1.Non-woven fabrics made from fibers that are partially bonded or stitched using large numbers of barbed needles instead of being woven or knitted.

2. The principle for manufacturing non-woven fabrics had been invented by the start of the 20th century. It was not factory produced until 1939, however, when American Felt Co. began production. Production in Europe began soon thereafter in around 1944, when companies such as Karl Freudenberg of Germany began production.

The first producer of non-woven fabrics in Japan was Dynic, which began production in 1958. In the following two years, another seven companies began production. The range of materials and methods of production used has since increased, and non-woven fabrics now form an indispensable part of our everyday lives. The secret to the success of non-woven fabrics lies in the choice of raw materials and manufacturing techniques, which give the freedom to manufacture fabrics of varying pliancy, toughness and thickness in a various of forms for a variety of uses.

3. Non-woven fabrics have many advantages including their 1) permeability, 2) filtering properties, 3) heat retention, 4) absorbency, 5) water repellency, 6) elasticity, 7) non-fraying properties, 8) soft and pleasant texture, 9) lightness, 10) resilience and shape memory, 11) non-orientation of the fabric, 12) superior productivity and greater speed of production compared with woven fabric, and 13) suitability for cheap mass production. Their chief drawbacks are their 1) inferior strength and durability to woven fabrics, 2) vulnerability to washing when used in clothes, etc., and 3) susceptibility to tearing at right angles due to the fibers lying in a fixed direction. Improvements to production techniques have, however, made non-woven fabrics much less susceptible to tearing.

4. There are two main ways of its production: wet laying (which still accounts for only 7% of output in Japan and 1-2% worldwide) and dry laying (which accounts for 93% of output in Japan and 98-99% worldwide). Other methods of production include fixing by hot blasting or hot pressing (such as thermal bonding and span bonding) and bonding using an adhesive (chemical bonding).

Japanese output in 2001 by method of production was as follows:

Only the span bonding method uses for long fibers. All other methods use for short fibers.

5. Domestically-made products�f share of the market in 2001 by raw material was as follows:

6. Although having a variety of uses, the main uses of domestic products in 2001 were as follows:

�EClothing and lining uses: underlining, adhesive underlining, wadding, shoulder pads, bra pads, event jackets, travel underwear, badges, gloves, slippers, hats, etc.

�EIndustrial uses: polishing material, oil absorbing materials, papermaking felt, insulation, soundproofing, vibration damping, printed circuit electrical insulation, radio shielding, battery separators, adhesive tape, floppy disk packing, V-belts, automobile flooring, ceiling covering and various filters.

�EPublic works, construction and agricultural uses: drainage materials, wall coverings, soundproofing, vibration damping, roofing, anti-condensation sheeting, anti-corrosion materials, reinforcing materials, plastic greenhouse sheeting, seedbed sheeting, anti-frost sheeting, shading sheets, garden planters, etc.

�EHousehold uses: carpet underlays, undercarpets, cushioning, upholstered furniture wadding, wallpaper, futon filling, futon cases, pillowcases, sheets, storage bags, wrapping cloth, teabags, calendars, book covers, tablecloths, luncheon mats, etc.

�EMedical and hygiene uses: surgical wear, covers, caps, masks, sheets, antibacterial mats, disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, tampons and other feminine hygiene goods, gauzes, cotton-wool swabs, hand towels, masks, etc.

7. Approximate annual world output of non-woven fabrics in 2001 was as follows:

8. Domestic Japanese production, imports and exports in 2001 were as follows:

Unit price

Domestic produce Approx. 300,000 tons (including exports) \ 639/‡s

Exports Approx. 28,000 tons \ 1,535/‡s

Imports Approx. 48,000 tons \ 436/‡s

Because of the higher unit value of exports, exports were less than imports in terms of volume, but more than twice as much in terms of value. Countries exporting to Japan are incapable of producing light fabrics, and products are of variable quality.

9.Japanese imports and exports of non-woven fabrics since 1997 have been as follows:

Units: tons (million yen)

10.The main destinations of Japanese exports in 2001 were as follows:

.Units: tons, % share (million yen, % share)

11.The main sources of imports into Japan in 2001 were as follows:

Units: tons, % share (million yen, % share)

12. Around 10-20 Japanese makers are thought to have plants in Asia, the United States and elsewhere established either independently or with joint ventures.

13. Non-woven fabrics are distributed through a variety of channels. However, the commonest routes for the two main types of products are as follows:

(i) Diapers: materials makers?diaper makers?discount stores/large drugstores

(ii) Automobile supplies: material makers?makers of automobile supplies ?trading companies?automakers

14.The industry has long taken steps to protect the environment. These include the following:

(i) Commercial production of air conditioner, dust collector and drainage filters.

(ii) Use of non-woven fabrics made from recycled PET bottle fibers in car interiors.

(iii) Development of environmentally-friendly materials that degrade naturally in the ground.

(iv) Development of fireproof non-woven fabrics free from halogen compounds.

(v) Recycling of agricultural and automobile sheeting.

The biggest problem at present is how to dispose of disposable products, such as diapers, in an environmentally friendly way, after used.

15. The prospects for the Japanese non-woven fabrics industry are not rosy.

(i) As production of general-purpose non-woven fabrics grows increasingly, global competition will intensify.

(ii) Importation of processed goods as well as raw materials (principally from China) will grow.

(iii) There will be an increasing shift of production offshore by Japanese makers.

(iv) There will be growth in business closings, mergers, and tieups.

It is not all bad news, however. Research will also probably make possible the global non-woven fabrics industry�fs ultimate goal of using non-woven fabrics in outerwear and apparel that is resistant to washing. There are already indications of this in Europe and North America, and prototypes are being exhibited at academic conferences and exhibitions.

Sources: Statistics compiled by the All Nippon Nonwovens Association from Japan Trade Monthly.

Produced with the cooperation of the Kansai Branch of the All Nippon Nonwovens Association.