What is Nonwoven Fabric?
Nonwoven fabric is an essential material not only for daily applications such as masks and diapers but also for industrial purposes. It has become indispensable in our lives. On this page, we will explain in detail what nonwoven fabric is.
What is Nonwoven Fabric?
As the name suggests, nonwoven fabric refers to fabric made without weaving fibers. It is created by arranging fibers either randomly or in a specific direction and then bonding them through thermal, chemical, or mechanical processes. Compared to woven or knitted fabrics, nonwoven fabric lacks the interwoven structure of threads, giving it distinct functionalities and features that other fabrics do not possess.
- Nonwoven Fabric
- Woven Fabric
- Knitted Fabric
Nonwoven fabric can range from thin, paper-like sheets to thick, mat-like materials, as its density and thickness can be adjusted to suit different applications. The surface texture also varies significantly depending on the materials and manufacturing methods. For instance, cotton or silk create smooth surfaces for garments, while rougher textures suit non-slip mats.
- Smooth Texture
- Rough Texture
- Highly Breathable
Applications of Nonwoven Fabric

Nonwoven fabric is widely used in disposable products and medical hygiene supplies, including:
- Food packaging materials
- Shopping bags
- Water purification filters
- Masks
- Diapers
Advances in manufacturing technology have also led to high-performance nonwoven fabrics being utilized in:
- Automotive components
- Industrial filters
- Lithium-ion battery separators
In Japan, nonwoven fabric production increasingly focuses on high-functionality applications.
For more detailed information on the applications of nonwoven fabric, please refer to our page on primary applications of nonwoven fabric.
Characteristics of Nonwoven Fabric (Advantages and Disadvantages)

Nonwoven fabric has a porous structure due to its interlaced fibers, providing unique properties such as breathability, lightness, and cost-efficiency.
Advantages
Breathability and Permeability
The gaps between fibers allow air and water to pass through, making it ideal for filters in masks and water purification systems.
Absorbency and Moisture Retention
These gaps can retain water, which is why nonwoven fabric is widely used in diapers and sanitary products.
Lightweight
The porous structure makes nonwoven fabric very light, contributing to its convenience in disposable products.
Flexibility
Nonwoven fabric is generally flexible, making it easy to process into specific shapes and sizes.
Cost-Effectiveness
Nonwoven fabric does not require weaving, enabling high production efficiency and low manufacturing costs.
The size, shape, and distribution of fiber gaps can be customized, and properties like strength, heat resistance, and chemical resistance can be added by adjusting raw materials and manufacturing processes.
Disadvantages
Low Physical Strength
Nonwoven fabric exhibits lower resistance to abrasion and tensile forces compared to woven or knitted counterparts. This is primarily because the fibers in nonwoven fabric are bonded rather than interwoven, resulting in a structure that lacks the systematic reinforcement of woven or knitted materials. As a result, nonwoven fabric may wear out faster or tear under significant stress, making it less suitable for applications requiring high durability without additional reinforcement. These issues can be mitigated by blending strong materials or applying thermal bonding techniques.
History of Nonwoven Fabric

The origins of nonwoven fabric can be traced back to German felt manufacturers who bonded wool scraps with adhesives. Industrial production began in 1930 when a patent was obtained in the United States. Although demand initially grew slowly, the industry began to expand significantly in 1952 when the American company Pellon introduced affordable, breathable, and tear-resistant nonwoven fabric.
In Japan, interest surged in 1954 after Pellon’s introduction. Domestic production began in 1956 when Japanese companies imported equipment from the United States to manufacture dry-laid nonwoven fabric. In 1958, Hirose Paper Co., Ltd., applied traditional Japanese washi-making techniques to develop wet-laid nonwoven fabric using 100% synthetic Vinylon fibers. This marked the beginning of Japan’s robust nonwoven fabric industry.
The establishment of the Japan Nonwoven Fabrics Association in 1998, following the integration of the Japan Nonwoven Fabrics Promotion Association (founded in 1987), further propelled industry growth through collaborations among businesses, government, and academia.
References:
土林貞雄. 衣料並びに工業用不織布, 繊維技術研究社, 1960.
白樫侃. 不織布, Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun, Ltd., 1965.
For more on manufacturing methods, visit our page on production methods and characteristics.
Raw Materials of Nonwoven Fabric

Nonwoven fabric is made from two main types of fibers: natural fibers, such as cotton and hemp, which are derived from natural sources, and synthetic fibers, like polyethylene and polyester, which are artificially created. Synthetic fibers are more commonly used due to their superior heat and chemical resistance compared to natural fibers. On the other hand, natural fibers are gaining attention as an environmentally friendly option because they decompose more easily after use.
Natural Fibers
Derived from natural sources like cotton, bamboo, hemp, wool, and silk, these fibers are ideal for applications involving food or skin contact due to their lack of chemical additives.
Synthetic Fibers
Widely used for their diverse properties, synthetic fibers are categorized into:
Synthetic Fibers
Examples include polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, and nylon.
Regenerated Fibers
These are chemically processed fibers like rayon and acetate, offering superior heat and chemical resistance compared to natural fibers.
For more information, visit our page on raw material types and their features.
Consult Us for Nonwoven Fabric Solutions
Nonwoven fabric’s features and functions vary greatly depending on its manufacturing methods and raw materials, making it challenging to select the right product for specific purposes.
At Hirose Paper Co., Ltd., we have over 60 years of research and development experience in nonwoven fabrics, leading the global industry with innovations such as:
- 100% synthetic fiber-based nonwoven fabric
- The world’s thinnest papermaking technology (2 g/m² with 100% polyolefin fibers)
- Nanofiber nonwoven fabric using electrospinning technology
We also specialize in applications such as lithium-ion battery separators, functional air filters, and medical-grade nonwoven fabrics.
For inquiries or assistance, feel free to contact our expert team. We’re here to help!