Global nonwoven wipes study says world sales nearing $20 billion this year; 5.8% CAGR seen through 2025




LEATHERHEAD, UK and AKRON, OH, December 1, 2020-

The global nonwoven wipes industry will reach $19.64 billion in 2020, as disinfecting and other nonwoven wipes are seen as essential tools to restrict the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

For disinfecting wipes tonnage growth in 2020 will be 36.8%, according to data from the new dedicated Smithers study – The Future of Global Nonwoven Wipes to 2025; with some producers reporting this would be over 200% if sufficient capacity was available.

The specific conditions of the Covid-19 outbreak means that demand for many wipes that have historically been are often seen as discretionary purchases, will remain recession-proof across the recovery period. Total market value will reach $20.63 billion in 2021, and continue to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8% to reach $26.07 billion in 2025.

The volume of nonwoven material will rise across the same period. From 26.24 million metres square and 1.44 million tonnes in 2020; to 38.32 million metres square and 1.97 million tonnes in 2025.

Report author Phil Mango explains: "Through the pandemic, the nonwovens wipes industry has continued operating, providing tools for slowing and reducing the impact of the virus. In 2020, the nonwoven wipes industry has experienced a surge in demand that has challenged all stages of the supply chain. Disinfecting wipes have been supplied in record numbers, and demand for antibacterial wipes and healthcare wipes has also increased to extraordinary rates. 

For some wipe segments this elevated demand will remain for several years, – and overall global nonwoven wipes demand through 2025 will exceed previous projections."


The report analyses the market for four main type of wipes (Baby, Personal Care, Home Care, Industrial) and 16 sub-categories. It shows the following outlook for each in 2020 and beyond:


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