What Is Nonwoven Fabric?
Direct Answer
Nonwoven fabric is a textile-like sheet made directly from fibers bonded by mechanical, thermal or chemical means, without weaving or knitting.
Key Takeaways
- Nonwoven fabric is a textile-like sheet made directly from fibers bonded by mechanical, thermal or chemical means, without weaving or knitting.
- How it works: Fibers (often polypropylene) are laid into a web and bonded together.
- The soft topsheet of most diapers is a hydrophilic nonwoven
- Myth: Nonwoven means non-biodegradable plastic. Nonwovens can be made from plant-based or biodegradable fibers
How Nonwoven Fabric Works
Fibers (often polypropylene) are laid into a web and bonded together. Nonwovens are engineered for softness, breathability and liquid pass-through, making them ideal for the topsheet and outer layers of hygiene products.
Examples and Applications
- The soft topsheet of most diapers is a hydrophilic nonwoven
- Spunbond-meltblown nonwovens are used in masks and medical textiles
Nonwoven Fabric vs. Related Terms
| Term | What it is | Key difference |
|---|---|---|
| Woven fabric | Nonwoven Fabric | Woven fabric is made by interlacing yarns; nonwoven is bonded directly from a fiber web, faster and cheaper to produce |
Limitations and Common Misconceptions
- Myth: Nonwoven means non-biodegradable plastic. Nonwovens can be made from plant-based or biodegradable fibers
- Myth: Nonwoven is the same as woven fabric. The bonding process is completely different
What is the official definition of a nonwoven?
ISO 9092 defines a nonwoven as an engineered fibrous assembly, primarily planar, given structural integrity by physical or chemical means, excluding weaving, knitting or paper making.
Is paper a nonwoven?
No. Paper is bonded primarily by hydrogen bonds formed during drying, which distinguishes it from wet-laid nonwovens.
Where are nonwovens used in diapers?
The topsheet, leg cuffs, backsheet cover and acquisition layers of diapers, pads and wipes are all nonwoven materials.
References
- EDANA - What are nonwovens? (ISO 9092 / CEN EN 29092 definition) — EDANA (accessed 2026-08-02)
- JP CIA (industry) - Baby diaper material: key components and their functions — 行业媒体 (accessed 2026-08-02)