Spunlace nonwovens-opportunities & challenges
——Derek Budgell, Kestrel Cellulose & Joanne Marentette, Marentech Research
Their report is divided into three parts.
First of all, the global fiber market and spunlacing process. From a global perspective, fiber is expected to grow at an annual rate of about 3% over the next decade. Spunbond is the largest non-woven industry in China, followed by spunlaced and knitted goods. Spunlaced nonwovens have developed rapidly in the past 15 years and will grow further in the future.
Secondly, the challenges and opportunities faced by cellulose fiber. Wipes and their disposal, the release of the world's first "washable" label standard, will help curb the costly burden of sewer clogging across the country; one-off plastic directives may increase the additional demand for up to 1 million tons of cellulose; bioplastics, including woven and non-woven fabrics, is expected to see significant growth in the bioplastics industry.
Finally, the summary. The spunlaced nonwovens market continues to grow, while problems need to be addressed; due to the unique properties and biodegradability of viscose, Lyocell fiber and wood pulp, as well as opportunities for further development, biodegradable bioplastics can replace PET; innovation is the key, and patents are an important part of the innovation process.