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Polyolefin fibers currently account for almost 16% of the worldwide synthetic
fibers market, down from 17.4% in 2002. Until 2000, polyolefin fibers had been
one of the fastest-growing segments of the synthetic fiber industry, with growth
rates of about 6%. This growth was due primarily to high growth in grassroots
production capacity in developing countries around the globe; increasing use
in carpets and rugs and in nonwoven fabrics in the industrialized nations also
boosted production levels. However, since 2000 the expansion of the polyolefin
business has progressively slowed. The decreasing trend was predominantly linked
to the slump in carpet yarn demand as well as to an escalation in polypropylene
resin’s price, which in turn, affected the price of polypropylene fibers.
Correspondingly, worldwide polyolefin fibers production has stagnated during
the last couple of years.
The eight largest (of the more than 200) producing companies account for about
30% of worldwide polyolefin fiber capacity. Major companies have been increasing
their share through acquisitions and capacity additions over the last five
years.
In the past polyolefin carpet yarns have taken market share away from nylon
carpet face yarns in tufted and woven carpets and rugs. Advances in tufting
and weaving technology have made it possible to quickly and easily produce
highly complicated, eye-appealing polyolefin fiber tapestries in a variety
of colors, yarn types, gauges and pile heights, all of which will continue
to create a demand in the market. Polyolefin fibers have successfully displaced
jute as the primary and secondary backing substrate for tufted carpets in virtually
all parts of the world.
More than half of the polyolefin fibers used in nonwoven fabrics are used
in disposable consumer products. Nonwoven applications remain one of the fastest-growing
markets for polyolefin fibers in all three regions. Nevertheless, this market
has somewhat matured and robust demand is expected only for some applications
such as geotextiles and hygiene markets (mainly wipes and feminine care). In
contrast, in developing regions, such as Central and Eastern Europe and East
Asia, nonwoven applications are still a low-volume, but fast-growing market.
Disposable diapers, feminine hygiene products, medical apparel and wipes are
some of the first nonwoven products used in developing countries.
In Western Europe and Japan polyolefin demand should increase modestly, whereas
in the United States it is expected to show higher growth rates. Increases
should be greatest in Central and Eastern Europe, Turkey and East Asia (outside
of Japan).
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