Polyester and polypropylene together accounted for almost 70% of all fibres and polymers used in nonwovens in 2000.  Whilst the dominance of these two fibres is forecast to continue, their combined overall market share is set to decline.  This is largely a result of the growth of viscose which will have one of the highest growth rates of all polymers and fibres used in nonwovens, averaging over 8% per annum up to 2010.

These are some of the conclusions of a new report from David Rigby Associates (DRA): "Nonwoven End-Use Products: World Markets Forecasts to 2010", which makes forecasts for each year up to 2010 for the world and for 8 separate regions.  The report is based on research on 52 different nonwoven end-use products and detailed analyses of their make-up in terms of 4 kinds of nonwoven fabric (web technologies) and 15 separate types of polymers and fibres.

David Rigby, Chairman of DRA said: "Our unique approach starts by analysing and forecasting the market for end-use products and works back from there to forecast the derived volumes of the different types of nonwoven fabrics, fibres and polymers that will be involved.  This is vital information for producers and users of nonwovens, for polymer and fibre suppliers and for those machinery and speciality chemical companies who are targeting nonwovens, the fastest growing branch of textiles worldwide."