Home > Industrial Machinery > HVAC > Filters > Nonwoven Filter Media Market
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.