How to Choose Spunlace Nonwoven Fabric: Complete Buyer’s Guide (Material, GSM, Applications)
How to Choose Spunlace Nonwoven Fabric: Complete Buyer’s Guide
Spunlace nonwoven fabric is one of the most widely used materials in the wipes and hygiene industries. Known for its softness, strength, and excellent absorbency, it has become the preferred material for wet wipes, medical wipes, cosmetic wipes, and industrial cleaning wipes.
According to industry statistics published by EDANA and INDA Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, spunlace technology represents approximately 9–11% of global nonwoven production, but it accounts for a significantly larger share in the wipes segment, where it dominates the market.
However, selecting the right spunlace nonwoven fabric can be challenging for buyers because many variables affect the final performance of the material, including:
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Fiber composition
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Fabric weight (GSM)
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Manufacturing technology
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Strength and absorbency
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Surface pattern and finishing
In this guide, we will explain how to choose spunlace nonwoven fabric step by step, helping manufacturers and buyers select the most suitable material for their applications.
What Is Spunlace Nonwoven Fabric?
Spunlace nonwoven fabric, also known as hydroentangled nonwoven fabric, is produced using high-pressure water jets that entangle fibers together to form a strong fabric without using chemical binders.
The spunlace manufacturing process generally includes:
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Fiber preparation
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Web formation
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Hydroentanglement with high-pressure water jets
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Drying and finishing
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Winding and converting
Because this process avoids chemical bonding agents, spunlace fabrics offer:
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Excellent softness
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High absorbency
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Good drape and flexibility
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Skin-friendly properties
These characteristics make spunlace fabrics ideal for personal care and medical applications.
Global Market Demand for Spunlace Nonwoven Fabric
The global wipes industry has driven rapid growth in spunlace nonwoven demand.
According to data from EDANA, global nonwoven production continues to grow steadily.
| Year | Global Nonwoven Production |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 10.7 million tons |
| 2019 | 12.5 million tons |
| 2022 | 14.2 million tons |
| 2025 (forecast) | 16+ million tons |
Within the wipes industry specifically:
| Product Category | Spunlace Usage Share |
|---|---|
| Baby wipes | 70–80% |
| Cosmetic wipes | 65–75% |
| Household wipes | 60–70% |
| Medical wipes | 50–65% |
The combination of softness, absorbency, and durability makes spunlace the preferred material in these segments.
Key Factors When Choosing Spunlace Nonwoven Fabric
Selecting the right spunlace nonwoven fabric requires evaluating several technical parameters.
1 Fabric Weight (GSM)
Fabric weight, measured in grams per square meter (GSM), is one of the most important indicators of fabric performance.
Higher GSM fabrics typically provide:
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Greater strength
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Better durability
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Higher absorbency
However, they also increase material costs.
Typical GSM ranges for common applications include:
| Application | Recommended GSM |
|---|---|
| Baby wipes | 35–50 GSM |
| Cosmetic wipes | 40–60 GSM |
| Industrial wipes | 50–80 GSM |
| Medical wipes | 40–65 GSM |
| Dry wipes | 30–50 GSM |
Choosing the appropriate GSM ensures the fabric meets performance and cost requirements.
2 Fiber Composition
Spunlace fabrics can be produced using different fiber blends.
The most common raw materials include viscose, polyester, and cotton.
| Fiber Type | Advantages | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Viscose | High absorbency, soft | Baby wipes |
| Polyester | High strength | Industrial wipes |
| Cotton | Natural, skin-friendly | Cosmetic wipes |
Many spunlace fabrics use viscose/polyester blends to balance softness and strength.
Example blend ratios:
| Blend Ratio | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| 100% viscose | Very soft, high absorbency |
| 70% viscose / 30% polyester | Balanced performance |
| 50% viscose / 50% polyester | Higher strength |
3 Fabric Texture and Pattern
Spunlace fabrics can be produced with different surface patterns.
These patterns influence both appearance and performance.
Common patterns include:
| Pattern Type | Features |
|---|---|
| Plain | Smooth surface |
| Pearl pattern | Improved liquid absorption |
| Mesh pattern | Higher strength |
| Embossed pattern | Decorative appearance |
Pearl patterns are commonly used for wet wipes because they enhance liquid distribution.
4 Absorbency Performance
Absorbency is a critical parameter for wipes applications.
Spunlace fabrics made with viscose fibers can absorb several times their weight in liquid.
Typical absorbency levels:
| Fiber Type | Absorption Capacity |
|---|---|
| Polyester | Low |
| Viscose | High |
| Cotton | Very high |
This is why viscose-based spunlace fabrics are widely used in personal care wipes.
5 Tensile Strength
Strength determines whether the wipe will tear during use.
Important indicators include:
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MD tensile strength (machine direction)
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CD tensile strength (cross direction)
Typical strength levels:
| GSM | Strength Level |
|---|---|
| 30 GSM | Low |
| 40 GSM | Medium |
| 60 GSM | High |
| 80 GSM | Very high |
For industrial cleaning wipes, higher tensile strength is essential.
Spunlace vs Other Nonwoven Technologies
Spunlace fabrics are often compared with other nonwoven technologies.
| Fabric Type | Softness | Strength | Cost | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spunlace | Very high | Medium | Medium | Wipes |
| Spunbond | Medium | High | Low | Bags, medical |
| Meltblown | Low | Low | Medium | Filtration |
| SMS | Medium | High | Medium | Medical |
For wipes applications, spunlace offers the best balance of softness and absorbency.
Typical Applications of Spunlace Nonwoven Fabric
Spunlace fabrics are widely used in multiple industries.
Wet Wipes Industry
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Baby wipes
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Makeup remover wipes
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Personal hygiene wipes
Medical Applications
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Disinfectant wipes
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Surgical wipes
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Medical cleaning wipes
Household Cleaning
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Kitchen wipes
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Floor wipes
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Glass cleaning wipes
Industrial Applications
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Automotive cleaning wipes
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Electronics cleaning wipes
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Precision cleaning wipes
The global wipes industry continues to grow rapidly, further increasing demand for spunlace fabrics.
How to Choose a Reliable Spunlace Nonwoven Supplier
When sourcing spunlace nonwoven fabric, supplier capability is just as important as product specifications.
Key evaluation criteria include:
| Evaluation Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Production capacity | Ensures stable supply |
| Quality control | Consistent fabric quality |
| Export experience | Smooth international trade |
| Customization ability | Supports different applications |
Reliable suppliers should also provide:
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Technical data sheets
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Product testing reports
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Custom specifications
FAQ About Spunlace Nonwoven Fabric
What is spunlace nonwoven fabric mainly used for?
Spunlace nonwoven fabric is primarily used in wet wipes, medical wipes, cosmetic wipes, and industrial cleaning wipes because of its softness and absorbency.
What GSM is best for wet wipes?
Most wet wipes use spunlace fabrics between 35 GSM and 60 GSM, depending on strength and softness requirements.
What is the difference between spunlace and spunbond fabric?
Spunlace fabric is softer and more absorbent, while spunbond fabric is stronger and more economical.
Is spunlace fabric biodegradable?
Spunlace fabrics made from 100% viscose or cotton fibers can be biodegradable, while polyester blends are not fully biodegradable.
Can spunlace fabric be customized?
Yes. Manufacturers can customize:
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GSM
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fiber composition
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fabric width
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surface patterns
Conclusion
Spunlace nonwoven fabric has become the leading material for wipes and hygiene products worldwide thanks to its softness, absorbency, and versatility.
When selecting spunlace fabric, buyers should carefully evaluate:
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Fabric weight (GSM)
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Fiber composition
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Surface pattern
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Absorbency performance
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Tensile strength
By understanding these key parameters and working with reliable manufacturers, businesses can select the most suitable spunlace nonwoven fabric for their specific applications.
As the global wipes market continues to expand, spunlace technology will remain a critical material in the nonwoven industry.
