One of the key drivers for nonwovens replacing other materials is the promotion of sustainable products.

“Even during the recession, environmental issues did not go away and as the economy improves they will go right back to the top of the agenda,” predicted Dr George Kellie, director of the consultancy Kellie Solutions.

Speaking at the 20102 EDANA Eurasia Nonwoven Conference in Istanbul, he stressed that in packaging applications nonwovens offer solutions for lightweighting, while their ability to be recovered or recycled, along with their strength and the opportunities they provide for product personalisation, will drive progress.

Spunbonded materials in particular – which account for over 50% of all packaging nonwovens – are not only strong and durable, but also isotropic, with equal strength in both directions of the material.