WHAT ARE NONWOVENS?
Nonwovens are textiles/sheet products which are different from the conventional textile fabrics and paper. Nonwovens are not based on yarns and do not normally contain yarns. They are based on webs of individual fibers. Nonwovens usually consist entirely or at least contain a sizeable proportion of long fibers and/or they are bonded intermittently. Although paper consists of fiber webs, the fibers are bonded to each other so completely that the entire sheet comprises one unit. In nonwovens the fibers are not rigidly bonded and to a large degree act as individuals.
NONWOVEN DEFINITION
The Association of the Nonwovens Fabrics Industry (INDA) has a definition about nonwovens:
INDA definition: Nonwoven fabrics are broadly defined as sheet or web structures bonded together by entangling fiber or filaments (and by perforating films) mechanically, thermally or chemically. They are flat, porous sheets that are made directly from separate fibers or from molten plastic or plastic film. They are not made by weaving or knitting and do not require converting the fibers to yarn.
HOW NONWOVENS ARE MADE?
The production of nonwovens can be described as taking place in three stages. The three stages are:
- Web Formation
- Web Bonding
- Finishing Treatment

Web formation methods:
- Spun-laid
- Dry-laid
- Wet-laid
- Meltblown

Web bonding methods
- Adding an adhesive
- Thermally fusing the fibers or filaments to each other or to the other meltable fibers or powders.
- Fusing fibers by first dissolving, and then resolidifying their surfaces.
- Creating physical tangles or tuft among the fibers.
- Stitching the fibers or filaments in place.

Fibers used in nonwovens
A large number of fibers are available n the market, but the nonwoven market is mainly dominated by three fibers, namely polyolefins, polyester, and rayon. Nonwovens used in hygiene industry are mostly made from polyolefins (polyethylene and polypropylene) because they provide the highest yield (fiber per kilogram) at the lowest cost due to their low density.
NONWOVEN CLASSIFICATION
Depending on the methods to form the webs, nonwovens can be classified into the following types:

      - Spunbond nonwovens
      - Meltblown nonwovens, and Spunbond-Meltblown (SMS, etc.) nonwovens
      - Dry-laid nonwovens
      - Wet-laid nonwovens
MAIN APPLICATIONS IN HYGIENE INDUSTRY
- Top sheet
- Leg cuff
- Acquisition/distribution layer
- Absorbent core systems
- Backsheet
KEY NONWOVEN SUPPLIERS
Will introduce key nonwoven suppliers for hygiene industry next month.