Large hygiene markets and fast growing nonwovens will drive global growth for fluff pulp, according to a new report from Smithers Pira, The Future of Fluff Pulp to 2020.
In 2015, the fluff pulp market demand was 5.4 million air dried tonnes, up from 4.7 million air dried tonnes in 2010. Projected demand in 2020 is 6.5 million air dried tonnes for a projected annual growth of 3.6% by 2020.
Diapers/nappies are the largest end use market with about 37.3% of the market in 2015, while nonwovens are the fastest growing end use at 5.3% annual growth for 2015-20. Other end uses include feminine hygiene and adult incontinence products. Traditionally priced between papermaking pulp grades and dissolving pulp grades, for the last few years fluff pulp has been higher priced than either. This has led to plant conversions and grade swings from both papermaking and dissolving pulp grades to fluff pulp, with major new volume scheduled for entry into the market within the next twelve months.
