Why Has COVID-19 Pandemic Boosted Demand for Non-Woven Adhesives?

Beginning in December of 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread, though at a much lower rate than initially. Still, the rising patient count and warmings about the impending third wave led by the Delta variant are putting immense pressure on the healthcare fraternity. As a result, the demand for everyday medical supplies, including surgical masks and gowns, is increasing around the world. This, in turn, is leading to the surging requirement for non-woven fabrics, as they form the basis of such garments.

According to P&S Intelligence, the COVID-19 pandemic will, therefore, be key in propelling the non-woven adhesives market value from ~$2 billion in 2020 at a considerable pace between 2021 and 2030. These materials are used on non-woven fabrics, which are themselves utilized in high amounts in various industries, including the medical sector. The advantages of such fabrics include higher strength per unit mass, high uniformity, stability in high temperatures, and ability to be converted into composites.

In this regard, apart from the current pandemic, the rising prevalence of all other acute and chronic diseases and other medical issues, such as physical injuries, is driving the demand for non-woven adhesives. With the healthcare industry set to value more than $10 trillion by 2022, the demand for all kinds of medical supplies will surge due to the increasing hospitalization rate and surgery and diagnosis volume. Masks and gowns are indispensable during surgery, which creates a high demand for non-woven fabrics and the adhesives used on them.

Asia-Pacific (APAC) has been the largest non-woven adhesives market for some time now because of its high-volume manufacturing of end products, such as surgical masks and gowns, sanitary pads, and diapers. With the improving living standards in developing countries, such as China, Indonesia, India, Taiwan, and Malaysia, the requirement for such products is increasing. Moreover, awareness of such hygiene products is being raised, and efforts are being made to better the access to them in the region. For instance, in a campaign in 2021, started in observance of the World Menstrual Health Day, 50,000 sanitary napkins were distributed in India.

Hence, with the growth in the healthcare sector and basic hygiene awareness, the consumption of non-woven adhesives will rise.