O o d h e a d p u b L i s h I n g L i m I t e d

6.5
Future trends
Nonwovens continue to expand into new areas, entering new technical textile
areas as well as competing in traditional textile markets. Product developers
have already placed wool into new nonwoven markets, markets where wool
was previously excluded because of cost. Wool has the potential to bring
unique properties to nonwovens in areas as diverse as electrostatic air filters
and domestic wipes. Environmental pressures are now being widely felt with
industries and the public demanding environmentally sustainable solutions.
This opens areas of opportunity for composite materials made of natural
fibres, including wool, if price points can be met. Traditional textiles will
also come under pressure from the competitive costs of nonwoven production.
As research and product development improves properties such as fabric
drape, stability, abrasion and pilling resistance, we will see a greater part of
this sector taken up by nonwoven products.