What is nonwoven fabric?
Nonwoven fabrics represent one of the most significant breakthroughs in the modern textile industry, produced through direct fiber bonding processes without weaving or knitting. With their flexible structure, high customizability, and cost-effectiveness, nonwoven fabrics have become essential materials in many fields, from personal hygiene to industrial infrastructure.
Nonwoven fabric is a type of fabric produced using pressing, heat, chemical, or mechanical processes not through the traditional weaving process instead of weaving warp and weft threads, nonwoven fabrics are made from short or long fibers bonded together by mechanical force, heat, or chemical solvents.
Key features:
- No weaving of yarn is required, saving production time.
- The thickness, softness, and absorbency can be adjusted to suit your needs.
- Reasonable cost, suitable for mass production.
The Focus Areas of the GENTEXH Vietnam 2026 Exhibition: Applications and Products from Nonwoven Fabrics
At GENTEXH Vietnam 2026 – the second international event on Nonwoven Fabric Technology & Industrial and Domestic Hygiene, held from March 11-13, 2026 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), Ho Chi Minh City – businesses explored the potential for production and application. With over 200 exhibitors from 10 countries and more than 5,000 trade visitors, the exhibition served not only as a networking platform but also as a showcase for cutting-edge scientific solutions. This article will analyze in detail the main segments: Hygiene, Medical, Protective Agriculture, Automotive, Geotextile, Filtration, Packaging, and Other Applications, while also exploring products that can be manufactured from nonwoven fabrics in each field.
1. Hygiene Segment
Nonwoven fabrics play a core role in disposable absorbent hygiene products, improving quality of life and protecting skin. With their softness, smoothness, leak-proof properties, and durability, these materials are ideal for manufacturing baby diapers, sanitary napkins, and products for adults with urinary incontinence. Studies from the European Nonwoven Textile Association (EDANA) show that nonwoven fabrics reduce skin irritation by up to 30% due to their breathability and antibacterial properties. At GENTEXH 2026, manufacturers can explore spunbond and meltblown technologies to optimize products and meet sustainability standards such as biodegradability.
2. Medical Segment
In Vietnam’s nonwoven fabric consumption structure, hygiene and medical applications are growing the fastest, far surpassing traditional sectors such as furniture or construction.
Vietnam’s disposable medical supplies market, valued at approximately US$954 million in 2023, is projected to experience significant growth with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.95% until 2030.In healthcare settings, nonwoven fabrics prevent cross-contamination and limit the spread of bacteria and viruses. In medical and surgical environments, nonwoven fabrics play a crucial role in preventing cross-contamination and limiting the spread of drug-resistant bacteria and viruses.
- Highly tear-resistant (up to 5 times more resistant than regular fabric)
- Highly absorbent (absorbs 8-10 times its weight), antibacterial (>99%), and naturally breathable.
- Reduced risk of infection according to ASTM F1671 study.
Thanks to their superior filtration, breathability, and protective properties, nonwoven fabrics are widely used in face masks, surgical gowns, medical device covers, and many other protective products.
3. Protective Agriculture Segment
Nonwoven fabrics protect crops by creating a lightweight, flexible covering that regulates microclimate, resists frost, pests, and harsh weather, and promotes uniform growth. The agricultural nonwoven market is projected to reach $3.57 billion by 2028 with a CAGR of 7.86%, according to IndustryARC, driven by increased demand for productivity and reduced pesticide use.
Nonwoven fabric products include crop covers that reduce soil erosion by 70%, seed blankets that increase germination rates by 20-30%, and insect nets that reduce chemical use by 40%. With its breathability (allowing air and water to pass through), this material saves 30-50% of irrigation water, according to IRRI research. GENTEXH 2026 will showcase applications such as biodegradable nonwoven fabrics made from natural fibers, suitable for sustainable agriculture in Vietnam.
4. Automobile Segment
More than 40 parts in modern cars use non-woven materials, from floor mats and trunk liners to air and fuel filters. Thanks to their ability to reduce weight, provide sound insulation, thermal insulation, fire resistance, water resistance, and heat resistance, non-woven fabrics not only contribute to improved performance and safety but also enhance the aesthetics and comfort inside the vehicle.
Non-woven fabrics in modern automobiles are an advanced scientific solution: impact-absorbing floor mats (reducing impact force by 40% according to ASTM standards), flame-retardant (heat resistant >500°C), effective sound insulation (reducing noise by 25-30 dB), dust and dirt repellent and heat insulation (saving 15% energy), ensuring safety and durability for the car.
5. Geotextile Segment
Non-woven geotextiles are essential materials in civil engineering, acting as the “backbone” for infrastructure projects. With their durable, flexible, and high-strength properties, these products are effective in filtration (providing rapid drainage and reducing erosion by 50-70% according to ASTM standards) and soil stratification (preventing mixing and increasing foundation stability by 20-30%). Furthermore, they support reinforcement and drainage, extending the lifespan of structures by 15-20% and significantly reducing maintenance costs. The global market for nonwoven geotextiles is booming, projected to reach $2,087.7 million by 2025, thanks to its widespread applications in roads, embankments, and landfills, contributing to puncture and impact resistance up to 99%. In Vietnam, with the rapid development of urban infrastructure, this presents a golden opportunity for businesses to innovate.
6. Filtering Segmentation
Filtration is the fastest-growing segment, with the potential for customization in filtering air, liquids, fine dust, and bacteria. Nonwoven fabrics (polypropylene, polyester) are common filter materials created by mechanical/thermal bonding instead of weaving, possessing advantages such as being lightweight, durable, porous, and chemically resistant. They are key components in air, water, industrial dust, and medical (face mask) filtration due to their ultrafine fiber structure (meltblown) which helps retain impurities optimally.
Common types of nonwoven fabrics used in the filtration industry:
- Meltblown (MB): An ultra-fine fiber with extremely high filtration capabilities for bacteria and dust, commonly used in face masks.
- Spunbond (SB): Durable, breathable, and long-lasting, used as the outer layer for face masks or industrial dust filter bags.
- SMS (Spunbond-Meltblown-Spunbond): A 3-layer structure combining durability and high filtration capacity.
Polyester (PET) & Polypropylene (PP) fabrics: Heat-resistant, corrosion-resistant, commonly used in liquid filtration, cooking oil filtration, and air filtration systems.
7. Packaging Segment
Amidst the growing demand for green and sustainable packaging, nonwoven fabrics have emerged as a superior alternative to traditional plastics and paper. With their durable, lightweight, water-resistant, and eco-friendly properties, these materials not only help businesses save costs but also enhance their brand image.Nonwoven fabrics offer flexible, lightweight, durable, and eco-friendly packaging, from food deoxygenation to anti-static component protection.
Superior Characteristics of Non-Woven Fabrics in Packaging:
- High durability: It will not tear or deform under pressure, ensuring the product’s safety during transportation and storage.
- Water and dust resistant: Provides optimal protection for the product even in harsh environmental conditions.
- Lightweight and flexible: Reduces shipping costs and allows for easy processing into various packaging designs.
- Environmentally friendly: Many types of nonwoven fabrics are biodegradable or recyclable, minimizing plastic waste.
GENTEXH VIETNAM 2026 – EXCLUSIVE EXHIBITION ON NON-WOVEN FABRIC TECHNOLOGY & INDUSTRIAL AND DOMESTIC HYGIENE IN VIETNAM
Gentexh Vietnam 2026 is a golden opportunity for businesses to explore and apply nonwoven fabrics, promote sustainable economic growth, and serve as an ideal trade bridge where domestic and international businesses can meet, connect, and realize business cooperation opportunities, making a positive contribution to Vietnam’s economic development.Bringing together over 200 exhibitors from 10 countries showcasing products based on key market segments:
– Hygiene
– Medical (Y tế)
– Protective Agriculture
– Automobile
– Geotextile
– Filtration
– Packaging…
🎯 Are you working in one of the above industries?
Don’t miss the opportunity to meet global customers, importers, and partners at GENTEXH VIETNAM 2026!
For further information, please contact:
- Contact information in Vietnam: MINH VI ADVERTISING AND EXHIBITION SERVICES CO., LTD (VEAS)
Room 803, Citilight Building, 45 Vo Thi Sau Street, Tan Dinh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Phone: 028 3848 8561 – Fax: 028 3848 8564
- Contact information in India: mktg@gentexh.com | +91 95125 92902
- Website: https://gentexh.com/
- Register for a booth: https://www.gentexh.com/registration/
- Register for visit: https://gentexh.com/asean-registration-vi/