Building a Global-Scale Nonwoven Powerhouse
As the technical textiles industry in India surges forward, Spunweb Nonwoven Limited (SNL) has emerged as one of the most dynamic and forward-looking players in the sector. Known for its excellence in polypropylene spunbond nonwoven fabric manufacturing, SNL has steadily grown from a small-scale operation to one of the largest producers in India, catering to both domestic and global markets.
With a strong foundation built on advanced manufacturing, a diverse product portfolio, and a deep commitment to quality and sustainability, the company is now entering a transformative phase of growth. The recent acquisition of advanced production lines by its wholly owned subsidiary, Spunweb India Private Limited (SIPL), marks a significant milestone, enhancing capacity, broadening product capabilities, and reinforcing its leadership in the industry.
A Market on the Rise – India’s Nonwoven Fabric Growth Story
The nonwoven fabric industry in India has experienced unprecedented growth in the past five years, driven by demand from multiple sectors, most notably healthcare, hygiene, packaging, automotive, and construction. Domestic consumption has surged from 548,000 tons in 2019 to 989,000 tons in 2023, reflecting a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.9 percent. Industry revenues have also expanded significantly, increasing from ₹14,690 crore to ₹26,700 crore in the same period.
Global demand, particularly for hydrophobic and hydrophilic nonwoven fabrics — which together account for over two-thirds of the market — has mirrored this rise. Consumption grew from 6.34 million tons in 2019 to 10.25 million tons in 2023, with the market value reaching USD 29.26 billion. By 2029, this figure is projected to touch USD 40.77 billion, offering immense opportunities for companies with the capacity, expertise, and vision to cater to this demand.
Visionary Leadership Driving Growth
The remarkable trajectory of SNL has been shaped by the leadership of Mr. Jay D. Kagathara, Chairman, Promoter, and Managing Director. Associated with the company since November 2015, Jay has played a pivotal role in creating the processes, frameworks, and strategic direction that underpin the company’s growth. With a strong background in business formation, operations, and strategic planning, he combines negotiation skills, project execution expertise, and a visionary mindset to drive innovation and operational excellence. His entrepreneurial approach has enabled SNL to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and establish itself as a major force in the nonwoven sector.
Supporting him is Mr. Kishan D. Kagathara, Promoter and Whole-Time Director, who joined the company in 2019. With a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering from Symbiosis International University, Pune, and an MBA from Coventry University, London, Kishan leads the sales and marketing functions for both domestic and international markets. His dynamic leadership style, focus on team motivation, and belief in learning from feedback have been instrumental in expanding the company’s market presence and strengthening its relationships with customers around the world.
From Third-Party Manufacturing to Industry Leadership
The Kagathara family’s journey in the nonwoven industry began in 2005, initially through third-party manufacturing. Recognising the potential of the sector, the family took a decisive step in 2016 by establishing its own nonwoven fabric production line. This proved to be a turning point, as growing demand for their quality products enabled them to expand rapidly. Today, the group operates five production lines with a combined capacity of approximately 3,000 tons per month, making it one of India’s largest producers of spunbond nonwoven fabrics.
Technological Strength – Advanced Production Capabilities
Operating from a sprawling 60,000-square-metre facility in Rajkot, Gujarat, Spunweb utilises state-of-the-art production technology to manufacture fabrics that meet the most stringent quality standards. Four of its lines are equipped with SS (spunbond-spunbond) technology, while a fifth incorporates SSS technology along with an online fabric defect detection system — ensuring consistency, precision, and reduced waste. All lines are sourced from Shoyang Textile Machinery, a leading global machinery supplier from China.
The company’s manufacturing capabilities cover a wide range of nonwoven fabrics from 7 GSM to 150 GSM, in various functional finishes including hydrophobic, hydrophilic, flame-retardant, UV-treated, anti-static, and super-soft. This versatility allows Spunweb to cater to diverse applications in hygiene, medical, agriculture, roofing, packaging, and construction sectors.
Recent Expansion – Strategic Capacity Boost
In August 2025, SIPL announced the acquisition of two advanced single-beam nonwoven fabric production lines — one with a 3.2-metre width and another with a 1.6-metre width. This investment will increase SIPL’s installed production capacity by approximately 53 percent, from 12,240 MT to 18,740 MT annually. Combined with SNL’s existing capacity, the group’s total installed capacity will grow by nearly 20 percent, from 32,640 MT to 39,140 MT.
The expansion also includes the addition of 45,000 square feet to SIPL’s production infrastructure, strengthening its operational backbone and enabling a 20 percent increase in employment. The new lines, expected to be operational by Q3 FY26, will deliver not only greater production capacity but also improved product quality, enhanced efficiency, and reduced production costs. Importantly, they will facilitate the introduction of new products for high-demand markets such as packaging, agriculture, and industrial applications.
Rising Demand in the Hygiene Sector
One of the most significant demand drivers for nonwoven fabrics in recent years has been the surge in the hygiene sector, particularly sanitary pads and baby diapers. Government awareness campaigns and aggressive brand promotions have encouraged higher adoption of these products, creating new opportunities for nonwoven manufacturers.
According to Kishan Kagathara, around 45-50 hygiene product converting lines have been set up in India in just the past two years. This growth is fuelling demand for specialised nonwoven fabrics that meet strict performance, comfort, and safety requirements. For Spunweb, this sector has become a cornerstone of its business, supported by its ability to deliver consistent quality and maintain long-term supply relationships with converters.
Quality Assurance – At the Core of Operations
Spunweb’s reputation for quality is built on stringent raw material selection, robust process controls, and continuous innovation. The company maintains an in-house R&D laboratory and works with leading textile research institutes such as ATIRA and BTRA to ensure that its products meet global performance benchmarks. Every shipment is accompanied by a detailed technical data sheet, ensuring customers have complete transparency about product specifications and performance metrics.
The company’s R&D team also works closely with clients to address specific challenges, develop custom solutions, and provide technical guidance, reinforcing its position as a trusted partner rather than just a supplier.
Global Reach – Exporting to 20+ Countries
SNL’s market presence has grown steadily in both domestic and international markets. In India, the company served over 500 customers in the first nine months of FY25, up from 280 in FY22. Its international footprint spans over 20 countries, including the USA, UAE, Italy, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Kenya, and Nigeria.
As of March 2025, Spunweb Nonwoven Limited and SIPL operated at capacity utilization rates of 73.24% and 67.21% respectively, offering considerable room for expansion to meet increasing demand.
Global demand for hydrophobic and hydrophilic nonwoven fabrics, currently making up over 67% of the market, continues to climb. Consumption of these fabrics grew from 6,341 thousand tons in 2019 to 10,252 thousand tons in 2023, with global sales reaching USD 29.26 billion. By 2029, this figure is expected to grow to USD 40.77 billion, underscoring the long-term potential of this segment.
Sustainability Commitments – Investing in a Greener Future
Spunweb recognises that sustainability is not just a market trend but a responsibility. The company has installed a 1.5 MW rooftop solar plant, meeting approximately 7 percent of its electricity needs through renewable sources. In addition, it is actively exploring ways to reduce its environmental footprint through energy-efficient manufacturing practices, waste reduction initiatives, and sustainable sourcing.
By integrating sustainability into its operations, Spunweb is aligning itself with the expectations of global buyers who increasingly prioritise ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) compliance in their procurement decisions.
Looking Ahead – Positioning for Long-Term Leadership
The outlook for the nonwoven industry remains positive, with robust domestic demand, strong export opportunities, and new applications emerging across sectors. For Spunweb, the recent capacity expansion at SIPL is not just an operational upgrade — it is a strategic step that enhances its ability to compete globally, innovate continuously, and serve an ever-expanding customer base.
With a proven leadership team, world-class manufacturing facilities, and a commitment to quality and sustainability, Spunweb Nonwoven Limited is poised to further strengthen its position as a leader in the global nonwoven fabric market.
From its beginnings as a third-party manufacturer to its current status as one of India’s largest nonwoven producers, Spunweb Nonwoven Limited’s journey has been defined by vision, persistence, and strategic growth. Under the leadership of Jay and Kishan Kagathara, the company has combined operational excellence with market insight, responding effectively to both domestic and international demand.
The latest expansion is set to propel the group into a new era, enhancing its capabilities, creating new opportunities, and reinforcing its role in meeting the world’s growing need for high-quality, sustainable nonwoven fabrics. In the years ahead, Spunweb’s unwavering focus on innovation, quality, and customer partnerships will ensure it remains not just a participant in the nonwoven revolution — but a driving force shaping its future.
