Nonwoven explained: spunlace, airlaid, spunbond
Nonwoven fabric is made by bonding fibres directly, without spinning yarn or weaving it. Three types dominate moist towelette cloth: spunlace is bonded by high-pressure water jets, airlaid by air flow, spunbond by laying molten filament directly. They differ in hand feel, absorbency and cost.
The character of each
Why it is not weaving
Woven fabric requires yarn to be spun and then interlaced. Nonwoven skips both steps and bonds the fibres mechanically, thermally or chemically. For a single-use product that is both faster and cheaper.
What the guest actually notices
Almost the entire difference in hand feel comes from the bonding type. Spunlace reads as cloth and is perceived as premium; spunbond feels thinner and more paper-like. Two towelettes at identical weight can feel completely different.
Its relationship to gsm
Bonding type and weight are two separate decisions. Each type is available in a range of weights, and higher weight raises both hand feel and cost. Asking only for a gsm figure gives you half the specification.
Viscose and polyester content
Fibre composition is a further variable. More viscose means more absorbency and a more natural feel; polyester adds strength. If a compostability claim is being made, the composition must be requested in writing, because synthetic content bears directly on it.
Frequently asked
- Is nonwoven compostable?
- It depends on fibre composition. A high-viscose nonwoven can be; a polyester-heavy one will not be. Ask for the ratio in writing.
- Which type is most common?
- Spunlace is the most widely used in moist towelettes; it sits at the best balance of cloth feel and absorbency.
Last updated: 2026-09-13