New opportunities for nonwovens arise as consumers seek peace in their homes, cars and offices.
A relatively new field for nonwovens, acoustics is expected to grow in the coming years as increased opportunities present themselves in the home interiors market and nonwovens displace competing materials in more established areas like automotives. Nonwovens will not only benefit from this consumer trend, they are also able to displace competing materials like foam or insulation thanks to their flexibility, light weight and ability to take on various shapes and sizes.
Growth in the market for acoustic nonwovens is driven by the need for optimized interior acoustics in private homes, industrial and office spaces, as well as public buildings. Privacy, quietness and an environment conducive to concentration—these are the trends influencing interior design and the paramount objective is enabling people to feel comfortable. On the other hand, demand for acoustic materials is also created by increasingly stringent government guidelines and regulations on noise protection, for example applying to public buildings or schools.
Another factor driving growth for nonwovens in this market is their suitability for further processing. A large variety of options for visual enhancement is available, from printing and embossing to lamination, or coating, for example. In this way, nonwovens bring together excellent functionality and possibilities for individual design, making them a very versatile alternative for interior acoustics.
