INDA, the Association of the Nonwovens Fabrics Industry, has published the second edition of the annual North American Nonwovens Supply Report for its members. The report provides key metrics of capacity, production and operating rates for the total North American nonwovens industry by nonwoven process.

In the report, the INDA Quarterly Market Pulse, and INDA Price Trends Summary are provided to the 300-plus INDA member companies and associates as part of their membership.

The findings in the report include North American nonwovens capacity from 1990 to 2014. According to the report, the nonwovens capacity has increased an average of 5.5 per cent per year, outpacing US real GDP, which grew at 2.5 per cent per year over the same period.

In 2014, North America’s nonwoven capacity increased to 2.71 million tonnes, (1.2 per cent annual growth compared to the previous year’s growth of 1.5 per cent).

Imports and exports are an important consideration in supply. The US is a net exporter in the Americas and net importer across the Atlantic and Pacific. Contrary to industry assumptions, imports from across the Atlantic and Pacific into the United States are not substantial, accounting for less than four percent of the US nonwoven capacity, the report says.

Dave Rousse, president, INDA said, “This new report is the benchmark for North American capacity, production, and supply information. It brings forth the clearest view available of the all-important supply/demand balance in the major nonwoven process categories; an essential element for our members’ strategic planning and business decision making.”

Brad Kalil, director of market research and statistics, INDA said, “It is INDA’s objective to continue to improve the quality of data and industry information. One way we support this is by providing for the common use of nonwoven industry terminology and categorization.”

INDA serves hundreds of member companies in the nonwovens/engineered fabrics industry in global commerce. (GK)