What Should You Know About Spunlace Nonwoven Fabric?

This article explains what spunlace nonwoven fabric is, how it is made, its types, properties, applications, and how to choose the right grade for different industries.


What Is Spunlace Nonwoven Fabric?

Spunlace nonwoven fabric—also known as hydroentangled nonwoven—is produced by using high-pressure water jets to entangle fibers into a cohesive, fabric-like web. The process creates a soft, cloth-like material with excellent drape, making it widely used in wipes, medical products, hygiene items, cosmetics, and technical applications.

Unlike traditional woven fabrics, spunlace requires no weaving or knitting. Its strength comes from fiber entanglement rather than chemical binders, giving it a clean, soft, and natural feel.


How Is Spunlace Nonwoven Fabric Made?

The manufacturing process includes several key steps:

1. Fiber Opening & Blending

Fibers such as viscose, polyester, cotton, wood pulp, Tencel, bamboo fiber, or blends are opened and mixed according to required performance.

2. Web Formation

Carding machines arrange fibers into a flat, uniform web.

3. Hydroentanglement

Multiple rows of high-pressure water jets strike the fiber web, entangling fibers to create strength and texture without adhesives.

4. Dehydration & Drying

The entangled web is dried through hot-air dryers or cylinder dryers.

5. Finishing

Optional finishing treatments may include embossing, aperturing, hydrophobic or hydrophilic treatments, lotion additives, or printing.


What Types of Spunlace Nonwoven Fabric Exist?

Spunlace fabric varies depending on fiber composition, structure, and use case. Common categories include:

1. Viscose / Polyester (PET) Spunlace

The most widely used combination, balancing absorbency and strength.
Ideal for: wet wipes, dry wipes, medical disposables.

2. 100% Viscose Spunlace

Highly absorbent and soft, often used for cosmetic pads and facial masks.

3. 100% Polyester Spunlace

Strong, durable, and resistant to stretching.
Used in: industrial wipes, special cleaning cloths.

4. Wood Pulp Spunlace (Spunlace Woodpulp / Spunlace Pulp)

Better absorbency and paper-like texture.
Suitable for: kitchen wipes, industrial wipes, oil-absorption wipes.

5. Cotton Spunlace

Natural, skin-friendly material commonly used in premium cosmetic and medical applications.

6. Bamboo Fiber Spunlace

Biodegradable and anti-bacterial; popular in eco-friendly products.

7. Tencel / Lyocell Spunlace

Smooth, high-end fiber that is ideal for skin-contact products.

8. PLA Spunlace

Biodegradable plant-based fiber for sustainable disposables.


What Are the Properties of Spunlace Nonwoven Fabric?

Key performance advantages include:

  • Soft and cloth-like hand feel

  • Excellent absorbency (especially with viscose or pulp)

  • High tensile strength

  • Lint-free and clean

  • No chemical binders

  • Good drapability

  • Suitable for printing, embossing, and aperturing

  • Compatible with both dry and wet wipe production


Where Is Spunlace Nonwoven Fabric Used?

Spunlace fabric is versatile and supports a wide range of industries:

1. Personal Care & Household Wipes

  • Baby wipes

  • Makeup remover wipes

  • Facial cleansing pads

  • Kitchen wipes

  • Floor cleaning wipes

2. Medical & Healthcare

  • Surgical gowns

  • Operation pads

  • Disposable bed sheets

  • Medical sponges

3. Industrial Applications

  • Automotive cleaning wipes

  • Workshop maintenance wipes

  • Oil-absorbent cloths

4. Beauty & Cosmetics

  • Facial mask sheet

  • Cotton pads

  • Spa wipes

5. Eco-Friendly Products

  • PLA spunlace for biodegradable wipes

  • Bamboo spunlace for natural hygienic applications


How to Choose the Right Spunlace Fabric?

To select the best type for your product, consider:

1. Fiber Composition

  • Viscose for absorbency

  • Polyester for strength

  • Cotton/Tencel for skin care

  • Wood pulp for kitchen or industrial cleaning

  • PLA/bamboo for eco-friendly markets

2. Weight (GSM)

Common range: 30–120 gsm

  • Lower GSM → cosmetic pads, facial masks

  • Mid GSM → baby wipes, household wipes

  • Higher GSM → industrial wipes

3. Texture & Structure

  • Plain

  • Mesh (apertured)

  • Embossed

  • Patterned

4. Wet & Dry Strength Requirements

5. Required Certifications

Such as:

  • SGS

  • OEKO-TEX

  • Biodegradability tests

  • FDA-compliant for hygiene applications


FAQ

Q1: Is spunlace nonwoven fabric biodegradable?
A: It depends on the fiber. Cotton, viscose, bamboo, Tencel, and PLA versions are biodegradable. Polyester versions are not.

Q2: What is the difference between spunlace and spunbond?
A: Spunlace is hydroentangled and soft like cloth, while spunbond is filament-based and stronger but less soft.

Q3: Can spunlace be used for medical products?
A: Yes, many surgical drapes, gowns, and medical wipes use specially processed spunlace.

Q4: Is wood pulp spunlace suitable for wet wipes?
A: Yes, especially for kitchen and industrial wipes due to its strong absorbency.

Q5: What GSM is best for facial masks?
A: Typically 35–45 gsm, depending on required softness and essence loading.


Why Choose Shanghai Weboss New Material Technology Co.,Ltd. for Spunlace Nonwoven Fabric?

  • Wide Material Options: Viscose/PET, 100% viscose, cotton, wood pulp, bamboo, Tencel, PLA, and more.

  • Custom Specifications: GSM, width, patterns, apertures, and embossing can all be customized.

  • Strict Quality Control: Stable production lines with full testing for absorbency, strength, and safety.

  • Eco-Friendly Choices: Biodegradable materials including PLA and bamboo fiber spunlace.

  • Global Export Experience: Reliable lead times, professional documentation, and international standard packaging.

Shanghai Weboss New Material Technology Co.,Ltd. ensures consistent performance, fast delivery, and professional service tailored to your market needs.

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