nonfabric

Nonfabric is a term used in some industrial and consumer contexts to describe materials that function like textiles but are not produced by traditional weaving or knitting. It is often used as a catch-all label for nonwoven fabrics and other fabric substitutes, though the term is not standardized and its meaning can vary by industry. In many cases nonfabric denotes products where the fabric-like performance—such as drape, porosity, or barrier properties—comes from processes other than weaving, knitting, or loom-based fiber assembly.

Nonfabric encompasses a range of materials, including nonwoven fabrics produced by methods such as meltblown or spunbond extrusion, chemical bonding, hydroentangling, and mechanical web formation. It can also include laminated films, coated textiles, and composite sheets that imitate fabric textures or flexibility. Common materials include polymers like polypropylene and polyester, as well as natural fibers or cellulose derivatives used in specialty products. The labeling often reflects intended use (medical supplies, hygiene products, geotextiles, filtration media, or consumer wipes) rather than a single manufacturing technique.

Applications span sectors such as healthcare (surgical gowns, sterilization wraps), consumer goods (wet wipes, facial tissues), industrial (filters, insulation materials), and automotive interiors. Environmental considerations are increasingly prominent: while some nonfabric products are designed for recyclability or compostability, many are single-use or difficult to recycle, prompting ongoing research into sustainable materials and end-of-life options.