HYGIENIC FILMS
Market saturation in western Europe / Growth expectations in eastern Europe / Nonwovens with above-average rates of increase
The market for hygienic films and nonwovens covers the fields of child, female and adult hygiene. During the last few years, this market has developed to such an extent in western Europe that, on average, 80% saturation has been achieved – albeit with certain geographical differences for some products. By comparison, eastern Europe still has a considerable amount of catching up to do, which means that further growth can be expected there over the next few years. These are the key statements to come from a new market study on the market for hygienic films and nonwovens in Europe 1997-2002 from Schönwald Consulting (Fichtenweg 14, D-74354 Besigheim). The study predicts that, for the materials covered by the survey, which are used for so-called top-backsheet, there will be a slight shift in the relative proportions of the materials being used.
PE film will continue to be employed for backsheet, but with a reduced surface area and thickness. Consequently, despite the growth in eastern Europe, consumption will rise only slightly. This does not, however, take account of the increased application of breathable films, which could lead to a fairly large rise in the overall tonnage, because these films are provided with a filler and are therefore heavier. With current production at 120,000t (1997), it is estimated that, as things look today, the figure will be up slightly in the year 2002, at around 125,000t.
PP film in combination with nonwovens or as tape will decline somewhat faster over the next few years. With diapers, PP is likely to lose ground to elastomer films or Velcro closures. The production of 50,000t in 1997 will, over the next five years, fall by 10% to 45,000t. On the other hand, the market researchers expect nonwovens to experience an above-average growth in production up to the year 2002 from 220,000t to 270,000t. Apart from the breathable films, the most important new developments will come in the field of compostable hygienic products, says Schönwald Consulting. The study costs DEM 4,800 + VAT.
READER SERVICE: List of contents of the study and corporate brochure, Schönwald Consulting (German): PIE-No. 43216.
PE film will continue to be employed for backsheet, but with a reduced surface area and thickness. Consequently, despite the growth in eastern Europe, consumption will rise only slightly. This does not, however, take account of the increased application of breathable films, which could lead to a fairly large rise in the overall tonnage, because these films are provided with a filler and are therefore heavier. With current production at 120,000t (1997), it is estimated that, as things look today, the figure will be up slightly in the year 2002, at around 125,000t.
PP film in combination with nonwovens or as tape will decline somewhat faster over the next few years. With diapers, PP is likely to lose ground to elastomer films or Velcro closures. The production of 50,000t in 1997 will, over the next five years, fall by 10% to 45,000t. On the other hand, the market researchers expect nonwovens to experience an above-average growth in production up to the year 2002 from 220,000t to 270,000t. Apart from the breathable films, the most important new developments will come in the field of compostable hygienic products, says Schönwald Consulting. The study costs DEM 4,800 + VAT.
READER SERVICE: List of contents of the study and corporate brochure, Schönwald Consulting (German): PIE-No. 43216.
31.01.1999 Plasteurope.com [18212]
Published on 31.01.1999