INDA 2025 Report: Nonwovens Grow with Sustainability Focus

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, has released the 12th annual North American Nonwovens Supply Report, highlighting the region’s continued capacity growth and its shift toward sustainable production.

According to the report, North American nonwovens capacity increased by over 100,000 tonnes for the second consecutive year, reaching 5.73 million tonnes in 2024. This growth, based on producer surveys and expert interviews, reflects widespread investment across processing methods and a broad range of end-use markets.

While production output showed signs of slowing in 2024, the deployment of larger, more efficient machines is expected to yield operational gains in the near future. The industry’s increased focus on long-life product sectors is a clear indicator of its strategic alignment with sustainability goals, reflecting a desire to reduce environmental impact through more durable goods.

The report includes in-depth data on production capacity, output, operating rates, and trade flows across Canada, the U.S., and Mexico. It also covers composites, roll goods, and finished goods, providing a comprehensive view of the North American nonwovens market.

Tony Fragnito, President and CEO of INDA, emphasized:
“As part of INDA’s role to be the industry’s trusted data source, this report offers valuable insights for benchmarking, strategic planning, and decision-making. This year’s findings highlight a resilient industry expanding capacity with ongoing investments across all regions and sectors, a strategic shift toward sustainable, long-life products, and a commitment to innovation and meeting rising demand across North America.”

The report was created through extensive collaboration with nonwoven producers and industry leaders. Those who contributed data received the full report for free. INDA members benefit from additional access to key summaries such as the INDA Market Pulse and the Price Trends Summary.

This report also lays the foundation for the biennial Global Nonwoven Markets Report, scheduled for release in November 2024.

Mark Snider, INDA’s Chief Market and Industry Analyst, noted:
“INDA is committed to continuing to improve the quality of our data and industry insights, and the ongoing strong participation from suppliers makes that possible. As the market evolves to increasing pressures within the global supply chain, this report examines the key dynamics driving these changes.”

For more information or to purchase the report, visit INDA’s Market Intelligence portal.