What is Nonwoven Fabric

Nonwoven fabric is a fabric-like web made by non woven machine. It bonds together with filaments mechanically, thermally or chemically. Process of weaving or knitting is not required in nonwoven fabric. In past few years, nonwovens have become an alternative to plastic.

In 1942, the first piece of nonwoven fabric is used as the interlining on shirts and garments. Staple fibers are bonded together to form a web by dry-laid process. It gives garments a strong support. The structure looks better than before.
In 1950's, nonwoven fabric manufacturer Chicopee Mills successfully developed wet wipes. Nonwoven fabric is applied in household field at the first time.
At the same time, more and more garment factories used nonwoven fabric in lining and interfacing in the United States. Pellon Corporation was one of the biggest manufacturers of nonwoven industry.
In 1960's, composite nonwoven fabric appeared. People mixed two or more different raw materials to process into nonwoven. At that time, fiberglass was a hot selling compost which mixed fibers and foam.

Production process is the main difference between nonwoven and woven. Raw material of nonwoven is directly bonding by physical ways. Then nonwoven fabric forms. It doesn’t need to weave or knit. So there is no weft and warp in nonwoven. While woven fabric is weaved by looms or hands. Warp and weft threads are clearly seen.

Nonwoven fabric is commonly made of chemical fiber such as PP, PET, PA, viscose and acrylic fiber. While woven fabric is made with plant fiber. It refers to cotton, wool, silk, linen, ramie, hemp and leather. In recent years, people start to use PLA nonwoven fabric as it is environment friendly. Its raw material is corn, cassava, sugarcane or sugar beet pulp.

Woven fabric has a strong and stable structure. It’s good for various kinds of clothes, bedding set, sofa and towels. While nonwoven is a kind of lightweight and economical fabric. It’s widely used in recyclable or disposable products. They refers to nonwoven bags, surgical gown, face masks, diapers and industrial filters.