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European Nonwovens Industry Shows Resilience Despite 2.2% Production Decline In 2025

• By  Textile Excellence
• April 16, 2026

EDANA, the international association representing the nonwovens and related industries, has released its 2025 annual statistics, providing a comprehensive overview of the performance of the nonwovens sector across Greater Europe.

According to data compiled by EDANA, total nonwovens production in Europe declined by around 2.2% in 2025, reaching 2,919,000 tonnes, reflecting a challenging operating environment marked by softer demand in key segments and rising global competition.

Despite the downturn, EDANA emphasised the industry’s underlying resilience and adaptability.

Jacques Prigneaux, EDANA’s Market Analysis and Economic Affairs Director, said: “Despite the negative impact of several drivers affecting the nonwovens industry, the slowdown in demand across some key market segments, and increasing competition from abroad, the European nonwovens industry has once again demonstrated its strength, resilience, flexibility and ability to innovate.”

Performance across production technologies showed mixed trends. Spunmelt output declined by 3.3%, while drylaid technologies remained broadly stable at -0.7%. In contrast, marginal growth was recorded in hydroentanglement (+0.1%) and needle-punched bonding (+0.8%), indicating selective pockets of stability within the sector.

End-use markets also reflected uneven demand dynamics. The hygiene segment, which remains the largest application area by volume, declined by 2.7% in 2025, reversing a 1.7% growth seen in 2024. This contraction was primarily driven by weaker performance in the baby diaper category.

Other key segments showed varied movement: personal care wipes recorded a slight increase of +0.9%, while construction-related applications such as building and roofing fell by 6.8%. The automotive interiors segment declined by 0.9%, and upholstery dropped by 7.1%, reflecting broader softness in industrial and consumer-facing end markets.

Prigneaux further added: “We would like to thank participating companies for their continued efforts in providing data year after year. This direct input from producers, combined with comprehensive monitoring of the industry, results in a valuable business tool for our member companies throughout the supply chain.”

Overall, while 2025 marked a year of mild contraction for European nonwovens production, the sector continues to demonstrate structural resilience, with technological diversification and selective end-market stability cushioning the impact of weaker demand conditions.

Jacques Prigneaux, EDANA’s Market Analysis and Economic Affairs Director, said: “Despite the negative impact of several drivers affecting the nonwovens industry, the slowdown in demand across some key market segments, and increasing competition from abroad, the European nonwovens industry has once again demonstrated its strength, resilience, flexibility and ability to innovate.”