Market Trends in Nonwovens Across Regions

From Surplus to Deficit: How the Iranian Crisis Upended Plastic Markets

Presented by Kaushik Mitra, Executive Director Polyolefin EMEA, Chemical Market Analytics — a Dow Jones Company

The Iranian crisis triggered one of the most significant and rapid disruptions to global plastic supply chains in recent memory. Key polymers — polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET)  shifted almost overnight from a state of structural oversupply to acute market tightness.

Beyond direct production outages across the Middle East, the ripple effects included supply chain bottlenecks and feedstock disruptions that amplified fears of a broader supply shock. Energy and raw material costs surged in parallel, driving significant price inflation that producers swiftly passed through to the market. What had been a buyer’s market pivoted sharply into a seller’s market.

Key questions explored:

• Will current market tightness persist, or will buyers regain leverage as the Strait of Hormuz potentially reopens?
• How are polymer prices likely to evolve in the near to mid-term?
• What risk factors remain, and which supply-demand scenarios should market participants prepare for?

Global Nonwovens Market Dynamics - European Perspective

Presented by Jacques Prigneaux, Market Analysis & Economic Affairs Director, EDANA

Jacques Prigneaux presented EDANA’s authoritative analysis of the European nonwovens market, covering production volumes, demand trends, and the structural forces reshaping the competitive landscape. The presentation highlighted growth in key application areas including hygiene, medical, filtration, and construction, whilst addressing the challenges posed by regulatory headwinds and input cost volatility.

North American Market Overview

Presented by Tony Fragnito, President & CEO, INDA

Tony Fragnito provided a comprehensive overview of the North American nonwovens industry, drawing on INDA’s latest market data. The presentation examined the trajectory of demand across hygiene, wipes, filtration, and industrial applications, and assessed how nearshoring trends, sustainability pressures, and evolving consumer preferences are creating new opportunities and new imperatives for producers and converters operating in the Americas.

Asia-Pacific Market Insights

Presented by Kazuki Baba, Secretary General, ANFA

Kazuki Baba offered an insight into the Asia-Pacific nonwovens landscape, with particular focus on the region’s rapid capacity expansion and evolving demand profile. The session examined how markets in China, Japan, South Korea, and South-East Asia are driving global growth in hygiene and industrial applications, and how regional producers are responding to sustainability requirements and export market demands.