What Are the Types and Uses of Spunbond Nonwoven Fabric?

This article explains common spunbond non woven materials (PP, PET, Nylon, PLA), key structures and layer options , typical applications, and guidance for selecting the right product.

What Is Spunbond Non woven Fabric?

Spunbond non woven fabric is made by extruding continuous filaments from thermoplastic polymers, laying them into a web, and bonding them (usually thermally). It offers good strength, light weight, and efficient large-scale production — making it widely used across hygiene, medical, agriculture, packaging, and technical textile markets.

Which Materials Are Common for Spunbond?

  • Polypropylene (PP): The most common and economical spunbond polymer.

  • Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET): Offers enhanced durability, chemical resistance, and is widely used for durable goods and geotextiles.

  • Nylon (Polyamide): Chosen where higher strength, abrasion resistance, or specific tactile properties are needed (e.g., technical textiles, some embroidery backings).

  • PLA (Polylactic Acid): A compostable, plant-based option used when biodegradability or “bio” claims are required.

  • Recycled vs Virgin: Many spunbond lines can use recycled PP or PET feedstock; recycled content supports sustainability but may show more variability in mechanical properties compared with virgin polymers.

What Structural Options Exist — and Which Ones Use S / SS / SSS?

Important: The layer codes S, SS, and SSS are industry shorthand most commonly used for PP spunbond fabrics produced on multi-beam spunbond lines:

  • S (single layer spunbond) — one spun filament layer; lightweight and economical.

  • SS (two layers bonded) — two spun layers thermally consolidated for added strength and stability.

  • SSS (three layers bonded) — three spun layers offering greater thickness and tensile performance.

These S/SS/SSS labels are standard in PP spunbond product listings and buyer communication. For higher-performance PP production, manufacturers may use four-beam or multi-beam lines and describe the product as multi-layer or by actual layer count rather than a commonly used “SSSS” code — that code is not a universal industry standard.

For PET, PLA, and Nylon spunbond, manufacturers may produce multi-layer, co-spun, or composite structures (for example: spunbond + meltblown + spunbond — SMS), but these are typically described by the actual structure (e.g., PET spunbond, PET/PP composite, SMS) rather than the S/SS/SSS shorthand.

What Are Typical Uses by Material and Structure?

Material / Structure Typical Applications
PP (S / SS / SSS) Disposable medical gowns, masks (filter support with meltblown), hygiene (diaper backsheet), agriculture (crop cover), basic packaging
PET spunbond Durable bags, geotextiles, automotive liners, filtration media
Nylon spunbond Technical textiles, heavy-duty filters, embroidery backing and stabilizers
PLA spunbond Compostable packaging, eco-friendly disposables, plant nursery fabrics
PP multi-layer (e.g., SS / SSS) Heavier-duty packaging, industrial protective textiles, durable agricultural membranes
Composite structures (e.g., SMS, SMMS) Medical PPE, high-performance filtration, hygiene products requiring both barrier and strength

Advantages and Limitations (quick overview)

Advantages:

  • High strength-to-weight ratio (especially for filament spunbond).

  • Scalable, cost-effective manufacturing (PP is lowest cost).

  • Customizable layer counts, weights, and treatments.

  • Can be engineered for hydrophilic/hydrophobic properties and special finishes.

  • Recycled-content options available for sustainability programs.

Limitations:

  • Hand feel may be less soft compared with some other non woven; lamination or finishing may be needed.

  • PLA has lower heat resistance vs PP and PET.

  • Recycled feedstock variability requires supplier quality control.

  • Specific naming conventions (S/SS/SSS) primarily apply to PP; avoid assuming the same labeling for PET, nylon, PLA.

How to Choose the Right Spunbond Product?

  1. Define application performance needs: strength, breathability, barrier, life-span.

  2. Select material based on properties: PP for low cost & disposables; PET for durability; PLA for compostable claims; nylon for abrasion/practical strength.

  3. Choose layer structure: For PP, S/SS/SSS indicates increasing strength. For other polymers, ask the supplier for layer structure and tensile specs.

  4. Confirm recycled content & testing: If recycled material is required, ask for certificate of recycled content and mechanical test reports.

  5. Specify finishing treatments: antistatic, flame-retardant, hydrophilic or hydrophobic coatings, UV stabilization, printing or embossing.

  6. Test in real conditions: run production trials and lifecycle/wash or UV tests if needed.

Real-World Examples & Product Notes

  • PP S (single) — low GSM agricultural coverings, lightweight packaging liners.

  • PP SS / SSS — stronger packaging wraps, heavier protective clothing layers, some geotextile uses.

  • PET spunbond — reusable shopping bags, luggage lining, automotive trunk liners.

  • Nylon spunbond — specialty backings and high-strength technical layers.

  • PLA spunbond — compostable single-use items where biodegradability is prioritized.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1: Are S / SS / SSS labels universal for all spunbond materials?
A: No — they are mostly used for PP spunbond product descriptions. Other materials are described by actual layer or composite structure.

Q2: Is recycled spunbond as good as virgin?
A: High-quality recycled PP/PET can approach virgin properties, but test reports and supplier traceability are important.

Q3: What is the best spunbond for medical gowns?
A: Commonly PP spunbond, often in composite SMS structures (spunbond-meltblown-spunbond) to add barrier properties.

Q4: Can PLA spunbond be used for hot conditions?
A: PLA has lower heat resistance than PP/PET; it’s better suited to ambient-temperature disposables or compostable products.

Q5: How do I know which layer structure I need?
A: Define required tensile strength, puncture resistance, and thickness — then select S/SS/SSS (for PP) or request supplier specs for non-PP materials.

Why Choose Shanghai Weboss New Material Technology Co.,Ltd，for Spunbond Non woven Fabric

  • Material Variety: PP, PET, Nylon, PLA — virgin and recycled feedstock options.

  • Layer & Structure Expertise: We supply S / SS / SSS PP spunbond and custom composite structures (SMS, SMMS) upon request.

  • Custom Finishing: Hydrophilic/hydrophobic, flame retardant, antistatic, UV-stable treatments.

  • Quality Control: Mechanical testing, recycled content certificates, and production traceability.

  • Supply & Support: Stable manufacturing, sample support, and global logistics for bulk orders.

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