How to Choose Non Woven Fabric: A Complete Guide for Buyers

Non woven fabrics are widely used across industries including hygiene, medical, packaging, agriculture, and industrial filtration. According to data from the EDANA and INDA Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, the global nonwoven fabric market exceeded 14 million tons annually and continues to grow at over 6% CAGR.

However, many buyers face the same question:

How do you choose the right non woven fabric for your application?

Different manufacturing processes, materials, weights, and performance characteristics make nonwoven fabrics highly versatile—but also confusing for new buyers.

In this guide, we will explain:

• The main types of nonwoven fabrics

• Key parameters to evaluate

• A comparison table of different processes

• Typical applications

• Frequently asked questions from buyers

By the end of this article, you will know exactly how to select the best nonwoven fabric for your project.

1. What Is Non Woven Fabric?

Non woven fabric is a textile material made without weaving or knitting. Instead, fibers are bonded together through mechanical, thermal, or chemical processes.

Common raw materials include:

• Polypropylene (PP)

• Polyester (PET)

• Viscose

• Wood pulp

• Polyethylene (PE)

Compared with traditional woven fabrics, nonwoven fabrics offer several advantages:

Because of these advantages, nonwoven fabrics are widely used in disposable products and industrial materials.

2. Global Market Growth of Non Woven Fabrics

The demand for nonwoven fabrics has increased rapidly over the past decade.

According to industry reports from EDANA and INDA Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry:

Major application sectors include:

This rapid growth makes choosing the correct material specification more important than ever.

3. Types of Non Woven Fabric

Understanding the manufacturing process is the first step when choosing nonwoven fabric.

3.1 Spunbond Nonwoven Fabric

Spunbond fabric is one of the most common types of nonwoven fabric. The fibers are spun and bonded directly to form a strong and durable structure.

Characteristics

• High strength

• Good breathability

• Low cost

• Uniform fiber distribution

Common applications

• Shopping bags

• Agricultural covers

• Furniture lining

• Packaging materials

3.2 Meltblown Nonwoven Fabric

Meltblown fabric uses extremely fine fibers produced by high-speed hot air.

Characteristics

• Excellent filtration efficiency

• Very fine fiber diameter

• Good absorption capability

Common applications

• Mask filters

• Air filtration

• Oil absorption

3.3 SMS Nonwoven Fabric

SMS stands for Spunbond + Meltblown + Spunbond layered structure.

Advantages

• Strong outer layers

• Excellent filtration layer

• Good liquid barrier

Applications

• Medical gowns

• Surgical drapes

• Protective clothing

3.4 Spunlace Nonwoven Fabric

Spunlace fabric is produced by high-pressure water jets that entangle fibers.

Characteristics

• Very soft

• Good absorbency

• Lint-free

• Cloth-like texture

Applications

• Wet wipes

• Cosmetic wipes

• Medical wipes

4. Comparison of Nonwoven Fabric Types

For example:

• If you need filtration → Meltblown or SMS

• If you need softness → Spunlace

• If you need durability → SpunbondIf you plan to purchase non-woven fabric, you can contact Mingyu Nonwoven Fabric. It is a large-scale non-woven fabric manufacturer founded in 1997.

5. Key Factors When Choosing Non Woven Fabric

When sourcing nonwoven fabric, buyers should evaluate several technical parameters.

5.1 Material Type

The raw material affects performance and cost.

5.2 Fabric Weight (GSM)

Fabric weight is measured in grams per square meter (GSM).

Typical ranges:

Higher GSM usually means greater strength and durability, but also higher cost.

5.3 Fabric Width

Nonwoven fabric width depends on production equipment.

Typical machine widths:

• 1.6 m

• 2.4 m

• 3.2 m

• 4.2 m

Choosing the correct width can reduce material waste and improve production efficiency.

5.4 Breathability

Breathability is especially important in:

• Hygiene products

• Medical garments

• Packaging

Materials like spunbond PP provide good air permeability.

5.5 Strength and Durability

For reusable or load-bearing products such as bags or furniture covers, tensile strength is a key parameter.

Spunbond fabrics usually offer the best strength-to-cost ratio.

6. Typical Applications of Non Woven Fabric

Nonwoven fabrics are used in many industries.

The versatility of nonwoven fabric is one reason the industry continues to grow globally.

7. Common Mistakes When Choosing Non Woven Fabric

Many buyers make the following mistakes:

1. Choosing the lowest price

Low-cost materials may have inconsistent fiber distribution or poor strength.

2. Ignoring GSM

Incorrect weight may cause product failure or excessive cost.

3. Not considering application requirements

For example, using spunbond instead of spunlace for wet wipes.

4. Not checking supplier capability

Reliable suppliers should provide:

• Technical data sheets

• Sample testing

• Custom specifications

8. How to Work with a Reliable Nonwoven Fabric Supplier

When selecting a supplier, consider the following:

Professional manufacturers often provide:

• Customized GSM

• Different colors

• Various widths

• Special treatments (hydrophilic, anti-static, flame retardant)

9. FAQ About Choosing Non Woven Fabric

Q1: What is the most common material for non woven fabric?

The most widely used material is polypropylene (PP) because it is lightweight, durable, and cost-effective.

Q2: What GSM should I choose for non woven bags?

Most shopping bags use 70–120 GSM spunbond fabric, depending on the required strength.

Q3: Is non woven fabric environmentally friendly?

Many nonwoven fabrics made from polypropylene are recyclable, and some manufacturers also offer biodegradable options.

Q4: What is the difference between spunbond and spunlace?

Q5: Can non woven fabric be customized?

Yes. Most manufacturers can customize:

• GSM

• Color

• Width

• Pattern

• Functional treatments

Conclusion

Choosing the right non woven fabric requires understanding material type, production process, fabric weight, and application requirements.

By comparing different fabric types such as spunbond, meltblown, SMS, and spunlace, buyers can select the most suitable solution for their specific needs.

As the global demand for nonwoven materials continues to grow, working with a reliable manufacturer and clearly defining technical specifications will help ensure consistent quality and cost efficiency.