Nonwoven Fabric
Direct Answer
Nonwoven fabric is the soft, breathable workhorse of hygiene products — engineered fiber sheets used for topsheets, backsheet laminates, ADL layers and wipe substrates.
Key Takeaways
- Nonwoven fabric is a textile-like sheet made directly from fibers bonded by mechanical, thermal or chemical means, without weaving or knitting.
- Fiber types: Mostly polypropylene; also polyester, viscose, cotton blends
- Bonding methods: Spunbond, meltblown, SMS, spunlace, thermal, chemical
- Key functions: Softness, breathability, liquid pass-through, containment
Material Properties
| Property | Typical Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Fiber types | Mostly polypropylene; also polyester, viscose, cotton blends | Fiber choice drives softness, strength and cost |
| Bonding methods | Spunbond, meltblown, SMS, spunlace, thermal, chemical | Each method creates different texture and performance |
| Key functions | Softness, breathability, liquid pass-through, containment | Topsheets let liquid through; backsheet laminates add cloth-like feel |
| Grammage | Typically ~10–60 gsm for hygiene nonwovens | Industry magnitude; varies by layer function |
Applications
- Diaper topsheets
- Cloth-like backsheet laminates
- Acquisition–distribution layers (ADL)
- Sanitary pad covers
- Wipe substrates
Key Manufacturers & Suppliers
- Major global nonwoven producers (e.g., Toray, Mitsui Chemicals, Asahi Kasei, Berry Global)
- Integrated hygiene converters with in-house nonwoven lines
Supplier lists reflect commonly cited industry names, not endorsements. Always verify current supply arrangements directly.
Safety Notes
Hygiene nonwovens are designed for skin contact and are generally well tolerated. Additives and finishes vary by grade — sensitive-skin users should look for fragrance-free, low-additive options.