Nonwoven fabrics are 100% polypropylene fibres pressed together with adhesives, chemicals and heat into sheets of finely bonded web structures. They are not made by weaving or knitting and do not require converting the fibres to yarn.
Nonwoven fabrics are liquid repellent, absorbent, washable and soft. They are also stretchy, flame retardant, strong, durable and sterile. It can be made to mimic the appearance of textured woven fabrics.
The fabric has a reusable life cycle, depending on what it’s used for. In hospitals, schools, nursing homes and luxury accommodations, where disposable products are important, nonwoven fabric would only be used once. Its cost effective feature makes it attractive and durable for reusable shopping bags.
Nonwoven fabric is made from oil-based and recycled materials. If nonwoven fabric is disposed correctly, they can be recycled.
It is an eco-friendly material in the sense that it does not harm animals or the Earth as much as the production of traditional fabrics. Its high durability and strength means the fabric can be reused repeatedly.
Nonwoven fabric is commonly known to be used for gift and flower wrapping. It’s also used in hospitals as a bacterial barrier because it ensures hygiene in surgical gowns and medical masks.
Other practical applications are in reusable green shopping bags, garment bags and totes. Commercial uses include padding, thermal insulation, acoustic insulation and filtration; as well as in combination with other materials for apparel and home furnishings.