In 2009, a flu epidemic once again triggered a surge in the spunbond and meltblown nonwovens industry, causing a "blowout" in production capacity. Recently, a national forum on spunbond and meltblown nonwovens revealed that since May 2009, nearly 200 production lines with widths of 1.6 meters or less had been set up, while over 300 meltblown lines were also added. This rapid expansion was largely driven by the demand for masks during the outbreak.
The mask market saw a sharp rise in sales, but the quality of spunmelt nonwoven fabrics varied greatly, with inconsistent specifications. Despite this, the high demand made these issues seem irrelevant. It is reported that nearly 400 million masks are now stored in warehouses, and it will be difficult to absorb them in the short term. Many companies in the industry have suffered, and some joked that the spunbond and meltblown nonwovens sector is "weather-dependent."
The SARS outbreak in 2003, avian flu in 2008, and the H1N1 pandemic in 2009 all led to a rush of new players entering the industry. With relatively low investment costs—such as single meltblown equipment—and a promising market, many people rushed in, hoping to seize the opportunity. However, this resulted in overcapacity and instability, which experts fear could harm the long-term development of the sector.
Fang Yipeng, president of the China Association of Industrial Textiles Industry, expressed deep concern: “There was a surge in 2009, but what happens in 2010?†Many entrepreneurs at the forum shared similar worries, warning that the industry is facing an "overdraft" in capacity, which could eventually hinder its healthy growth.
Cui Yan Chao, general manager of PGI Nanhai Nanxin Nonwovens Co., Ltd., pointed out that although medical textiles have strong demand, excessive investment and blind production could create a bubble. Once the crisis passes, only qualified products will survive, while others may be eliminated, leading to factory closures and job losses. He emphasized the need for the industry to develop in an orderly manner, focusing on advanced equipment like SMS spunbond machines and bicomponent microfiber systems, rather than repeating investments in low-end facilities.
Wu Huaming, general manager of Zhejiang Huayin Nonwovens Co., Ltd., stressed that addressing overcapacity is essential to prevent industry fluctuations. In his view, differentiation—both in products and markets—is key to sustainable development.
While some companies remain cautiously optimistic about the 2010 outlook, others are still uncertain. China is the world’s largest producer of nonwovens, with output exceeding 2 million tons in 2008 and double-digit annual growth. Spunbond and meltblown processes account for a significant portion of the industry. However, compared to developed countries, China still lags in equipment quality and product variety. Fluctuating raw material prices, such as polyester and polypropylene, and unclear export market recovery also pose challenges.
Fang Nanrui, general manager of Foshan Nanhai New Baoshuo Chemical Fiber Co., Ltd., highlighted the volatility of raw material prices in 2009, with polypropylene rising from 6,000 yuan/ton to 15,000 yuan/ton mid-year—a more than twofold increase. Price changes happened rapidly, often leaving companies struggling to keep up. One company lost over 200,000 yuan in September due to these price swings.
Most companies are taking a wait-and-see approach for 2010, but some manufacturers of spunmelt equipment remain optimistic. Liu Yujun, general manager of Grand Institute, emphasized technological innovation and targeting the high-end market. The company has developed advanced equipment, such as a 3.2-meter SMS spunbond line, and introduced off-line production systems that allow one line to produce two different products simultaneously. They also focus on upgrading existing equipment to improve efficiency and product quality.
Entering this industry has brought both successes and failures. While the nonwovens sector is clearly headed for growth, its healthy development requires careful management and adherence to industry standards. The path forward remains uncertain, but with proper guidance, the industry can avoid past pitfalls and move toward a more stable future.
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