In 2009, a flu outbreak once again triggered a surge in the spunbond and meltblown nonwovens industry, causing a "blowout" in production capacity. Recently, at a national forum on spunbond and meltblown nonwovens, it was revealed that since May 2009, nearly 200 production lines with widths of 1.6 meters or less had been installed, while over 300 meltblown lines were also added. This rapid expansion was largely driven by the demand for mask materials, which fueled a boom in the market.
However, the quality of the products varied greatly, with inconsistent specifications and unclear standards—whether they were N95 or N99 masks became irrelevant as long as they sold well. Reports suggest that nearly 400 million masks are now stored in warehouses, making it difficult to clear the market in the short term. As a result, many companies in the industry have suffered, and some jokingly refer to the sector as "weather-dependent"—relying heavily on public health crises to sustain demand.
The 2003 SARS outbreak, the 2008 bird flu, and the 2009 H1N1 pandemic all led to a rush of new entrants into the industry. With relatively low investment costs for single meltblown equipment and a growing market, many saw an opportunity to enter. However, this has led to overcapacity, with too many players chasing limited demand.
Fang Yipeng, president of the China Association of Industrial Textiles Industry, expressed deep concerns: “There was a surge in 2009, but what will happen in 2010?†Many entrepreneurs echoed this sentiment, warning that the industry is facing a potential "overdraw" in capacity, which could harm its long-term development.
Cui Yan Chao, general manager of PGI Nanhai Nanxin Nonwovens Co., Ltd., pointed out that while medical textiles have stable demand during outbreaks, excessive investment and redundant construction can create bubbles. Once the crisis subsides, only high-quality products will survive, while others will be eliminated, leading to factory closures and job losses.
Industry experts emphasized the need for orderly development, prioritizing advanced equipment like SMS spunbond systems and bicomponent microfiber machines, rather than repeating investments in outdated, low-grade equipment. Wu Huaming, general manager of Zhejiang Huayin Nonwovens, stressed the importance of addressing overcapacity and controlling production expansion. He suggested differentiation—not just in products, but in markets—to avoid volatility.
Looking ahead, some companies remain cautiously optimistic about the 2010 trends. While China is the world’s largest producer of nonwovens, with output exceeding 2 million tons in 2008, there remains a gap compared to developed countries in terms of equipment quality and product variety. Fluctuating raw material prices, such as polypropylene and polyester, add uncertainty, while domestic competition intensifies and export markets remain unclear.
Fang Nanrui, general manager of Foshan Nanhai New Baoshuo Chemical Fiber Co., Ltd., recalled the sharp price increases in 2009, when polypropylene rose from 6,000 yuan/ton to 15,000 yuan/ton mid-year—a more than twofold increase. The volatile pricing made it hard for companies to plan, with one losing over 200,000 yuan in September due to sudden price changes.
Most companies remain cautious about 2010, waiting to see how things develop. Meanwhile, some equipment manufacturers attending the forum expressed optimism, emphasizing technological innovation and targeting the high-end market. Liu Yujun, general manager of Grand Institute, highlighted the company’s focus on advanced equipment like 3.2-meter SMS lines and flexible off-line production systems that allow multiple products to be produced simultaneously. They also offer upgrades for existing machinery, helping businesses achieve better results with less investment.
Entering this industry brings both tears and laughter. While the nonwovens sector is destined for growth, its healthy development requires careful management and adherence to industry rules. Only through responsible investment and innovation can the sector truly thrive.
Cotton Blanket,Cotton Blanket Queen,Cotton Waffle Blanket,Cotton Fleece Blanket
changshu tokoh-tex trade co.,ltd , https://www.tokohtex.com