Agriculture Nonwoven Market - Forecast(2024 - 2030)

The Agriculture Non-Woven Market size is forecast to reach USD 3.57 Billion by 2028, after growing at a CAGR of 7.86% during the forecast period 2023-2028. Some key factors driving this growth include increased adoption of non-woven materials in agricultural practices for weed control, crop protection, and soil stabilization. Additionally, the rising demand for sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural products is also boosting the market for agriculture non-woven materials. Non-woven materials are being increasingly used in agriculture due to their superior properties such as high water retention, durability, and biodegradability. The market is projected to witness a steady growth rate in the coming years with key players focusing on product innovation and expansion strategies. The agriculture non-woven market offers lucrative opportunities for investors and stakeholders looking to capitalize on sustainable agricultural solutions.  Advancements in technology and product innovation are also shaping the market trends, with a focus on developing high-performance and cost-effective non-woven solutions for various agricultural applications.  

The report “Agriculture Non-Woven Market – Forecast (2023-2028)”, by IndustryARC, covers an in-depth analysis of the following segments of the agriculture non-woven market.

By Material Type: Polyester, Polyethylene, Polypropylene, Nylon, and Others

By Fiber Type: Long fiber non-woven, Short fiber non-woven, and Cut fiber non-woven

By Technology: Spunbond/Spunlace, Dry Laid, Wet Laid, and others

By Application: Covers & U Tunnels, Plant Protection Covers, Fruit Covers, Seed blankets, Weed Control, Greenhouses, Root control bags, and Others

By Geography:  North America, South America, Europe, APAC, and RoW

• The APAC region is anticipated to dominate the agriculture non-woven market with a value share of approximately 39% in 2022, followed by Europe with a 32% value share in the agriculture non-woven market.

• Key factors driving the market include the growing awareness of sustainable agriculture practices, government initiatives promoting the use of non-woven materials, and the rise in horticulture and floriculture activities.

• The market is also propelled by advancements in non-woven technologies, leading to the development of innovative products with enhanced properties. However, with increasing investments in sustainable agriculture and rising demand for high-quality crops, the agriculture non-woven market is projected to expand further.

The Polypropylene segment dominated the agriculture non-woven market in 2022. The market is driven by the increasing demand for innovative and sustainable agricultural practices, as well as the growth of the agriculture industry as a whole. Farmers are increasingly turning to nonwoven polypropylene products to improve crop yields and reduce the use of pesticides and fertilizers. Agriculture nonwovens made from polypropylene are becoming popular due to their strength, breathability, and moisture resistance. These nonwovens help in improving soil health, reducing erosion, and promoting better plant growth. The market for polypropylene in agriculture nonwoven is projeted to continue growing as farmers seek sustainable and cost-effective solutions for their agricultural needs. There is a growing focus on developing eco-friendly and biodegradable polypropylene materials for agriculture nonwoven applications. Companies are investing in research and development to create products that are not only effective but also environmentally friendly.

The Long fibers non-woven segment dominated the agriculture non-woven market in 2022. Long fiber markets in agriculture nonwoven products are seeing growth due to increasing demand for sustainable and biodegradable materials in the agriculture industry. Long fiber materials such as jute, coir, and hemp are being used in agricultural nonwoven products for applications like weed control, ground cover, and erosion control. For instance, at the National Farmers Union's (NFU) annual conference, the UK government announced a plan to give the agriculture industry an extra £427 million ($463.25 million) in grants this fiscal year 2024. Furthermore, the Prime Minister announced that £220 million ($238.67) will assist farms in implementing "future-focused technologies." The rising government’s support, initiatives, and investments are in turn anticipated to drive the market growth. Additionally, government regulations promoting the use of sustainable products in agriculture are also driving the demand for long-fiber materials in the market.

The Spun bond/Spunlace segment dominated the agriculture non-woven market in 2022. spunlaced nonwovens offer softness and high absorbency, making them suitable for applications such as crop covers, protective clothing, and seedling trays in agriculture. These materials have gained popularity due to their eco-friendly properties and biodegradability. For instance, in 2024, a $35 million federal investment in innovative agriculture technologies and solutions is spearheaded by the US National Science Foundation (NSF). The rising government support and investments are in turn anticipated to drive the market growth. The spun bond and spun lace segments are projected to experience continued growth in the agriculture nonwoven market, driven by the increasing demand for sustainable and innovative materials in the farming sector. Additionally, the demand for eco-friendly and sustainable agricultural practices is also driving the growth of spunbond and spunlace materials in the agriculture nonwoven market. These materials are often biodegradable and recyclable, making them a preferred choice for environmentally-conscious farmers.

Greenhouses dominated the agriculture non-woven market in 2022. Greenhouses are increasingly being utilized by farmers to extend their growing seasons, protect crops from adverse weather conditions, and control growing environments for optimal plant growth. Nonwoven materials are gaining popularity in greenhouse applications due to their unique properties such as breathability, lightweight, and excellent insulation capabilities. For instance, Grant applications for the year 2024 are being accepted by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to promote creative farming and urban farming. In 186 projects nationwide, UAIP funds have invested over $46.8 million since 2020. These grants are a component of USDA's extensive assistance for creative and urban farmers. The market for agricultural nonwoven materials in greenhouse applications is projected to continue growing as more farmers adopt greenhouse technologies to improve their farming practices and increase productivity.

Asia Pacific region dominated the agriculture non-woven market in 2022.  The Asia-Pacific (APAC) agriculture nonwoven market is projected to experience significant growth over the forecast period. Nonwoven materials are increasingly being used in agriculture due to their versatile nature and benefits such as crop protection, soil health improvement, and water conservation. For instance, in 2021, the National Horticulture Board (NHB) was the regulatory authority in India for greenhouse farming. On a project with a maximum ceiling of 112 lakh ($0.15 million) per beneficiary, NHB offers a 50% subsidy. Up to a maximum of 4 lakhs, GAIC (Gujarat Agro Industries Corporation) offers a 6% interest subsidy on loans.  Numerous institutions offer financing for the establishment of greenhouses. The market is driven by factors such as rising demand for sustainable farming practices, increasing awareness about environmental conservation, and government initiatives promoting the use of nonwoven materials in agriculture. 

The rising demand for sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural products is driving the usage of agricultural non-woven materials. These materials are biodegradable, and recyclable, and help reduce environmental impact compared to traditional plastic-based products. Farmers are increasingly looking for sustainable solutions to improve crop yields while minimizing harm to the environment. Agricultural non-woven materials offer benefits such as improved water retention, reduced weed growth, and protection from pests without the need for harmful chemicals, making them a popular choice among environmentally conscious farmers.  The rising demand for sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural products is driving the adoption of non-woven fabrics in agriculture. These materials offer several benefits such as biodegradability, water and resource conservation, soil health promotion, pest and disease control, enhanced crop yields, and regulatory compliance. By incorporating non-woven fabrics into their practices, farmers can improve sustainability, productivity, and profitability while minimizing their environmental impact.

The growing focus on sustainability in agriculture is driving the adoption of non-woven materials in farming practices. Non-woven fabrics are cost-effective, lightweight, versatile, and biodegradable, making them environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional plastic-based materials. These materials can help reduce plastic waste, improve soil health, and promote sustainable agriculture practices. As the demand for sustainable farming methods continues to rise, the use of non-woven materials in agriculture is projected to increase as well. One of the key advantages of non-woven materials in agriculture is their ability to act as a physical barrier against pests, weeds, and diseases without the need for excessive chemical inputs. This helps farmers reduce their reliance on harmful pesticides and herbicides, promoting a more environmentally friendly approach to farming.

The growing demand for innovation in product development serves as a driver for the agriculture non-woven industry by pushing manufacturers to create advanced agricultural non-woven materials that can improve crop yield, protect plants from pests and weather conditions, and enhance overall agricultural productivity. Innovation in product development allows agriculture non-woven manufacturers to stay competitive in the market, meet the evolving needs of farmers, and contribute to sustainable farming practices. By incorporating cutting-edge technologies and materials into their products, agriculture non-woven companies can address challenges faced by the agriculture industry and provide solutions that lead to more efficient and effective farming methods.

High initial investment is a significant challenge for implementing non-woven materials in agriculture for several reasons. Non-woven materials are increasingly being used in agriculture for various purposes such as crop protection, mulching, and weed control due to their durability, water permeability, and UV resistance. However, the high cost associated with acquiring and implementing these materials can be a barrier for many farmers. Furthermore, the benefits of using non-woven materials in agriculture, such as improved crop yields and reduced water usage, are often long-term and may not be immediately apparent. This can make it challenging for farmers to justify the high initial investment, especially if they are operating on a tight budget or facing uncertainties in the market.

Lack of awareness among farmers is a significant challenge for the agriculture sector, impacting both productivity and sustainability. Farmers who are not properly informed about modern agricultural practices, market trends, and environmental conservation methods may struggle to optimize their yields or adapt to changing conditions. Farmers who are unaware of market trends and consumer preferences may struggle to connect with buyers or command competitive prices for their products. This can limit their income opportunities and hinder overall market development. A lack of awareness about sustainable farming practices can lead to overuse of chemical inputs, deforestation, soil degradation, and water pollution. This not only harms the environment but can also have long-term consequences for the viability of agricultural operations.

Agreements, product launches, partnerships, contracts, expansions, and production capacities are key strategies adopted by players in the agriculture non-woven market. In 2022, the Agriculture Non-Woven Market share has been consolidated by the top ten players accounting for 68.8% of the share. Major players in the agriculture non-woven market are Berry Global, Toray, Lydall, Innogryl (Royal Palace Group), Fibertex, Qingdao Haifutong Nonwoven, Mitsui Chemicals, Fitesa, Marusan Industry, and others.

 In 2023, Soft NonWovens created green non-woven fabrics to increase biomass output. Because of the manufacturing process, the non-woven fabric can survive both longitudinal and transverse fractures, making it isotropic.

 In 2022, At its mill in Argentan, RecyOuest, France, launched the first agricultural plastic waste net recycling line in history.