Changjiang Securities·2025-10-20 14:13Overview - The non-woven fabric industry in China is experiencing a recovery, with production expected to reach 8.56 million tons in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 5.1%, marking the largest growth since 2020 [9][25] - The industry is seeing a shift towards high-end and sustainable materials, with the penetration rates of viscose, cotton, and blended materials increasing significantly [30][32] - The industry’s prosperity index has improved from 57.3 at the end of 2022 to 68.4 in the first eleven months of 2024, indicating a positive trend in revenue and profit growth for major companies [9][34] Product Segmentation - The main production processes for non-woven fabrics in 2024 are spunbond (45.3%), needle-punched (21.6%), and spunlace (19.4%), which together account for 86% of the market [26][28] - Spunlace non-woven fabrics are expected to grow by 8.1% year-on-year in 2024, primarily used for wet wipes and toilet paper, while thermal bonded non-woven fabrics are projected to grow by 7.9% [9][28] Market Dynamics - The domestic market is the core consumption area, with a projected increase in domestic sales of non-woven fabrics by 3% in 2024, surpassing 7.14 million tons [52] - Exports are expected to outperform domestic sales, driven by the recovery of the disposable cleaning products market and increasing demand from Southeast Asia [52] Competitive Landscape - The industry is characterized by low concentration, with over 85% of companies being small to medium-sized enterprises, while major players like Nobon, Yanjing, and Jinchun hold less than 1% market share each [10][41] - The competition is intensifying, particularly in the high-end product segments, as consumer demand shifts towards higher quality and sustainable options [41][44] Policy and Brand Strategies - Recent policies in the UK and EU are pushing for a transition to plastic-free products, which may benefit companies capable of producing compliant materials [12] - Major brands are adopting procurement strategies that favor suppliers with strong capabilities in non-plastic materials, enhancing China's competitive edge in the Asia-Pacific and emerging markets [12][51]