Non woven Abrasives Market Trends

Growth Drivers

• Demand for high-quality surface finishes: The surging demand for quality surface finishes catalyzes the non-woven abrasives market mainly due to a preference for product aesthetics as well as performance across industries. For instance, in February 2024, Grinding Techniques’ latest range includes non-woven abrasives, composed of abrasive grains fused to three-dimensional support of nylon fibers that can range from silicon carbide to aluminum oxide or ceramic alumina. It provides a consistent finish throughout the product’s lifetime by significantly reducing steps in the perfect finish. Non-woven abrasives offer a versatile solution that promises consistent and uniform finishes on surfaces. This capability affects the durability of products and customer satisfaction.
• Shift towards automation and efficiency: To fill the gaps created in the operations with new manufacturing systems, there is a rise in the demand for non-woven abrasives to meet emerging automation needs. For instance, in August 2021, Trutzschler Nonwovens developed a carded pulp (CP) solution for more economically and sustainable, non-man-made-fiber nonwoven. Utilizing AquaJet spunlaced technology in response to the growing demand for premium, single-use cleaning wipes. These materials provide significant adaptability and effectiveness in automated applications with their ability to deliver uniform surface finishes.

Challenges

• Raw material price fluctuation: Most synthetic fibers and abrasives used for non-woven materials are commodities sensitive to raw material price fluctuations. This results in increased production costs, which might then be transferred to consumers, influencing the price competitiveness of products derived from non-woven abrasives. Moreover, raw material price fluctuations can bring about disparities in quality and supply chain stability for manufacturers, since they may interfere with production schedules and levels of profit. Such uncertainty calls for strategic sourcing and inventory management, which complicates planning operations within companies in the market.
• Competition from alternative abrasive materials: The other significant challenge against non-woven abrasives is fierce competition by alternative abrasive materials. The advent of more advanced abrasive technologies that offer comparable or even superior performance at arguably lower cost, complex the market landscape. Therefore, ceramic and diamond abrasives become a favorite for tough and more efficient applications, hence more potential customers that use abrasive systems in search of cost-efficient solutions for their products without jeopardizing quality. The manufacturers are compelled to develop innovative products with ease of use to sustain in the market.