nonwoven Filtration
Nonwoven
filtration offers several advantages over traditional filtration techniques,
including:
Higher
filtration efficiency: Nonwoven materials have a higher filtration efficiency
than traditional filtration media, which means they can remove a greater amount
of impurities and contaminants.
Longer service
life: Nonwoven materials have a longer service life than traditional filtration
media, which means they need to be replaced less frequently.
Greater
versatility: Nonwoven materials can be customized to meet specific filtration
requirements, which makes them more versatile than traditional filtration
media.
Reduced
environmental impact: Nonwoven filtration can be more environmentally friendly
than traditional filtration techniques, as it produces less waste and uses
fewer resources.
Conclusion
Nonwoven
filtration is a highly effective and versatile technique that is used in a wide
range of industries to remove impurities and contaminants from liquids and
gases. This process offers several advantages over traditional filtration
techniques, including higher filtration efficiency, longer service life, and
greater versatility. With its wide range of applications and benefits, nonwoven
filtration is likely to remain an important part of modern filtration
technology for many years to come.
The growing
consciousness towards maintaining a clean environment and the escalating need
for nonwoven filters from various end-use industries including medical &
healthcare, water treatment, transportation, HVAC, food & beverage, among
others, have opened up new avenues for the nonwoven filtration market. The
nonwoven filters are not only cost-effective and durable but can also cater to
a wide range of markets, thereby boosting the demand for these filters.
The outbreak of
the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the nonwoven filtration
market due to the suspension of manufacturing operations, supply chain
disruptions, and a decline in demand from several end-use industries.
Nevertheless, the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry's demand for nonwoven
filters increased, which supported the market's growth during the pandemic.
Moreover, the shift towards a healthier lifestyle and an increased awareness of
the air and water quality index has led to the use of nonwoven filters in
various industrial and non-industrial sectors. However, the pandemic severely
affected end-use industries such as food and beverages, automotive, and HVAC
systems.
Nonwoven
Filtration Market Dynamics:
The nonwoven
filtration market is being driven by various factors, with the increasing
demand for water treatment being one of the primary drivers. The growth of the
water treatment industry is predominantly being witnessed in emerging economies
such as China, India, Brazil, and ASEAN countries, owing to economic
limitations related to water treatment and lack of proper regulations. The
governments in these countries are investing heavily in wastewater treatment to
improve the quality of water.
With growing
concern and stringent government regulations regarding water quality in both
developed and developing regions, governments and manufacturing industries are
emphasizing water treatment. Consequently, several countries are spending on
expanding new water treatment plants and increasing the capacity of present
ones, thereby driving the nonwoven filtration market.
One of the
significant challenges faced by the water treatment industry is the limited
availability of freshwater resources. Out of the total water resources
globally, only 2.5% is freshwater resources, making water availability for
industrial and domestic usage a tough challenge. Industrial water consumption
accounts for approximately 25% of the total water consumption, and it is used
in various applications of industrial processes such as oil & gas, mining,
agriculture & irrigation, construction, food & beverage, life sciences,
and pharma & biopharma industries. Therefore, efficient recycling and reuse
of water have become crucial with the use of water treatment due to the
increasing gap between the demand and supply of water for industrial use.
Environmental regulations regarding wastewater discharge have also played a vital
role in driving the demand for nonwoven filters for industrial water and
wastewater treatment.
The demand for
water treatment is expected to be higher in developing economies such as China,
Brazil, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Argentina, Chile, and Vietnam than in
developed countries, owing to rising industrial expansions and the need for
fresh and clean water for domestic, agricultural, and industrial purposes. The
growth in the power, oil & gas, mining, and chemical industries, especially
in developing economies, is expected to drive the nonwoven filtration market
during the forecast period.
Opportunities:
Profileration of advance technologies:
The industrial
filter market is highly competitive, with various Layer Types, technologies,
and filter media available. Additionally, specific standards are set for the
manufacturing of filter products to maintain air and water quality. Nonwoven
filters are in high demand due to their effectiveness in reducing contamination
and maintenance costs, preserving natural resources, and increasing operational
efficiency in industrial processes. This has led to a rise in prices, making it
challenging for brand owners to combat inferior-quality and low-cost
alternatives provided by gray markets, especially in price-sensitive emerging
economies. This presents a barrier for global players to enter the local
market, posing a challenge for the nonwoven filtration industry.
On the other
hand, the proliferation of advanced technologies in the textile industry is
creating opportunities for growth, especially for nonwoven filtration
materials. The development of new technologies is expected to reduce production
costs, making the supply and manufacturing of nonwoven textiles commercially
feasible. Advancements in technologies such as airlaid, wetlaid, spunbond
process, crabbing, calendaring, wrenching, creeping, pressing, spgrinding,
singeing, washing, litting, printing, dyeing, and chemical finishing have
enabled nonwoven textile fibers to possess functional properties required for
nonwoven filtration. Filtration media suppliers are also focusing on more
value-added, high-performing solutions that are efficient and provide cleaner
energy. The usage of nanofiber and high-performance material technologies is
providing alternatives to traditional membranes, creating new opportunities for
nonwoven filtration material manufacturers. While high-performance fibers are
largely produced in technologically advanced countries such as the US, Japan,
Canada, and some European countries, developing countries such as India, China,
and South Korea are also making progress in this area.
Challenges:
Frequent replacement of industrial filters:
One of the
significant environmental concerns nowadays is the frequent disposal and
replacement of industrial filters as they contain toxic substances. In the
pharmaceutical industry, for instance, air filters may contain pathogens that
can survive for extended periods in humid environments, making their proper
disposal crucial to prevent harm to the environment. However, ISO 14001 has
compelled filter manufacturers to adopt environmental policies and strive to
reduce industrial waste. Many companies also focus on the proper disposal of
nonwoven filters used in various industrial applications.
The water
filtration segment holds the largest share in the overall nonwoven filtration
market due to the growing concern related to water treatment and significant investment
from the government and industrial sector. The expansion of existing water
filtration plant capacities and the development of new water treatment plants
are also supporting the growth of the nonwoven filtration market.
The synthetic
segment is estimated to be the largest market for nonwoven filtration due to
several factors such as high performance characteristics, availability of raw
materials, ease of formulation and application, and low cost. Synthetic filter
media use both mechanical and electrostatically charged methods, improving the
initial filtration effectiveness without altering airflow resistance.
In 2022, the
multi-layer nonwoven filter segment had the largest market share in nonwoven
filtration. This is due to the improved physical and filtration characteristics
provided by the structural anisotropy of different fibers used in multi-layer
nonwoven filter fabrics. Gas turbine applications have benefited from the use
of these filters as they outperformed single layer filters.
The spunbond
segment is the largest in the nonwoven filtration market, followed by the melt
blow segment, according to technology. Spunbond technology offers better
filtration efficiency and durability, which is why it is in high demand in the
nonwoven filtration market.
During the
forecast period, the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region will have the largest share of
the nonwoven filtration market. The increase in investments in industries such
as manufacturing, medical & healthcare, and food & beverage will drive
the demand for nonwoven filtration in the APAC region. Additionally, the growth
of the market will be supported by increasing government regulations, rising
awareness, and industrial initiatives for sustainable development.
Market Segmentation
For the purpose
of this report, the global Nonwoven Filtration market segmented on the basis of
filter type, layer type, technology, end user, end-use, and region:
Filter Type Outlook:
On the basis of
filter type, the market is segmented into natural, synthetic.
Layer Type Outlook:
On the basis of
Layer Type, the market is segmented into Single, Multi-layer.
Technology Outlook:
On the basis of
Technology, the market is segmented into Airlaid, Meltblow, Needlepunch,
Spunbond, Spunlace, Thermobond, Wetlaid, Others.
Figure 1 Nonwoven Filtration Market By Technology (Market Size And Forecast By Value - USD Million, 2022 & 2030)