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PP Nonwovens Market in Automotive Applications size is projected to record sizeable growth over 2023-2032.
In recent years, nonwoven products have experienced widespread demand across healthcare, construction, chemical, automotive, and manufacturing sectors. Unlike traditional materials, nonwoven fibers ensure greater durability and performance, and are thus gaining traction in vehicle manufacturing.
Rising car sales worldwide are expected to positively influence the market outlook as the automotive sector is among the largest consumers of PP nonwovens. This can be attributed to the increasing use of the product in the interior and exterior of vehicles for superior aesthetics. As they are fully recyclable, noise-insulating, lightweight, and highly functional, PP nonwovens help in the developing suitable automotive components.
Technological advancements and a growing focus on thermal insulation are further accelerating the adoption of PP nonwoven in vehicle parts. These key parts include airbags, cabin air filters, seats, and sideliners, among a few others. The products are also ideal for use in the production of necessary materials required in dashboard insulation, hood insulation, wheel housing, and interior trim for cars.
New trends across the world such as electric and hybrid vehicles, lightweight components, and smart mobility will pave the way for PP nonwoven in automotive applications. Nonwovens are emerging as a promising tool that enhance the efficiency of automobile components, subsequently adding to the efficiency of EVs and hybrid vehicles. As automakers seek stronger, cleaner, lighter, and recyclable transportation textiles, nonwovens are being considered the ideal choice in tufted carpets, headliners, and automotive body cloth.
PP nonwovens have exceptional temperature and sound insulation features along with noise regulators that support superior underbody systems in vehicles. Hence, these fibers are gaining gradual popularity in filter systems, trunk liners, and speaker covers. Moreover, the higher focus on making automobiles more sustainable and reducing associated pollution will encourage the use of recyclable nonwovens.
The rising rate of environmental pollution and the influx of government-led initiatives, strict regulations, and policies for the disposal of industrial waste has pushed manufacturers worldwide to replace plastic products with nonwoven fabrics. Furthermore, the surge in demand for geotextiles in the construction of roadways and other infrastructure projects will encourage the production of nonwovens.
Regionally, Europe PP nonwovens market in automotive applications is slated to record significant growth by 2032. Increasing disposable incomes and rising living standards are fueling the purchasing power of consumers in the region. Europe is also home to some of the major automotive developers and component manufacturers. It is expanding the consumption of PP nonwoven across liners, roofs, fuel batteries, wheel arches, carpets in cars and other automobile applications.
Meanwhile, Asia Pacific will emerge as a major hotspot for the PP nonwovens industry, led by surging consumption of automobiles in countries such as Japan, China, and India. There has been a notable rise in capital investments and consumer inclination towards luxury products and lifestyles in the region, which offers lucrative business prospects for the industry players, native as well as foreign. For instance, the automobile sector in India is projected to attract nearly USD 8 to 10 billion worth of local and foreign investments by 2023, according to the IBEF.
The key operators in PP nonwovens market in automotive applications include Kimberly-Clark, Avintiv Specialty Materials Inc, Johns Manville, Dow, Dupont, Freudenberg SE, Toray Industries, Asahi Kasei Corporation, Ahlstrom, Filmquest Group Inc., Technical Textile., and Suominen Corporation. These players are focusing on product innovations, introducing novel capabilities and superior performance for increased business presence. For instance, in March 2022, JM launched Evalith® polyester nonwoven, allowing cement, metal, wood, and food industries to curb the impact of air pollution on industrial processes.
The increasing automotive production worldwide accompanied by technological advancements and the growing popularity of electrification in vehicles will consolidate industry growth. Moreover, stringent regulations pertaining to the reduction of GHG emissions from the automobile sector will encourage adoption of innovative and sustainable PP nonwovens. However, the recent economic slowdown, owing to the Russia-Ukraine war, has made a small dent on the market. Volatile oil prices and inflation, which have led to high fuel prices, could influence consumer decisions to purchase vehicles to some extent.
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