Unwoven

Unwoven is an adjective describing something that has not been woven. In textiles, the closely related term nonwoven refers to fabrics produced directly from fibers by bonding or entangling rather than weaving or knitting. The word unwoven is less common in commercial practice but is sometimes used to describe materials that have not yet undergone weaving.

Nonwoven fabrics are manufactured by forming a web of fibers and then bonding them. Common production routes include dry laid and wet laid web formation, spunbond and meltblown processes that create continuous filaments, and hydroentangling (spunlacing) or needle-punching to entangle fibers. Bonding methods include mechanical, thermal, and chemical bonding.

These materials can be designed with a range of properties, from highly absorbent and soft to highly strong and filtration-grade. Typical materials used in nonwovens include polypropylene, polyester, and cellulose. Applications cover hygiene products and medical disposables (such as wipes and gowns), filtration media, geotextiles for soil stabilization, insulation, and protective clothing.

History and industry context accompany the concept. The development of nonwoven fabrics expanded in the mid-20th century, driven by needs for disposable products and more efficient manufacturing. Standards for production and testing are governed by international norms set by ISO and ASTM, among others.

Environmental considerations accompany their use. Nonwovens are often designed for single-use, which raises waste concerns. Some nonwovens are recyclable or compostable depending on material and binder systems, and ongoing research seeks to improve recyclability and develop more sustainable chemistries and end-of-life options.