Nonwoven Filter Media Market Size - By Product Type, By Filtration Media, By End User, By Distribution Channel Analysis, Share, Growth Forecast, 2024 - 2032

Nonwoven Filter Media Market Size

The global nonwoven filter media market was valued at USD 9.2 Billion in 2023 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 5.6% from 2024 to 2032. The global market is witnessing steady growth, driven by rising demands in air and water filtration, industrial needs, healthcare applications, technological advancements, and a focus on environmental sustainability.
 

As industrialization and urbanization rise, concerns about air quality increase. Consequently, nonwoven filter media find extensive applications in air filtration systems, including HVAC units, industrial air filtration, and automotive air filters. Globally, ensuring a clean water supply is paramount. Nonwoven filter materials play a crucial role in water filtration processes, like reverse osmosis, and in delivering clean drinking water. This drives their demand across residential, industrial, and municipal sectors.
 

Furthermore, industries such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and food & beverages rely on filtration solutions to uphold product quality and meet environmental standards. These industries favor nonwoven filter media for their efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and customization potential. Moreover, advancements in nonwoven technology, including electrostatic filtration and nano-fiber-based media, have enhanced filtration performance. This progress has expanded their use in high-performance filters, such as HEPA filters, for both air and liquid filtration systems.
 

Nonwoven Filter Media Market Trends

Nonwovens are the fastest-growing segment in the textile industry. Their fibre consumption exceeds that of woven, knitted, and other textile products. This growth is driven by technological advancements, new product developments, and increased consumer awareness and adoption. The expanding hygiene and medical sectors, especially in Asia-Pacific and Latin America, also support market growth. The Asia-Pacific region, led by China and India, is expected to dominate due to its emerging economies and rising consumer awareness of nonwoven benefits.
 

Furthermore, electrostatic, and nanofiber-based nonwoven filters are gaining popularity for their superior filtration efficiency. These filters capture tiny particles, including viruses, bacteria, and fine dust, making them ideal for healthcare, automotive, and industrial uses. Nanofiber filters excel at trapping sub-micron particles, offering better performance at thinner layers. The demand for reusable filters is rising, especially in HVAC systems and consumer air purifiers, as sustainability becomes a priority. Manufacturers are developing washable and durable nonwoven filters that can be reused multiple times, reducing waste and the need for frequent replacements.
 

Manufacturers produce nonwoven filter media using synthetic fibres like polyester, polypropylene, and nylon. Fluctuating prices of petrochemical-based raw materials can increase production costs, affecting pricing and profitability. Global supply chain disruptions can cause raw material shortages and production delays, worsened by transportation issues and geopolitical tensions.
 

Moreover, the nonwoven filter media market is highly competitive, with many players, especially in Asia's low-cost manufacturing hubs. These companies benefit from lower labour costs, allowing them to offer cheaper products, which pressures established players elsewhere. Innovations like electrostatic filtration and nanofiber-based media offer better performance but require significant R&D investment and specialized equipment. This can be challenging for smaller companies, limiting their market participation.
 

Nonwoven Filter Media Market Analysis

Based on product type, the market can be segmented into carded, wetlaid, meltblown, spunbonded, airlaid, and others. The meltblown segment accounted for revenue of around USD 3 Billion in the year 2023 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of around 5.9% from 2024 to 2032. Meltblown nonwovens are essential for high-efficiency filtration in air and liquid systems. Known for capturing fine particles, they are used in HEPA filters, face masks, and respirators. In healthcare, they are crucial for medical face masks, respirators, surgical gowns, and wound dressings. The ongoing focus on infection control and personal protective equipment keeps demand high.
 

On the other hand, spunbonded nonwovens, valued for their strength and durability, are ideal for applications needing mechanical stress resistance, such as industrial air filtration, oil & gas, and chemical industries. Moreover, wetlaid nonwovens, known for high absorbency, are used in oil and water filtration systems. Their excellent uniformity and liquid retention make them suitable for industrial liquid filters and spill control products. Additionally, their high absorbency and smooth texture drives their use in medical wipes and personal hygiene products. As demand for healthcare and hygiene products grows, the wetlaid nonwoven segment benefits.
 

Based on the end user, the global nonwoven filter media market is categorized as commercial and industrial. The industrial segment held around 62% of the total market share in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 5.7% during the forecast period. Industries like mining, steel manufacturing, and cement production rely on high-efficiency air filters made from spunbond, meltblown, and carded nonwoven fabrics. These filters are crucial for dust collection, smoke filtration, and air quality management. Nonwoven filters also ensure clean air and liquid filtration in packaging applications, maintaining contamination-free environments in clean rooms and during manufacturing.
 

On the other hand, in commercial applications, nonwoven filter media are essential for air purification and ventilation. The demand for high-performance nonwoven air filters has increased in offices, hospitals, and hotels due to a focus on air quality. Meltblown and spunbond nonwoven fabrics are favored for their fine particle filtration. Growing concerns about indoor air quality have boosted the demand for air purifiers. Nonwoven filters, especially HEPA and electrostatic types, are widely used in air purifiers for homes and commercial spaces like offices, schools, and hospitals.
 

In terms of the country, the U.S. dominates with an overall North America nonwoven filter media market and valued at USD 2 Bn in 2023 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 5.5% from 2024 to 2032. Advancements in filtration technology, rising demand for high-performance air and liquid filtration solutions, and evolving regulatory standards are driving the growth of the U.S. market. Post-COVID-19, awareness of air quality has surged, increasing demand for nonwoven filter media in HVAC systems, air purifiers, and face masks. Concerns about air pollution, allergens, and respiratory illnesses have further boosted the need for effective filtration in residential and commercial buildings.
 

Moreover, the automotive industry significantly drives the U.S. nonwoven filter media market. Nonwoven filters are used in air, oil, fuel, and cabin air filters. The shift to electric vehicles (EVs) and a focus on fuel efficiency and emissions control have increased the demand for advanced filtration technologies. Additionally, the oil & gas, chemical, and manufacturing sectors in the U.S. use nonwoven filter media to ensure clean air and water, complying with environmental regulations.
 

North America: In terms of the country, the US dominates with an overall market share of around 72% in North America nonwoven filter media market. Advancements in filtration technology, rising demand for high-performance air and liquid filtration solutions, and evolving regulatory standards are driving the growth of the U.S. market.
 

On the other hand, Canada market expressing notable growth rate of around 5.8% in 2023. Several factors, including increased demand for efficient filtration, stricter environmental regulations, and advancements in technology, are driving the growth of Canada's market.
 

Europe: The Europe nonwoven filter media market with a market share of around 26% in 2023 and anticipated to grow with a CAGR of around 5.4% during the forecast period. In Europe, the automotive sector, especially with the rise of electric vehicles (EVs), is a major consumer of nonwoven filter media. These fabrics are used in air, oil, fuel, and cabin air filters. The push for low-emission and fuel-efficient vehicles is boosting the need for better filtration systems.
 

In terms of country, Germany market expressing notable growth rate of around 6% in 2023. Germany is a key market for nonwoven filter media in Europe. Its strong industrial base, leading automotive sector, and high healthcare and environmental standards drive the demand for these products.
 

Asia Pacific: The Asia Pacific nonwoven filter media market with a market share of around 32% in 2023 and anticipated to grow with a CAGR of around 6% during the forecast period. The Asia Pacific market is growing rapidly due to industrialization, urbanization, environmental concerns, and the demand for advanced filtration technologies.
 

In terms of country, China is dominating the Asia Pacific market in terms of market share of around 32% during the 2023. China faces severe air pollution, especially in major cities. The government has introduced plans like the Air Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan, which require advanced air filtration systems in industries and urban buildings.
 

Nonwoven Filter Media Market Share

In 2023, key companies like Ahlstrom, Camfil Group, Freudenberg Group, Kimberly-Clark, and Mann+Hummel held a combined market share of 20%-25%. These companies are actively engaging in mergers, acquisitions, facility expansions, and collaborations to enhance their product portfolios, reach more customers, and strengthen their market positions.
 

3M, DuPont, and Donaldson are heavily investing in advanced filtration technologies like nanofiber filters, electrostatic media, and multifunctional filter materials to boost efficiency and capture fine particles. Manufacturers such as Ahlstrom, Freudenberg, and Mogul are focusing on eco-friendly nonwoven materials and sustainable production. They use biodegradable fibers, recyclable materials, and low-carbon manufacturing techniques to reduce their environmental impact.
 

Nonwoven Filter Media Market Companies

Major players operating in the nonwoven filter media industry are:

• 3M
• Ahlstrom
• Americo 
• Avintiv
• Camfil Group
• Donaldson
• DuPont
• Freudenberg Group
• Gessener
• Glatfelter
• Johns Manville
• Kimberly-Clark 
• Mann+Hummel
• Mogul
• Sandler Group 
   

Nonwoven Filter Media Industry News

• In October 2024, Gessner launched its Alphastar tribo-electric nonwoven and NeenahPure meltblown nonwoven with an activated carbon layer for pleatable and bag filters. These electrostatic filter media can be customized for various filtration needs.
   
• In September 2024, Donaldson highlighted its future-focused technologies at IAA Transportation 2024 in Hanover, Germany. Highlights included alternative power filtration systems, non-diesel fuel filtration technologies for better efficiency and longevity, and venting solutions to help customers meet environmental regulations.
   
• In August 2024, Mann+Hummel introduced the Mann-Filter FreciousPlus with nanofibers for cabin air filtration. This filter captures ultra-fine particles and pollutants from both outside and inside the vehicle, and protects against allergens, bacteria, and mold.
   
• In July 2023, Ahlstrom launched a new HVAC filter media portfolio from its production facility in Turin, Italy. This range of filtration materials is designed to protect people and equipment in enclosed environments, reflecting Ahlstrom's commitment to high-performance and premium quality filters.
   

This nonwoven filter media market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD Billion) & volume (Million Square Meters) from 2021 to 2032, for the following segments:

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Market, By Product Type

• Carded 
• Wetlaid 
• Meltblown 
• Spunbonded 
• Airlaid
• Others (needlepunch etc.)

Market, By Filtration Media

• Air filtration
• Liquid filtration     

Market, By End Users

• Commercial
• Industrial
  • HVAC
  • Transportation
  • Water filtration
  • Food & beverages
  • Manufacturing
  • Others (healthcare etc.)     

Market, By Distribution Channel

• Direct sales
• Indirect sales   

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

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • UK
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Australia 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico 
• MEA
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa