INDA, the Association of the Nonwovens Fabrics Industry, has come out with its third annual North American Nonwovens Supply Report for members. The 51-page report offers 12 tables and 25 figures. The report provides a view of North American supply, including the key metrics of capacity, production and operating rates, in addition to regional trade. Dave Rousse, INDA President feels this report is the benchmark for North American capacity, production, and supply information. It brings the clearest view available of the all-important supply/demand balance in the major nonwoven process categories. An essential element for members’ strategic planning and business decision making.

The new findings reveals from 1990 to 2015, North American nonwovens capacity has increased an average of 5.4 per cent per year, outpacing US real GDP, which grew at 2.4 per cent per year over the same period. During this time, the industry has more than quadrupled in size, adding over two million tons. In 2015, North America’s nonwoven capacity increased to 2.98 million tonnes (2.7 per cent annual growth compared to the previous year’s growth of 1.2 per cent). Suppressed investments due to the Great Recession, (2007 through 2009), subdued capacity growth through the end of 2014, producing a minimal additional 110,000 tons in North America, at an annual increase of 1.3 per cent.

Imports and exports are an important consideration in supply. North America receives imports (294,000 tonnes) comparable to 10 per cent of the region’s capacity; while exporting 163,000 tonnes. Contrary to industry assumptions, imports from overseas into North America are not substantial, accounting for on a net/net basis just 4 per cent of the regions nonwoven capacity.