Nonwoven fabrics are broadly defined as sheet or web structures bonded together by entangling fiber or filaments (and by perforating films) mechanically, thermally or chemically. They are flat, porous sheets that are made directly from separate fibers or from molten plastic or plastic film. They are not made by weaving or knitting and do not require converting the fibers to yarn.

Nonwoven fabrics are engineered fabrics that may be a limited life, single-use fabric or a very durable fabric. Nonwoven fabrics provide specific functions such as absorbency, liquid repellency, resilience, stretch, softness, strength, flame retardancy, washability, cushioning, filtering, bacterial barrier and sterility. These properties are often combined to create fabrics suited for specific jobs, while achieving a good balance between product use-life and cost. They can mimic the appearance, texture and strength of a woven fabric and can be as bulky as the thickest paddings. In combination with other materials they provide a spectrum of products with diverse properties, and are used alone or as components of apparel, home furnishings, health care, engineering, industrial and consumer goods.

Listed below are some of the more familiar products made with nonwovens

• disposable diapers
• sanitary napkins & tampons
• sterile wraps, caps, gowns, masks and drapings used in the medical field
• household and personal wipes
• laundry aids (fabric dryer-sheets)
• apparel interlining
• carpeting and upholstery fabrics, padding and backing
• wall coverings
• agricultural coverings and seed strips
• automotive headliners and upholstery
• filters
• envelopes
• tags
• labels
• insulation
• house wraps
• roofing products
• civil engineering fabrics/geotextiles

As you can see, there are many uses for nonwoven fabrics. Technology and ingenuity are creating the capability of these fabrics to provide high quality and functional products.