The world nonwovens industry: part 1 -- the leading ten producers, 3rd quarter 2006

67 pages, published in Issue 66, 3rd quarter 2006   Report price: Euro 690.00; US$ 910.00

Worldwide sales of nonwoven roll goods continued their mid-single digit growth in 2005, reaching US$16 bn. Sales of the world?s leading ten companies ranged from US$202 mn to US$1.4 bn and totalled about US$8.1 bn. Nine of the ten increased their sales. The exception was Freudenberg whose sales were static. But it remained the number one player, helped by double digit growth in Latin America and a success with MicronAir automotive interior filters. DuPont Nonwovens sales held up thanks to a focus on brands, technology and added value?especially in Eastern and Central Europe, Latin America and Asia. Investments in South Korea should also pay off. Kimberly-Clark will benefit from an improvement plan and a focus on high growth emerging markets in BRICIT (Brazil, Russia, India, China, Indonesia and Turkey) countries. Fiberweb?s sales exceeded US$1 bn for the second time as its parent, BBA, prepared to spin it off into a separate entity. Sales and earnings at Polymer Group Inc (PGI) were boosted by spunlaced nonwovens in North America and a new line in Mexico. Expansion in China, Latin America and North America should also reap rewards. Investments in expansion and acquisitions have boosted sales at Ahlstrom and a flatter organisational structure should make it more customer driven. Johns Manville has benefited from a boom in global construction and expansion in Central and Eastern Europe. New products should help future growth. Buckeye Technologies has maintained its position through innovation and a focus on low cost operations. Sales in the wipes segment are at an all-time high. Companhia Providência, a newcomer to the top ten, is benefiting from new spunmelt capacity targeted at hygiene markets throughout the Americas. And Owens Corning?s nonwovens division is expected to be one of the company?s fastest growing businesses in the future.

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• The world nonwovens industry: part 3 -- ten smaller producers, 1st quarter 2007, (1st quarter 2007)
• Global technical textiles business update, 1st quarter 2007, (1st quarter 2007)
• The world nonwovens industry: part 3 -- 20 medium sized producers, 1st quarter 2007, (4th quarter 2006)
• Innovations in fibres, technical textiles, apparel and machinery, 4th quarter 2006, (4th quarter 2006)
• Editorial: Despite Difficulties, the Global Nonwovens Industry Continues to Expand, (2nd quarter 2006)
• Editorial: Is India Waking Up to the Opportunities Provided by Technical Textiles?, (1st quarter 2006)
• Nonwovens in China: Profiles of Eight Leading Manufacturers, (1st quarter 2004)

Four times a year, Technical Textile Markets provides an overview of the global man-made fibre, nonwoven and technical textile industries. It provides market data and analysis of new and established markets for technical textiles, and is essential reading for senior executives in (or supplying) the man-made fibre, nonwoven and technical textile sectors ? as well as for those who are not involved in the industry on a day-to-day basis, but who need an authoritative source which helps them to quickly gain an understanding of the key issues facing the companies which are actively involved in this fast-growing sector.
Reports in Technical Textile Markets include:
	company and country profiles ? giving you the opportunity to learn from strategies employed by others, in terms of production, sourcing, import/export, infrastructure and development, and plans for the future.
	profiles of the world's top 40 producers of nonwovens ? updated each year with details of developments from each of the leading producers, including acquisitions, investments and divestments, and analyses of trends which the "rising stars" are using to their advantage.
	statistical reports ? including consumption data, by fibre and end-use applications. Regular updates are published for fibre consumption in Japan, the rest of Asia, the USA, and Western Europe.
	market sector information ? analyses of important commercial end-user applications, and profiles of both established and emerging markets which take into account such innovations and developments as nanotechnology and intelligent textiles.
	regular updates on innovations in fibres, technical textiles, apparel and machinery ? including developments in the following categories: fibres and yarns; technical textile fabrics for industrial applications; machinery; technical textiles for apparel; composites; other technical textile products; and technical textile treatments and finishes.
	reports on new technological developments and other topical issues ? with clear, authoritative comments on their economic and commercial significance. The reports bring to your attention the key issues which you can use to develop your business, and provides contact details of useful organisations.
So whether you are involved in man-made fibres, nonwovens or technical textiles ? in manufacturing, converting, import/export, or end use ? or if you are in education or consultancy or investment or finance ? a subscription to Technical Textile Markets will tell you what you need to know about the key trends in the industry.
Technical Textile Markets is available on subscription ? either in printed format only, or in printed and electronic format. If you choose the printed only option, you will receive 4 printed publications a year. Each issue contains five research-based reports (see above) and an editorial.
Electronic supplement If you choose the printed and electronic option, you will receive an extra service. You will still receive each issue in printed format, delivered to you by traditional post. In addition, you will be able to download PDF files containing the same information ? but the PDF files will be available immediately on publication, so you don?t have to wait for the printing and mailing. You also have all the benefits of electronic files: instant access even when you are away from the office; convenient storage in your PC or laptop; portability; electronic search facility; and copy/paste facility. You will also receive a monthly update of business news, called "Technical Textiles Business Update" delivered to you by email, free of charge.
Technical textiles are used in a wide range of end-use applications and markets, including agricultural; automotive; building/ construction/ engineering; medical and hygiene; packaging; protective clothing; sports and sportswear; and transport. A subscription to Technical Textile Markets will support your decision making, and provide the information you need to expand into new markets.