BRUSSELS — March 31, 2025 — EDANA, the international association representing the nonwovens sector and related industries, has released its annual summary of key figures from the EDANA Statistics Report on Nonwovens Production and Deliveries for 2024.
The latest data reveals that in 2024, compared to 2023, the production of nonwovens in Greater Europe increased by 2.6% in volume, reaching 2,976,400 tonnes, and by 2.9% in surface area, resulting in a total of 85.1 billion square meters produced. However, varying trends were noted at the national level among Greater European countries, as well as across different nonwoven production processes and market segments.
Jacques Prigneaux, EDANA’s Market Analysis and Economic Affairs Director, elaborated on these trends: “In the aftermath of two consecutive declines of more than 5% in 2022 and 2023, the production of nonwovens in Greater Europe has reverted to its pre-pandemic level in terms of weight. At the same time, the production in surface area grew faster, resulting in an average grammage of 34.9 gsm, as opposed to the 37.2 gsm recorded in 2019.”
Wetlaid nonwovens, which saw a notable decrease in 2023, exhibited the highest growth rates this year. In contrast, airlaid was the only web-forming method to experience a decline in 2024, although it had shown growth the previous year. Spunmelt production continues to lead in terms of surface area.
Drylaid showed modest growth, driven by positive trends in the production and sales of air-through and hydro-entangled materials.
The primary end-use for nonwovens remains in the hygiene sector, which accounted for 27% of deliveries, totaling 797,300 tons, and demonstrating a 1.7% increase in 2024. Last year, the segments that experienced the most significant growth in nonwovens included building and roofing materials (+14.2%), food and beverage applications (+13%), cotton pads (+4.9%), and personal care wipes (+4.8%).
Prigneaux remarked, “thanks to data collected in two units, our statistics provide EDANA members with the opportunity to thoroughly analyze trends in tonnage and surface area across 11 production processes and at least 83 market segments.”
EDANA expresses gratitude to all participating companies that contributed to the data collection effort. Their valuable input ensures a precise and comprehensive portrayal of the nonwovens market. “Without the input from participating companies,” Jacques Prigneaux stated, “these figures could not have been compiled, and we would like to thank them again for their efforts in sending their input to us. This data, combined with continuous monitoring of the industry, guarantees that EDANA statistics serve as a valuable planning and benchmarking instrument for all member companies.”
