About Polyester Nonwoven Fabrics
Polyester fibers are highly functional synthetic fibers commonly used as raw materials for clothing, curtains, and other products. They are also widely utilized as a key material for nonwoven fabrics. This article provides a detailed explanation of the characteristics, advantages, disadvantages, applications, and history of nonwoven fabrics made from polyester fibers.
*For more information about other materials used in nonwoven fabrics, please refer to our guide on Types and Characteristics of Materials Used in Nonwoven Fabrics
Characteristics of Polyester Nonwoven Fabrics

Polyester nonwoven fabric is a type of nonwoven fabric made from polyester, a synthetic chemical fiber. Its excellent functionality and relatively low cost make it an ideal material for a wide range of industrial applications, including filters, insulation, and battery separators. In everyday life, it is also used in products such as masks and wrapping paper.
Due to the functional properties of polyester fibers, polyester nonwoven fabrics offer several advantages:
- 1. High Strength and Rigidity: Resistant to deformation.
- 2. Heat Resistance: High melting point and excellent thermal stability.
- 3. Low Moisture Absorption: Minimal changes in physical properties and dimensions due to humidity.
- 4. Good Light Resistance: Little to no discoloration from sunlight exposure.
- 5. Acid Resistance: High durability against acidic environments.
- 6. Electrical Insulation: Excellent insulating properties.
- 7. Thermoplastic and Recyclable: Can be reprocessed and reused.
Some disadvantages of polyester fibers include weak resistance to alkalis, vulnerability to repeated friction, and poor adhesion. However, these shortcomings can be mitigated during the nonwoven fabric manufacturing process.
Other synthetic fibers similar to polyester include nylon and polypropylene. While both exhibit high heat resistance and strength, polyester fibers offer a well-balanced combination of properties, making them a versatile choice.
Polyester | Nylon 66 | Polypropylene | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Tensile Strength | cN/dtex | 4.6 | 5.0 | 4.8 |
Initial Modulus | cN/dtex | 110 | 36 | 70 |
Melting Point | ℃ | 260 | 260 | 170 |
Moisture Absorption | % | 0.5 | 5.0 | 0 |
*Source: “Basics of Industrial Fibers” (2011), Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun.
Differences in Manufacturing Methods
The main manufacturing methods for polyester nonwoven fabrics are dry-laid and wet-laid, with the dry-laid method being the most commonly used. Dry-laid nonwoven fabrics are generally stronger and more durable, making them ideal for applications that require high strength.
The wet-laid method involves dispersing pre-fibered polyester in a liquid, filtering it onto a screen to form a sheet, and then bonding it into nonwoven fabric. This method allows for the production of dense and uniform fabrics while enabling flexibility in adjusting fiber thickness and length to meet specific application requirements.
Dry-Laid | Wet-Laid | |
---|---|---|
Fiber Orientation | Aligned/Random | Random |
Fiber Thickness | Process-dependent | Adjustable |
Fiber Length | Long | Adjustable |
Strength | High | Customizable |
Texture | Soft (fabric-like) | Hard (paper-like) |
Thickness | Thick | Thin |
*For a detailed explanation of nonwoven fabric manufacturing processes, please see our guide on Types and Features of Nonwoven Fabric Manufacturing Processes
Structure and History of Polyester
Polyester refers to a category of polymers made by combining polyalcohols and polycarboxylic acids. By altering the combination of these two compounds, various types of polyester can be synthesized. Among them, polyethylene terephthalate (PET)—commonly used for plastic bottles—is the most well-known. The term “PET” originates from the initials of polyethylene terephthalate and is widely used as a general name for polyester.

Polyethylene terephthalate fibers were first invented in 1941 in the United Kingdom and later commercialized by ICI and DuPont. In Japan, Toray and Teijin began production in 1958, leading to a rapid increase in demand due to the fiber’s balanced performance, ease of production, and cost-effectiveness. Today, polyester accounts for over 70% of global synthetic fiber shipments.
At Hirose Paper Mfg Co., Ltd., we recognized the potential of polyester early on and pioneered the development of 100% polyester nonwoven fabrics in 1979. In 1989, we successfully commercialized an ultra-lightweight polyester functional paper weighing just 5 grams per square meter—the thinnest in the world at the time. Our polyester nonwoven fabrics, marketed under the TH Type brand, offer a wide range of density options, excellent dimensional stability, resin impregnation capabilities, and functionality in high-temperature environments up to 200℃.
Learn more about our TH Type products (Japanese content only)
Polyester as a Recyclable Material

Polyester is widely used in various industries but also generates significant waste. Advances in recycling technology have enabled the repurposing of approximately 380,000 tons of PET bottles annually in Japan alone, according to the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry. Recycled polyester, also known as recycled polyester fibers, is an eco-friendly material that helps reduce waste, petroleum usage, and CO₂ emissions. These recycled fibers are increasingly being utilized as raw materials for nonwoven fabrics.
At Hirose Paper Mfg Co., Ltd., we also produce and distribute nonwoven fabrics made from 100% recycled polyester.
Applications of Polyester Nonwoven Fabrics
While polyester nonwoven fabrics are used in everyday products such as food packaging and flower wraps, the majority of applications are in industrial sectors. These include filters, geotextiles, and building materials, where the fabric’s superior functionality is highly valued. Additionally, they are used as membrane supports to enhance the strength of microfiltration membranes, demonstrating their versatility in various fields.

For Inquiries about Polyester Nonwoven Fabrics
Polyester nonwoven fabrics are durable, heat- and acid-resistant, and cost-effective, making them increasingly popular worldwide. At Hirose Paper Mfg Co., Ltd., we have been at the forefront of developing and mass-producing these innovative fabrics since 1979, continuously advancing global technology.
If you have any questions or concerns about polyester nonwoven fabrics, please feel free to contact us. Our team of experts is ready to assist you.