Taipei, Taiwan
www.knh-global.com
2024 Nonwovens Sales: $90 million

Key Personnel
H.M. Tai, chairman; Vicky Tai, general manager; H.H. Yang, manufacturing vice president; Glen Lin, vice president, International Hygiene Business Unit

Plants
Taipei & Tainan, Taiwan; Shanghai & Yangzhou, China

Processes
Air through bonding, thermal bonding, meltblown, airlaid, spunlace

Major Markets
Hygiene, industrial materials, medical, apparel

In 2024, KNH’s sales of nonwoven fabric-related products totaled $90 million. Fluctuating demand for nonwovens following the pandemic, as well as lower demand from its major customers, have impacted sales. This impact is gradually subsiding and market demand is stabilizing.

“The nonwoven market expanded rapidly during the pandemic in Asia, resulting in a situation where supply has exceeded demand,” says marketing manager Celine Hsiung. “Although the relevant demand has gradually bounced back, overall nonwoven overcapacity still remains in the market. The market for absorbent products, however, is currently showing steady growth, with urinary incontinence products posting significant increases. Factors including rapid urbanization, rising disposable income levels and an increasing elderly population have all contributed to strong growth of urinary incontinence products in Asia Pacific, particularly in China, India and Japan. Meanwhile, the rising awareness of personal healthcare and improvement in the use of medical facilities have also driven the demand in incontinence products in the Asia Pacific region on the institutional side. To cope with this demand, KNH has taken a proactive approach to develop related product extensions and strengthen market research and analysis to better adapt to changes in market demand.”

To meet sustainability demands, KNH has been using more renewable raw materials in its products, optimizing production processes to reduce carbon emissions and promoting recyclable and biodegradable products. Hsuing states, “Additionally, we have been actively testing various sustainable materials in recent years. Our goal is to provide customers with environmentally friendly products without compromising functionality.”

In terms of business development, KNH has strengthened its collaboration with suppliers to jointly promote research and development projects for sustainable materials and products. This has resulted in the establishment of stricter internal environmental standards aimed at rapidly fostering the development of eco-friendly materials and finished products.

In fact, it is an emphasis on research and development that has allowed KNH to maintain a leading position in Taiwan’s nonwoven fabric industry.

Plants: Taipei & Tainan, Taiwan; Shanghai & Yangzhou, China
Processes: Air through bonding, thermal bonding, meltblown, airlaid, spunlace
Major Markets: Hygiene, industrial materials, medical, apparel

In 2023, KNH’s sales of nonwoven fabric-related products totaled $90 million. Fluctuating demand for nonwovens following the pandemic, as well as lower demand from its major customers, have impacted sales. This impact is gradually subsiding and market demand is stabilizing.

“The nonwoven market expanded rapidly during the pandemic in Asia, resulting in a situation where supply has exceeded demand,” says marketing manager Celine Hsiung. “Although the relevant demand has gradually bounced back, overall nonwoven overcapacity still remains in the market. The market for absorbent products, however, is currently showing steady growth, with urinary incontinence products posting significant increases. Factors including rapid urbanization, rising disposable income levels and an increasing elderly population have all contributed to strong growth of urinary incontinence products in Asia Pacific, particularly in China, India and Japan. Meanwhile, the rising awareness of personal healthcare and improvement in the use of medical facilities have also driven the demand in incontinence products in the Asia Pacific region on the institutional side. To cope with this demand, KNH has taken a proactive approach to develop related product extensions and strengthen market research and analysis to better adapt to changes in market demand.”

To meet sustainability demands, KNH has been using more renewable raw materials in its products, optimizing production processes to reduce carbon emissions and promoting recyclable and biodegradable products. Hsuing states, “Additionally, we have been actively testing various sustainable materials in recent years. Our goal is to provide customers with environmentally friendly products without compromising functionality.”

In terms of business development, KNH has strengthened its collaboration with suppliers to jointly promote research and development projects for sustainable materials and products. This has resulted in the establishment of stricter internal environmental standards aimed at rapidly fostering the development of eco-friendly materials and finished products. “Although it is extremely difficult to completely replace plastic materials, the urgency of sustainability cannot be ignored,” Hsuing adds. “Due to this, KNH will first consider recycled plastics, bio-based materials and biodegradable materials when it comes to manufacturing products.”

In fact, it is an emphasis on research and development that has allowed KNH to maintain a leading position in Taiwan’s nonwoven fabric industry. “We take a keen interest in exploring and experimenting with new materials via working with academic institutions and industry experts to achieve technological innovation,” Hsuing says. “At the same time, we proactively take note of market information so as to illustrate the future direction of our products. For example, high-performance absorbent materials and biodegradable nonwoven fabrics not only enhance product performance, they also better meet the increasingly diverse needs of customers. By seizing emerging opportunities, we are able to maintain our competitive edge.”

Plants: Taipei & Tainan, Taiwan; Shanghai & Yangzhou, China
Processes: Air through bonding, thermal bonding, meltblown, airlaid, spunlace
Major Markets: Hygiene, industrial materials, medical, and apparel

As one of the world’s leading nonwovens producers of hygiene products, KNH continues to focus on the reduction of plastic materials through the development of eco-friendly products. With the use of bio-based and fully recyclable, nonwovens in the feminine hygiene products and wet wipes, KNH is are offering customers an n option of being comfortable and eco-friendly.

The result of these efforts is the development of biodegradable sanitary pads, panty liners and tampons. Apart from 100% cotton ones existing for a long time in the market, KNH has recently  introduced Bamboo sanitary products made from recyclable and eco-friendly materials this year.

For bamboo sanitary pads, skin-friendly spunlace fabric is used as its topsheet. Bamboo fiber itself has countless micropores with rapid absorption and good breathability. Further, bamboo is the fastest growing plant in the world, which can grow up to 30 meters just in eight weeks, thus being easier to meet demand.

Through the ECF process, KNH has taken this fluff pulp, together with biodegradable and compostable breathable bottom sheet, to create a new generation feminine hygiene products of ultrathin and compact design, which can absorb the period blood rapidly, giving a long-lasting freshness to the skin and inhibit the growth of bacteria. In addition, the physical performance of back leakage and absorption rate has been rated above the national standards. Now, for a sustainable society, KNH is using recyclable packing materials for its new generation products to minimize its carbon footprint.

KNH currently operates plants in Taipei, Taiwan, and Shanghai, Chengdu and Yangzhou, China.

In Taiwan, KNH has invested in production lines of HEPA and microfiber spunbond, which will allow it to begin manufacturing durable goods and high end consumables such as artificial leather, furnishing fabrics, cleaning wipes and the medical market.

Being Taiwan’s first meltblown supplier, KNH has been involved in this market for more than 20 years. In addition to its core products in the category of hygiene, KNH is focused on more high-end, value-added nonwovens.

Meanwhile, in China, KNH completed work on a third site in Yangzhou, which began operation in the fourth quarter of 2021 and provides better supply chain integration and a closer customer relationship. A big part of these efforts focus on sustainability and working to keep up with global regulations for disposable products.

Plants: Taipei, Taiwan; Shanghai, Chengdu and Yangzhou, China
Processes: Air through bonding, thermal bonding, meltblown, airlaid, needlepunch, spunlace
Major Markets: Hygiene, industrial, agriculture, geotextiles

Sales reached $180 million at KNH Enterprises as demand for spunbond and meltblown nonwovens continue to be strong in many application areas.

KNH continuously increases its product portfolio and these efforts did not slow down during the pandemic. Its recent launches include a HEPA grade meltblown and as well as a high-end microfiber spunbond product.

Within Asia, where the majority of KNH’s business is conducted, capacity for spunlace, spunbond and meltblown has increased significantly as companies have invested aggressively amidst strong demand for nonwovens as a result of Covid-19.

“Overinvestment creates oversupply,” president Vicky Tai says. “Price competition and mergers have been taking place. We believe the situation will be normalized in two years. The industry will continue to invest in research and development, making it friendly to use for our customers.”

KNH currently operates plants in Taipei, Taiwan, and Shanghai, Chengdu and Yangzhou, China.

In Taiwan, KNH has invested in production lines of HEPA and microfiber spunbond, which will allow it to begin manufacturing durable goods and high end consumables such as artificial leather, furnishing fabrics, cleaning wipes and the medical market.

Being Taiwan’s first meltblown supplier, KNH has stayed in this industry for over 20 years. In addition to its core products in the category of hygiene, KNH will focus more on high-end, value-added nonwovens to respond to market needs and achieve better quality.

Meanwhile, in China, KNH completed work on a third site in Yangzhou, which began operation in the fourth quarter of 2021 and provides better supply chain integration and a closer customer relationship. A big part of these efforts will be a focus on sustainability and working to keep up with global regulations for disposable products.

“KNH has been committed to researching eco-friendly materials and has developed a variety of biodegradable products—sustainable pads, liners and cotton tampons,” Tai says. “In terms of material, we provided air-through, airlaid and spunlace nonwoven to our clients. KNH is committed to being a contributor of environmental protection.”

Plants: Taipei, Taiwan; Shanghai and Chengdu, China
Processes: Air through bonding, thermal bonding, meltblown, airlaid, needlepunch, spunlace
Major Markets: Hygiene, industrial, agriculture, geotextiles

Sales increased 25% to reach $180 million at KNH Enterprises as demand for spunbond and meltblown nonwovens grew dramatically, in some cases as much as 80% compared to the previous year.

KNH continuously increases its product portfolio and these efforts did not slow down during the pandemic. Its recent launches include a HEPA grade meltblown and the company is launching a high-end microfiber spunbond product, targeting hygiene, medical, wipes and industrial uses, in 2022.

Within Asia, where the majority of KNH’s business is conducted, capacity for spunlace, spunbond and meltblown has increased significantly as companies have invested aggressively amidst strong demand for nonwovens as a result of Covid-19.

“Over investment creates over supply,” president Vicky Tai says.  “Price competition and mergers have been taking place. We believe the situation will be normalized in two years. The industry will continue to invest in research and development, making it friendly to use for our customers.”

KNH currently operates plants in Taipei, Taiwan and Shanghai and Chengdu, China.

In Taiwan, KNH has invested in production lines of HEPA and microfiber spunbond, which will allow it to begin manufacturing durable goods and high end consumables such as artificial leather, furnishing fabrics, cleaning wipes and the medical market.

“Thanks to Covid-19, people are expecting a healthier and better environment—clean air, less pollution and free of virus,” Tai says. “In response to the crucial issue, KNH launched the meltblown at supreme level of HEPA in August 2021. That means we can get access to the advanced filter market, offering more efficient and highly air permeable meltblown.”

Being Taiwan’s first meltblown supplier, KNH has stayed in this industry for over 20 years. In addition to its core products in the category of hygiene, KNH will focus more on high-end, value-added nonwovens to respond to market needs and achieve better quality.

Meanwhile, in China, KNH is completing work on a third site in Yangzhou, which will begin operation in the fourth quarter of 2021 and provide in-time service, better supply chain integration and a closer customer relationship. A big part of these efforts will be a focus on sustainability and working to keep up with global regulations for disposable products.

“KNH has been committed to researching eco-friendly materials and has developed a variety of biodegradable products—sustainable pads, liners and cotton tampons,” Tai says. “In terms of material, we provided air-through, airlaid and spunlace nonwoven to our clients. KNH is committed to being a contributor of environmental protection.”

Plants: Taipei, Taiwan; Shanghai and Chengdu, China
Processes: Air through bonding, thermal bonding, meltblown, airlaid, needlepunch, spunlace
Major Markets: Hygiene, industrial, agriculture, geotextiles

The most recent news from KNH Enterprises, a manufacturer of both hygiene products and nonwovens, based in Taipei, Taiwan, is the establishment of a new site in Taiwan. The site will reportedly allow the company improve production of its nonwoven fabrics for hygiene applications.

This investment likely responds to continued strength in the company’s nonwovens business. The company makes airlaid and spunlaced nonwovens at plants in Taiwan and China and has benefited from growth in Asian markets.

KNH’s Chinese operation includes two plants, one in Chengdu and one in Shanghai, which primarily make spunlace nonwovens. The company’s spunlace operation has benefited from the growth of the Chinese wipes market while its ultrathin airlaid core material is in strong demand in the disposable diaper market.

Other areas of interest for the company’s spunlace business include the medical market, which has been well supported in Asia, particularly in wound care and blood filtration.

The driving force behind an expansion in recent years is demand from China, Indonesia and India, which are all becoming major consumers of nonwovens as disposable diapers and wipes increase in usage. While there are a number of new lines being added in these areas, most of them are replacing older, less productive lines.

Plants: Taipei, Taiwan; Shanghai and Chengdu, China
Processes: Air through bonding, thermal bonding, meltblown, airlaid, needlepunch, spunlace
Major Markets: Hygiene, industrial, agriculture, geotextiles

The most recent news from KNH Enterprises, a manufacturer of both hygiene products and nonwovens, based in Taipei, Taiwan, is the establishment of a new site in Taiwan. The site will reportedly allow the company improve production of its nonwoven fabrics for hygiene applications.

This investment likely responds to continued strength in the company’s nonwovens business. The company makes airlaid and spunlaced nonwovens at plants in Taiwan and China and has benefited from growth in Asian markets.

KNH’s Chinese operation includes two plants, one in Chengdu and one in Shanghai, which primarily make spunlace nonwovens. The company’s spunlace operation has benefited from the growth of the Chinese wipes market while its ultrathin airlaid core material is in strong demand in the disposable diaper market.

Other areas of interest for the company’s spunlace business include the medical market, which has been well supported in Asia, particularly in wound care and blood filtration.

The driving force behind an expansion in recent years is demand from China, Indonesia and India, which are all becoming major consumers of nonwovens as disposable diapers and wipes increase in usage. While there are a number of new lines being added in these areas, most of them are replacing older, less productive lines.

Plants: Taipei, Taiwan; Shanghai and Chengdu, China
Processes: Air through bonding, thermal bonding, meltblown, airlaid, needlepunch, spunlace
Major Markets: Hygiene, industrial, agriculture, geotextiles

Nonwovens sales continued to be strong at KNH Enterprise. The maker of airlaid and spunlace nonwovens, who also operates a sizable hygiene business, continues to focus on Asian expansion for growth.

“There is a mid- to long-term plan to invest while we are still looking for other opportunities in the Asia-Pacific area,” says company spokesperson Aisha Chen. “Chinese growth plays an important role to our company when new middle class in the cities have shown purchasing power.”

In addition to its operation in Taipei, KNH operates two plants in China, one in Chengdu and one in Shanghai. The company’s spunlace operation has benefited from the growth of the Chinese wipes market while its ultrathin airlaid core material is in strong demand in the disposable diaper market.

Other areas of interest for the company’s spunlace business include the medical market, which has been well supported in Asia, particularly in wound care and blood filtration.

The driving force behind an expansion in recent years is demand from China, Indonesia and India, which are all becoming major consumers of nonwovens as disposable diapers and wipes increase in usage. While there are a number of new lines being added in these areas, most of them are replacing older, less productive lines.

“With quite significant GDP growth in South Eastern Asia and India, we have been working on developing those markets to fulfill the nonwoven need there,” Chen says. “However, the currency risk will be needed to watched out as the U.S. dollar gets stronger from time to time.”

Plants: Taipei, Taiwan; Shanghai and Chengdu, China
Processes: Air through bonding, thermal bonding, meltblown, airlaid, needlepunch, spunlace
Major Markets: Hygiene, industrial, agriculture, geotextiles

Wearing two hats as a manufacturer and converter of nonwovens is KNH Enterprises, one of Taiwan’s largest nonwovens producers. The company currently makes spunlace nonwovens, largely serving the wipes market, on three lines in the greater China area. According to executives, demand in this market has been growing gradually year on year.

“It is very competitive in China and the rest of Asia for the wipes market. However, consumers still appreciate unique materials to offer the benefits while using them as a skin care wipe,” says company spokesperson Aisha Chen.

Other areas of interest for the company’s spunlace business include the medical market, which has been well supported in Asia, particularly in wound care and blood filtration.

The driving force behind an expansion in recent years is demand from China, Indonesia and India, which are all becoming major consumers of nonwovens as disposable diapers and wipes increase in usage. While there are a number of new lines being added in these areas, most of them are replacing older, less productive lines.

“The countries in Southeastern Asia such as Indonesia are promising from GDP growth and demographic dividend. So far, we don’t have any tangible plan to establish operations in those areas but always look for opportunities,” Chen adds.

Plants: Taipei, Taiwan, Shanghai and Chengdu, China
Processes: Air through bonding, thermal bonding, meltblown, airlaid, needlepunch, spunlace
Major Markets: Hygiene, industrial, agriculture, geotextiles

Wearing two hats as a manufacturer and converter of nonwovens is KNH Enterprises, one of Taiwan’s largest nonwovens producers. The company currently makes spunlace nonwovens, largely serving the wipes market, on three lines in the greater China area. According to executives, demand in this market has been growing gradually year on year.

“It is very competitive in China and rest of Asia for the wipes market. However, consumers still appreciate unique materials to offer the benefits while using them as a skin care wipe,” says company spokesperson Aisha Chen.

Other areas of interest for the company’s spunlace business include the medical market, which has been well supported in Asia, particularly in wound care and blood filtration.

The driving force behind an expansion in recent years is demand from China, Indonesia and India, which are all becoming major consumers of nonwovens as disposable diapers and wipes increase in usage. While there are a number of new lines being added in these areas, most of them are replacing older, less productive lines.

“The countries in Southeastern Asia such as Indonesia are promising from GDP growth and demographic dividend. So far, we don’t have any tangible plan to establish operations in those areas but always look for opportunities,” Chen adds.

Plants: Taipei, Taiwan, Shanghai and Chengdu, China
Processes: Air through bonding, thermal bonding, meltblown, airlaid, needlepunch, spunlace
Major Markets: Hygiene, industrial, agriculture, geotextiles

Wearing two hats as a manufacturer and converter of nonwovens is KNH Enterprises, one of Taiwan’s largest nonwovens proudcer. The company currently makes spunlace nonwovens, largely serving the wipes market, on three lines in the greater China area. According to executives demand in this market has been growing gradually year on year.

This new line will be designed to handle wood pulp and possibly recycled materials to not only respond to environmental concerns but also to take advantage of government incentives promoting the use of recycled content in consumer products.

Other areas of interest for the company’s spunlace business include the medical market, which has been well supported in Asia, particularly in wound care and blood filtration.

Within China, KNH has two plants—one in Shanghai and the other in Chengdu, in western China, which was opened in late 2010. Executives say the company continues to look for new opportunities in the Asia-Pacific area.

“Chinese growth plays an important role to our company when a new middle class in the cities have shown the purchasing power,” says Amy Lee, sales director.

The driving force behind an expansion in recent years is demand from China, Indonesia and India, which are all becoming major consumers of nonwovens as disposable diapers and wipes increase in usage. While there are a number of new lines being added in these areas, most of them are replacing older, less productive lines.

“With quite significant GDP growth in Southeastern Asia and India, we have been working on developing those markets to fulfill the nonwoven need there,” Chen says.  “However, the currency risk will be needed to watch out when U.S. dollar gets stronger from time to time.