Based on market research and industry dynamics, the following is a market trend analysis for non-woven fabrics used in air filters (HVAC, automotive):

1.Market Growth Drivers

Stricter Air Quality Regulations: Globally (especially in Europe, the United States, and China), the control of pollutants such as PM2.5 and VOCs is driving demand for high-efficiency filtration. Non-woven fabrics have become a mainstream material due to their high porosity and customizability.

Surge in Electric Vehicle Demand: Electric vehicle air conditioning systems require higher filtration efficiency. The penetration rate of non-woven fabrics in cabin air filters is expected to reach a CAGR of 8.2% from 2025 to 2030 (Source: Grand View Research).

Expanding Medical and Industrial Applications: HVAC system upgrades in hospitals, cleanrooms, and other settings are driving demand for HEPA-grade non-woven fabrics. Some manufacturers have developed antibacterial/antiviral coating technologies.

2.Material and Technology Upgrades

Nanofiber Composite Nonwovens: Nanofiber layers (e.g., electrospinning technology) can improve filtration efficiency (99.97% @ 0.3μm) while reducing pressure resistance, becoming the mainstream in the high-end market. Their costs are 15-20% lower than traditional meltblown fabrics (2025 data).

The Rise of Sustainable Materials: The share of bio-based PLA (polylactic acid) nonwovens is increasing. The EU's "Green Deal" requires that the proportion of renewable materials in filter media must be at least 30% by 2030.

Smart Filtration System Integration: Some manufacturers are embedding sensors into nonwoven filter media to monitor pressure differential and particulate matter concentration in real time, driving added value.

3.Regional Market Dynamics

Asia-Pacific Dominates Capacity and Demand: China accounts for 45% of global nonwoven filter material production capacity, while India and Southeast Asia are growth hotspots due to rapid industrialization (the Asia-Pacific market is expected to grow by 9.1% in 2025, higher than the global average of 6.8%). - North America Focuses on High-End Innovation: US companies such as Hollingsworth & Vose are accelerating their development of low-resistance, high-efficiency materials. Models like the Tesla Cybertruck utilize multi-layer composite non-woven filter elements.

European Circular Economy Transition: The EU mandates a 50% filter material recycling rate by 2030, driving the development of chemical recycling technologies for PP/PET non-woven fabrics.

4.Supply Chain Challenges

Raw Material Fluctuations: Polypropylene (PP) prices are expected to rise by 12% year-on-year in 2025 due to crude oil fluctuations, pushing manufacturers to adopt recycled PP at a rate of 20-25%.

Regional Production Trend: Geopolitical factors are prompting European and American companies to relocate non-woven fabric production lines from Asia, with Mexico and Eastern Europe becoming new manufacturing hubs.

5.Future Outlook (2026-2030)

Customized Solutions: Flexible production, enabling adjustments to fiber fineness (0.5-10μm) and weight (50-200g/m²) according to customer needs, is becoming a key competitive focus. - Carbon Neutrality Driven: Leading companies (such as Berry Global) aim to achieve 100% renewable energy production for nonwoven filter media by 2030.

Recommended Action: Focus on capacity collaboration opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region, prioritize the development of bio-based/recyclable nonwoven product lines, and establish B2B partnerships with electric vehicle manufacturers.