Top 10 Companies in the Drylaid Nonwoven Fabric Industry (2026): Market Leaders Shaping Modern Materials

In Business Insights
February 14, 2026


The Global Drylaid Nonwoven Fabric Market was valued at USD 1.26 Billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 1.73 Billion by 2034, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.9% during the forecast period (2023–2034). This robust growth trajectory is fueled by rising demand for sustainable, high-performance materials across medical, hygiene, filtration, and construction sectors, coupled with technological advancements in manufacturing processes.

As industries worldwide pivot towards efficient, eco-friendly, and versatile material solutions, drylaid nonwovens have emerged as a cornerstone of innovation. These fabrics, characterized by their high production efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and customizable properties, are integral to countless applications. This blog profiles the Top 10 Companies in the Drylaid Nonwoven Fabric Industry—a dynamic mix of global manufacturers, technology providers, and material innovators driving the future of this essential market.

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🔟 1. Freudenberg Performance Materials

Headquarters: Weinheim, Germany
Key Offering: Evolon® Microfilament Fabrics, Lutradur® Spunbond Nonwovens, Viledon® Filtration Solutions

Freudenberg Performance Materials is a global technology leader, producing high-performance drylaid nonwovens for demanding applications. Their expertise spans filtration, automotive interiors, construction, and apparel interlinings, with a strong focus on innovation and sustainability.

Innovation Focus:

  • Pioneering sustainable production processes and recyclable materials

  • Development of lightweight, high-strength fabrics for automotive and technical applications

  • Global R&D network focused on next-generation nonwoven technologies


9️⃣ 2. Kimberly-Clark Corporation

Headquarters: Irving, Texas, USA
Key Offering: Healthcare and Hygiene Nonwovens (e.g., for Huggies®, Kleenex®, Kotex® brands)

Kimberly-Clark is a dominant force in the hygiene and health care sectors, utilizing advanced drylaid technologies to produce soft, absorbent, and safe nonwoven substrates for its global consumer and professional brands.

Innovation Focus:

  • Investments in sustainable materials and reducing environmental footprint

  • Development of proprietary nonwoven structures for superior comfort and performance


8️⃣ 3. Hollingsworth & Vose Company

Headquarters: East Walpole, Massachusetts, USA
Key Offering: Advanced Filtration Media, Battery Separators, Industrial Nonwovens

Hollingsworth & Vose is a world-renowned manufacturer of engineered nonwovens, particularly in high-efficiency filtration. Their drylaid products are critical components in air, liquid, and engine filtration systems worldwide.

Innovation Focus:

  • Leading R&D in nanofiber technology for advanced filtration

  • Expanding portfolio for energy storage (battery separators) and industrial applications

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Drylaid Nonwoven Fabric Market – View in Detailed Research Report


7️⃣ 4. Kuraray Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: KURALON™ Nonwovens, Synthetic Fibers (PVA, PVB)

Kuraray leverages its expertise in specialty chemicals and fibers to produce high-value drylaid nonwovens. Their products are known for exceptional strength, heat resistance, and functionality, serving diverse markets from construction to electronics.

Innovation Focus:

  • Development of eco-friendly, biodegradable nonwovens

  • Specialization in high-performance fibers for technical applications


6️⃣ 5. ANDRITZ Group

Headquarters: Graz, Austria
Key Offering: Nonwoven Production Lines (neXline), Needlepunch, Thermal Bonding, Spunlace Technologies

ANDRITZ is a leading global supplier of plants, equipment, and systems for the nonwovens industry. While not a fabric producer, their technology is instrumental for countless drylaid nonwoven manufacturers, making them a key industry enabler.

Innovation Focus:

  • Pioneering sustainable, energy-efficient production technologies

  • Development of integrated lines for spunlace, needlepunch, and thermal bonding processes


5️⃣ 6. Unitika Ltd.

Headquarters: Osaka, Japan
Key Offering: MELTY® Fiber, EKS® Fibers, Spunbond and Meltblown Nonwovens

Unitika is a prominent Japanese fiber and textile manufacturer with a significant presence in drylaid nonwovens. Their products are used in agriculture, construction, hygiene, and industrial applications, emphasizing quality and innovation.

Innovation Focus:

  • Focus on functional and eco-conscious material development

  • Expansion of high-performance nonwovens for the Asian market


4️⃣ 7. Valmet Oyj

Headquarters: Espoo, Finland
Key Offering: Airlaid Nonwovens Technology, Tissue and Paper Production Lines

Valmet is another critical technology provider, specializing in airlaid formation systems—a key drylaid process for creating highly absorbent nonwovens used in hygiene products, wipes, and medical supplies.

Innovation Focus:

  • Advancing airlaid technology for superior absorbency and softness

  • Automation and digital solutions for optimizing nonwoven production efficiency

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Drylaid Nonwoven Fabric Market – View in Detailed Research Report


3️⃣ 8. Magnera

Headquarters: Düsseldorf, Germany (specified headquarters for context)
Key Offering: Specialized Nonwoven Substrates for Technical and Industrial Applications

Magnera is recognized for its expertise in developing customized drylaid nonwoven solutions. They serve niche markets requiring specific performance characteristics, such as filtration efficiency, durability, or chemical resistance.

Innovation Focus:

  • Custom-engineered solutions for complex industrial challenges

  • Focus on high-value, technical nonwoven applications


2️⃣ 9. Vilene Company (A Mitsubishi Chemical Group Company)

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Vilene® Interlinings, Fashion Nonwovens, Industrial Materials

Vilene, part of the Mitsubishi Chemical Group, is a leading producer of drylaid nonwovens, particularly famous for its interlinings used in the apparel industry. They also produce materials for healthcare, packaging, and other industrial uses.

Innovation Focus:

  • Development of lightweight, durable interlinings and fashion materials

  • Integration of sustainable practices and materials into product lines


1️⃣ 10. Sansho Global

Headquarters: Osaka, Japan
Key Offering: Range of Drylaid Nonwovens for Automotive, Construction, and Filtration

Sansho Global is a significant manufacturer and supplier of drylaid nonwoven fabrics, with a strong focus on the Asian market. Their products are essential components in automotive interiors, construction membranes, and various filtration systems.

Innovation Focus:

  • Expanding production capacity to meet growing regional demand

  • Developing cost-effective, high-performance nonwoven solutions

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Drylaid Nonwoven Fabric Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🌍 Outlook: The Future of Drylaid Nonwovens Is Sustainable and Smart

The drylaid nonwoven fabric market is experiencing a significant transformation driven by sustainability mandates, technological innovation, and evolving end-user requirements. While traditional applications continue to dominate volume, the industry is rapidly advancing towards bio-based materials, recycling technologies, and smart functionalities.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

  • Accelerated adoption of recycled and biodegradable fibers (PLA, bio-PP)

  • Integration of Industry 4.0 technologies for smart manufacturing and quality control

  • Growing demand for lightweight, high-strength materials in automotive and aerospace

  • Expansion of medical and hygiene applications post-pandemic, emphasizing safety and sustainability

Get Full Report Here:
Drylaid Nonwoven Fabric Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies leading the Drylaid Nonwoven Fabric Market are not just manufacturing essential materials—they are engineering the sustainable and intelligent textiles that will define the future of multiple global industries.