Automotive Nonwoven Fabrics Market - By Material Type (Polyester, Polypropylene, Nylon, Polyethylene), By Technology (Spunbond, Needle Punched, Meltblown, Wetlaid), By Vehicle Type (Passenger, Commercial, Electric), By Sales Channel, By Application, Forecast 2024 – 2032

Automotive Nonwoven Fabrics Market Size

Automotive Nonwoven Fabrics Market size was valued at over USD 3.1 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of over 4% between 2024 and 2032. Nonwoven fabrics provide lightweight & flexible solutions for automotive applications. In the automotive industry, the focus on lightweight vehicles to improve fuel efficiency and reduce carbon emissions is driving the demand for automotive nonwoven fabrics. Nonwoven fabrics are used in applications, such as interior trim, upholstery, and insulation, as replacements for bulkier traditional materials including textiles or foams. They provide comfort and improve the overall aesthetics of automotive interiors. The desire to create fancy, stylish, and impressive interiors is fueling the demand for such fabrics. These factors are anticipated to augment market expansion in the future.
 

Nonwoven fabrics have superior sound absorption and vibration-damping properties, which makes them suitable for Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) reduction in vehicles. As automotive manufacturers aim to enhance passenger comfort and lower the noise inside vehicle cabins, nonwoven fabric demand in NVH applications will increase. These fabrics can be utilized in areas such as carpets, headliners, door panels, and trunk liners.

Nonwoven fabrics are manufactured from various raw materials including synthetic fibers, natural fibers, and resins. Fluctuations in raw material prices can impact the manufacturing costs of nonwoven fabrics. Managing price volatility and ensuring a stable supply of raw materials to maintain profitability are the major challenges faced by manufacturers. Automotive nonwoven fabrics require specialized production methods that can be complex and require high investments in machinery & equipment. Manufacturers find it challenging to implement & optimize these specialized processes while maintaining cost-efficiency and product quality. To overcome these challenges, manufacturers must differentiate their products through innovations, quality, and added value to gain a competitive edge. These risks associated with automotive nonwoven fabrics will reduce their acceptance rate, impeding market growth during the forecast period.
 

COVID-19 Impact

During COVID-19 pandemic, temporary closures and disruptions in automotive manufacturing plants were witnessed worldwide. These disruptions reduced the demand for automotive nonwoven fabrics as vehicle manufacturing slowed down or came to a halt. The decline in vehicle manufacturing hampered nonwoven fabric demand in automotive applications. Restrictions on transportation and movement of goods also impeded the global supply chain of the automotive nonwoven fabrics industry. This resulted in the delayed delivery of raw materials & components, impacting nonwoven fabric manufacturing. Supply chain disruptions also led to higher logistics costs and difficulties in sourcing materials, affecting the overall market.
 

Automotive Nonwoven Fabrics Market Trends

In the automotive industry, the trend of lightweighting is fueling nonwoven fabrics demand. This fabric type offers high strength-to-weight ratios and proves to be an ideal alternative to heavier traditional materials. Lightweighting enhances fuel efficiency, reduces emissions, and improves vehicle performance. In the automotive industry, the rising EV adoption presents new opportunities for nonwoven fabrics in components including battery packs, interior insulation, and thermal management systems. The expanding EV market is anticipated to fuel the demand for nonwoven fabrics with properties such as thermal resistance and electrical insulation. Sustainability is a prime focus area in the automotive industry. Nonwoven fabrics, especially those made from recycled materials or utilizing eco-friendly methods, are gaining popularity.
 

Automotive Nonwoven Fabrics Market Analysis

Based on material type, the automotive nonwoven fabrics market is categorized into polyester, polypropylene, nylon, polyethylene, and other synthetic fibers. The polyester segment held a dominant market size of USD 405.5 million in 2023. Polyester, one of the most used materials in automotive nonwoven fabrics, provides superior durability, strength, and resistance to wear & tear. The versatility and cost-effectiveness of polyester-based nonwoven fabrics are driving their demand. These fabrics are used in applications such as carpeting, trunk liners, seat upholstery, and sound insulation.
 

The polypropylene segment is majorly driven by its low weight & cost, driving global market demand. Specialty materials, such as aramid fibers, glass fibers, and carbon fibers, are utilized for particular automotive nonwoven fabric needs.
 

Based on technology, the automotive nonwoven fabrics market is categorized into spunbond, needle punched, meltblown, wetlaid, and others. The spunbond technology segment held a major share of over 41% in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a significant pace by 2032. In spunbond technology, continuous filaments are extruded and bonded to form nonwoven fabrics. Spunbond fabrics have good strength, durability, and uniformity. The versatility and cost-effectiveness of these fabrics are also driving their demand. This fabric type is used in applications including air & fuel filters, carpeting, headliners, and trunk liners.
 

The use of meltblown nonwoven fabrics in air filtration, oil & fuel filtration, sound insulation, and thermal management applications is fueling their market demand.
 

Based on application, the automotive nonwoven fabrics market is categorized into interior trim, upholstery, carpeting, headliners, parcel shelf, trunk liners, air filters, engine covers, insulation, and others. The interior trim segment held a major market share in 2023. Nonwoven fabrics are extensively utilized in automotive interior trims. They are used for headliners, door panels, dashboard surfaces, carpeting, seat upholstery, and trunk liners. Aesthetics, comfort, sound insulation, moisture management, and durability are a few factors fueling the demand for nonwoven fabrics in interior trim. Factors including comfort, durability, breathability, ease of cleaning, and customization are driving the demand for these fabrics in upholstery & seating.
 

Based on vehicle type, the automotive nonwoven fabrics market is categorized into passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, and electric vehicles. The passenger vehicles segment held a major market share in 2022 and is expected to grow by 2032. Passenger cars including sedans, hatchbacks, and SUVs offer an extensive segment for automotive nonwoven fabrics. Interior aesthetics, comfort, noise reduction, durability, and customization are a few factors fueling the demand for nonwoven fabrics in passenger cars. The growing EV market is accelerating the demand for the market. Heavy commercial vehicles including trucks and buses also need nonwoven fabrics owing to their functional requirements.
 

Based on sales channel, the automotive nonwoven fabrics market is categorized into OEM and aftermarket. The OEM segment held a major market share in 2022 and is projected to grow during the forecast period. OEMs play an important role in fueling global market demand. As suppliers of nonwoven fabrics to automotive manufacturers, OEMs must meet various demands such as product quality, reliability, cost-effectiveness, and the ability to meet specific requirements. The overall manufacturing volume of vehicles, the adoption of nonwoven fabric technologies by OEMs, and the OEMs' preference for trusted & reliable suppliers will influence the demand for nonwoven fabrics during the forecast period.
 

U.S. dominated the North America region with a major market share of USD 422.6 million in 2023 and is projected to grow at a lucrative pace till 2032. North America is a major automotive hub with the presence of several vehicle manufacturers & suppliers. The automotive industry growth including the production of passenger cars, light commercial vehicle, and heavy commercial vehicles is fueling the demand for automotive nonwoven fabrics in the region. Factors including the increased consumer demand, technological advancements, and investments in R&D are boosting automotive sector growth, in turn, driving the demand for nonwoven fabrics.
 

Automotive Nonwoven Fabrics Market Share

Major players operating in the automotive nonwoven fabrics market include :

• Freudenberg Performance Materials
• Ahlstrom-Munksj
• Kimberly-Clark Corporation
• DuPont de Nemours
• Lydall
• Hollingsworth & Vose Company
• Toray Industries
• Mitsui Chemicals
• Berry Global Group
• Asahi Kasei Corporation

These players focus on strategic partnerships, new product launches, and commercialization efforts for market expansion. They are also heavily investing in research to introduce innovative products and garner maximum revenue in the market.
 

The automotive nonwoven fabrics market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD Billion) & volume (Kilo Tons) from 2018 to 2032, for the following segments:

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By Material Type

• Polyester
• Polypropylene
• Nylon
• Polyethylene
• Other Synthetic Fibers

By Technology

• Spunbond
• Needle Punched
• Meltblown
• Wetlaid
• Other technology

By Application

• Interior Trim
• Upholstery
• Carpeting
• Headliners
• Parcel Shelf
• Trunk Liners
• Air Filters
• Engine Covers
• Insulation
• Other application

By Vehicle Type

• Passenger Vehicles
• Commercial Vehicles
• Electric Vehicles

By Sales Channel

• OEM
• Aftermarket

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea
  • Indonesia
  • Malaysia 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
• Middle East & Africa
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Egypt