Author(s): Mona Verma and Krishna Khambra

Abstract:
The nonwovens sector has recorded worldwide growth of 7 to 8 per cent in recent years. In Asia, the sector has grown by 10.7 per cent, while in Latin America; it has recorded an 8.5 per cent growth. The sector has grown at 15 per cent in the Middle East. Keeping in mind the large market, it is obvious that the nonwovens sector has a huge scope in India, especially in the quota-free regime. Studies have revealed that the sector will witness the strongest growth in Asia in the coming years. Nonwoven textiles are used for preparing fireproof clothing, shoe components, interlining for garments, surgical pads, medical clothing, diapers, tampons etc. These are also used for preparing building & construction products. There is a tremendous scope for expansion in the nonwovens segment of the textiles industry. Over the last few years, nonwoven has been one of the fastest growing segments of the global textiles industry. However, in India, despite great demand for nonwovens, the sector has largely remained untouched. Only one per cent of the total demand for such material is met from local sources, India is the second largest textile economy in the world after China, but its contribution in the nonwoven textiles market is negligible. The market for nonwovens in India is estimated to be worth Rs 6000 crore, but the actual production of such textiles within the country is just around one per cent. There is an urgent need to promote the production of non-woven textile in India to make the presence in global market.