Italy Nonwoven Fabric Market Overview, 2030

The nonwoven fabric industry in Italy has witnessed a steady evolution, with the market gaining momentum over the past few decades. Nonwoven fabrics were introduced in Italy primarily in response to the need for efficient, cost-effective materials for various industrial and consumer applications. In the early 1980s, Italy began to embrace nonwoven technology, initially focusing on the textile sector, as traditional fabrics were not meeting the demand for lightweight, durable, and affordable alternatives. Italian manufacturers quickly realized the potential of nonwoven fabrics in a variety of sectors, including automotive, hygiene, medical, and packaging. The flexibility and cost-effectiveness of nonwoven materials allowed companies to meet the rising demands for high-performance products at lower costs. Italy also became a hub for innovation in nonwoven fabric production, with several leading companies investing in advanced technologies such as spunbond, meltblown, and air-laid processes. These innovations helped Italian manufacturers gain a competitive edge, particularly in the production of hygiene products, such as diapers and sanitary napkins, which require highly specialized nonwoven fabrics. The product is typically created by bonding fibers together through mechanical, chemical, or thermal processes, eliminating the need for weaving or knitting. This process results in a fabric that is not only strong and durable but also lightweight and absorbent, making it suitable for various end uses. Nonwoven fabrics are used in the automotive sector for interior components like seat linings and headliners, while in the medical field, they are widely used for surgical gowns, face masks, and wound dressings due to their disposable nature and excellent barrier properties. Italy’s strong manufacturing base, coupled with a focus on research and development, has enabled it to remain at the forefront of nonwoven technology in Europe. The country’s commitment to sustainability has also influenced the market, with many manufacturers now shifting towards eco-friendly, biodegradable, and recyclable nonwoven products. Government policies and initiatives, including Italy’s push toward circular economy models and green manufacturing practices, have further accelerated the growth of the nonwoven fabric industry. In recent years, Italy has become a key player in the European and global nonwoven fabric market, exporting significant quantities of high-quality nonwoven materials worldwide. The adoption of nonwoven technology in Italy has been facilitated by strong research investments and technological collaboration, allowing the country to meet the evolving demands of industries requiring sustainable, cost-effective, and functional materials.

According to the research report, "Italy Nonwoven Fabrics Market Overview, 2030," published by Bonafide Research, the Italy nonwoven fabrics market is anticipated to grow at more than 5.39% CAGR from 2025 to 2030. This growth trajectory is expected to be driven by a rising demand for nonwoven fabrics across key industrial applications such as hygiene, healthcare, automotive, agriculture, and construction. While Italy's market was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the sector showed resilience through a rapid shift towards the production of medical and hygiene-related products, such as face masks, gowns, and other personal protective equipment (PPE). Before the pandemic, Italy's nonwoven fabrics market was characterized by steady growth, driven primarily by the automotive, construction, and home textiles sectors. The pandemic, however, saw a drastic spike in demand for medical nonwovens, placing increased pressure on manufacturers to expand their output quickly to meet the urgent needs of hospitals and frontline workers. In the aftermath of the pandemic, Italy's nonwoven fabric market saw a strong recovery with increased investments in production capacity and a focus on strengthening supply chain resilience. Notably, raw material availability and labor shortages during the pandemic underscored the need for local production and self-sufficiency, which remains a key focus for the future. Major market players, including RadiciGroup, Kemitex Srl, Soft Nonwoven, and Mondi Group, continue to dominate the Italian market, with a strong presence across several application areas such as hygiene, healthcare, and automotive. Kemitex Srl has maintained a solid reputation for producing high-quality nonwoven fabrics with a focus on sustainability. Similarly, Soft Nonwoven, with its expertise in polypropylene spunbonded fabrics, has been a key contributor to the market, catering to a diverse set of industries. New entrants such as Nowotec are introducing specialized solutions, particularly focused on tailored cuts and packaging for nonwoven products. These innovations reflect the ongoing technological advancements in Italy’s nonwoven fabric sector, where market players are focused on product diversification, cost-efficiency, and improving manufacturing processes.

In Italy, nonwoven fabrics are predominantly produced using a variety of polymers, each chosen for its specific qualities that cater to diverse industrial needs. The most widely used polymer in Italy’s nonwoven fabric production is polypropylene (PP), owing to its low cost, durability, and versatility. It is extensively employed in the production of hygiene products like diapers, sanitary pads, and medical textiles. Polyethylene (PE) is also a significant polymer, particularly valued for its flexibility and water resistance, which makes it ideal for agricultural films and protective covers. The use of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) in nonwoven fabrics has been increasing, especially in the automotive and filtration sectors. PET’s strength, thermal stability, and resistance to shrinkage make it suitable for high-performance applications. Additionally, wood pulp is increasingly used in biodegradable nonwoven fabrics, primarily for hygiene and medical applications, reflecting Italy’s growing emphasis on eco-friendly products. Rayon, a semi-synthetic fiber, has seen rising use due to its softness and absorbency, qualities essential for personal care products like wipes and diapers. Compared to other polymers, polypropylene remains dominant in Italy due to its cost-effectiveness and versatility, but the market is witnessing a growing shift towards more sustainable materials like wood pulp and rayon, driven by both consumer demand and environmental concerns. These changes reflect Italy’s move toward more eco-conscious production processes in response to regulatory pressures and consumer preferences, especially in industries like hygiene, medical, and automotive sectors, where sustainable materials are gaining momentum.

In Italy, the production of nonwoven fabrics employs several technologies, each offering distinct advantages for various applications. The spunbond process is the most commonly used technology for producing nonwoven fabrics. This process involves extruding polymer filaments, which are then laid down in a web structure and bonded by heat or pressure. Spunbond nonwovens are known for their high strength and durability, making them ideal for use in a wide range of sectors, including medical, hygiene, and automotive applications. Wet-laid technology, on the other hand, uses water as a medium to create a web of fibers, which are then bonded through mechanical or chemical means. This process is often used to produce nonwovens for the filtration and hygiene industries, where high absorbency and softness are required. Dry-laid technology, which involves carding or air laying, is often used in the production of nonwovens for applications in automotive, construction, and packaging industries. It offers good strength and excellent air permeability. Air-laid technology, typically used for producing absorbent materials like wipes and medical products, uses air to lay down fibers and bond them to form a soft, highly absorbent fabric. As demand grows for eco-friendly products, technologies like wet-laid and air-laid are becoming more prominent in Italy, as they offer opportunities for using sustainable and biodegradable fibers, such as wood pulp or cotton, alongside synthetic materials. These technologies help Italian manufacturers meet increasing demand for sustainable products while maintaining cost-efficiency and high-quality production.

In Italy, nonwoven fabrics are used across a broad spectrum of industries, with their functionality and applications expanding rapidly due to technological advancements and evolving market demands. The hygiene sector, for example, is a major consumer of nonwoven fabrics, particularly for products like diapers, sanitary napkins, and adult incontinence products. Nonwoven fabrics made from polypropylene and polyethylene is highly valued for their softness, breathability, and absorbency, qualities that are essential for personal care items. The medical sector is another significant application area, where nonwoven fabrics are used in surgical drapes, gowns, and wound care products due to their sterile and lightweight nature. The automotive industry in Italy also relies heavily on nonwoven fabrics for components such as insulation, padding, and soundproofing, where materials like polyester and polypropylene are commonly used. Additionally, the building and construction sector utilizes nonwovens in geotextiles, roofing materials, and insulation products, benefiting from their strength and durability. The nonwoven fabric market in Italy is expanding as new applications continue to emerge. In particular, there is growing demand for nonwoven materials in filtration systems, which are used in both industrial and residential settings. The growing focus on sustainability has driven increased use of biodegradable and recyclable nonwovens, particularly in sectors such as agriculture and packaging. These materials offer environmental benefits and fulfill the increasing demand for sustainable solutions. Moreover, the demand for high-quality, cost-effective nonwoven products is expected to continue growing as industries seek alternatives to traditional fabrics and materials. With Italy's commitment to sustainability and innovation, the nonwoven fabric market is likely to experience further growth in the coming years.



Considered in the report:
• Estimated Year: 2025
• Base year: 2024
• Historical year: 2019
• Forecasted year: 2030

Aspects covered in the report:
• Market Size by Value for the period (2019-2030F)
• Market Share by Polymer Type
• Market Share by Function
• Market Share by Technology
• Market Share by Application
• Market Share by Region
• Market Share by Company

By Polymer Type
• Polypropylene
• Polyethylene
• Polyethylene Terephthalate
• Wood Pulp
• Rayon
• Others

By Application
• Hygiene
• Medical
• Filtration
• Automotive
• Building & Construction
• Others

By Function
• Disposable
• Durables

By Technology
• Spunbond
• Wet Laid
• Dry Laid
• Air Laid

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to Nonwoven Fabric Industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.