Wipes
Wipes can be a paper, tissue or nonwoven; they are subjected to light rubbing or friction, in order to remove dirt or liquid from the surface. Consumers want wipes to absorb, retain or release dust or liquid on demand. One of the main benefits that wipes provide is convenience – using a wipe is quicker and easier than the alternative of dispensing a liquid and using another cloth/paper towel to clean or remove the liquid.
Wipes started at the bottom or more precisely, the baby’s bottom. Yet, during the past decade, the category has grown to include hard surface cleaning, makeup applications and removal, dusting and floor cleaning.In fact, applications other than baby care now account for about 50% of sales in the wipes category.
North America continues to be the leading market, and is projected to grow from $4.5 billion in 2009 to $5.5 billion in 2014. Western Europe is second with sales of $3.6 billion in 2009, which is predicted to grow to $4.2 billion in 2014.The third major market for nonwoven wipes is Asia, which is expected to expand from $1.3 billion in 2009 to almost $2 billion by 2014. South America and Eastern Europe are predicted to grow over smaller bases, reaching $551 million and $558 million, respectively by 2014.
According to reports, China represents more than 33% of the world’s spunlace production, growing more than 33% between 2008 and 2009. More rapid gains will be linked to developing nations such as China and India; China alone will increase its demand for wipes to nearly $500 million in 2011 and will surpass Japan as the leading market in the Asia/Pacific region.