One of the world’s leading nonwoven fabric-tech companies, Nonwovenn has announced ambitious plans targeting substantial revenue growth in the oral pouch delivery market, estimated to be worth $5.5 billion globally, with an annual growth rate of 30%.
The businesses’ PouchTech division has already seen its market share of fabric supply in this sector grow substantially, and is looking to further expand its reach over the next three years. The ambitious target follows an extensive £13 million business transformation programme which has included significant self-funded capex investment in manufacturing, plant and equipment, an end-to-end operational efficiency programme and an enhancement in R&D and innovation capability, to enable the servicing of growing order volumes.
Over the last 20 years Nonwovenn has built a world-wide reputation for supplying the finest technical fabrics used in the manufacture of oral pouch products, with the aim of producing the best rapid flavour transfer and oral experience for adult consumers.
Five years ago, the business took a strategic decision to refocus the supply of fabrics for tobacco related products, now focusing on modern oral nicotine pouches supporting smoking cessation and pouches used in the delivery of other stimulants such as caffeine, as well as agents like CBD and nutritional supplements.
Dr Adrian Bisson, Head of PouchTech at Nonwovenn, said: “This transformative focus on modern oral pouch technology reflects our commitment to sustainability, harm reduction and meeting the evolving needs of adult consumers. By focusing on rapid flavour release, oral comfort and the highest standards of quality assurance, Nonwovenn is ensuring our products meet the highest standards and deliver superior customer experiences.”
“To ensure our products are safe and of high quality, the materials are independently certified for food contact approval through a world-renowned testing institution. We actually set the standard for modern oral pouches, with many product manufacturers now insisting pouch fabric suppliers meet that same standard and certification.
Nonwovenn chairman, David Lamb added; “We are working towards positioning ourselves as the market leader in this rapidly growing sector. We are not just advancing modern oral alternatives; we are building a pathway to a broader range of products that help reflect our commitment to sustainability, health and harm reduction.”
One of the world’s leading nonwoven fabric-tech companies, Nonwovenn is setting a new industry benchmark for sustainability by integrating market-leading eco-friendly policies across its operations. The business is now seeing impressive results after two years of implementation.
Nonwovenn has reported that it has sent zero waste to landfill for a second year running, instead converting it to ‘Refuse Derived Fuel’ through a service partner, which generates half a million kWh of renewable energy for use by highly energy-intensive industries. The business also avoids 1,020 tonnes of CO2 emissions by recycling its waste in this way.
Following the achievement, Nonwovenn has created a detailed sustainability strategy that will see the business adopting science-based targets in 2025 with the aim of meeting the criteria for the Environmental Product Declaration Certification which is central to the goal of reaching net-zero by 2035.
In addition, Sustainability Director Prabhat Mishra was recently commended by the International Green Apple Awards for driving sustainable waste management in the manufacture of specialist fabrics, and presented Nonwovenn’s sustainability agenda to EDANA, which received an overwhelmingly positive response.
Commenting on Nonwovenn’s sustainability focus, Prabhat Mishra, sustainability director said; “Sustainability is at the heart of Nonwovenn, our business purpose is ‘doing good to do well’. We believe that whilst we continue growing as a business, we need to ensure that we do so sustainably, with a focus on exceeding the targets set – not just meeting them.”
“To have our efforts recognised by the International Green Apple Awards was fantastic, as it helps push us to work towards the next level of sustainability. We hope businesses across the industry see the work we are doing and look to improve their own processes to boost sustainability across the entire nonwoven sector.”
Nonwovenn chairman, David Lamb added; “When Prabhat first joined the team in 2020, we knew he was going to bring some amazing practices to the business, but he has far exceeded our expectations, transforming us into industry leaders for sustainability. We have some big plans for the coming years to ensure we stay at the forefront of sustainability.”
One of the world’s leading nonwoven fabric-tech companies, Nonwovenn has recently achieved a major milestone of 18 years of consecutive profitable growth with the current financial year delivering a turnover of £45m with a 20%+ EBITDA and sees the business now targeting an ambitious goal of growing turnover to £80m by 2028.
The 4-year growth plan comes off the back of an extensive £13m business transformation programme which has included significant self-funded capex investment in manufacturing plant and equipment, an end-to-end operational efficiency programme and an enhancement in R&D and innovation capability.
In addition, the executive team has been strengthened with senior appointments across finance, HR, operations and sustainability, with the most recent appointment being industry luminary Silke Brand-Kirsch as commercial director, who will be spearheading the internationalisation and growth strategy.
The focus for the next 4 years is to build upon the businesses leading position in niche, high value, high growth segments established in markets across the UK, Europe and North America, as well as delivering to a broader global audience. Central to the businesses value proposition will be an increased focus on innovating and delivering world class technical fabrics that are used in products that enable harm reduction across every aspect of life.
Commenting on the growth trajectory, David Lamb, chairman of Nonwovenn said; “To have 18 out of our 21 years be profitable is something many businesses only dream about. We are incredibly proud that even in a sector that is under so much pressure, we have continuously achieved profitable and sustainable growth. It is largely thanks to the investments made in the business to improve our products, streamlining our systems, and the market leading board we have built.”
“We are looking to double our turnover in the next three to four years, with profits growing at a similar rate. We chose to create a new board to drive this growth forward and bring in the expertise needed to enable the internationalisation we are aiming for. It’s a very exciting time for the business and we cannot wait to see where the next few years take us.”
Commercial director, Silke Brand-Kirsch added; “We are really looking to expand into the North American and European markets initially, and then look to branch out even further. Our offering plugs a gap in the market, and with our leading research and development, expert board team and focus on sustainable and innovative growth we can continue to give the market exactly what they need.”
One of the world’s leading nonwoven fabric-tech companies, Nonwovenn has appointed industry luminary, Silke Brand-Kirsch as commercial director. With her career to date spent leading several businesses within the nonwoven industry, Silke will be central in spearheading the future growth and internationalisation strategy.
Silke joins Nonwovenn to bring her knowledge and experience of the sector at a pivotal time for the business with an ambitious goal of doubling turnover by 2028, working to build upon the businesses market leading position in niche, high value market segments. The move comes after she co-founded, grew, and successfully exited her co-owned independent consultancy firm and more recently held a senior position as Vice President of Product Management at Glatfelter Corporation.
Nonwovenn is already established in markets across the UK, Europe and North America, with Silke set to ensure the Nonwovenn expertise is delivered to a broader global audience, undertaking a review of the sales and innovation proposition, as well as business development.
Commenting on her appointment, Silke Brand-Kirsch said: “Joining the team at Nonwovenn is the perfect next step for my career. What attracted me to the business is that even in a sector under pressure, Nonwovenn have shown that sustainable, and profitable, growth is possible. There is a very strong leadership team in place, with a clear vision and purpose, and a market leading growth strategy. I am especially looking forward to pushing further the international customer base and bringing a more market driven approach to the business.”
“There is a clear need in the market for Nonwovenn’s offering. Their ability to continually innovate, optimise and react to help customers anticipate needs, adapt quickly, and achieve objectives is unrivalled. The team has also been fantastic to work with; vibrant, enthusiastic and engaging, exactly what the industry needs.”
David Lamb, Chairman of Nonwovenn, added: “Silke is joining our team during a very important time for Nonwovenn. Her extensive experience in the sector, combined with our drive and ambition, means we can take the business further than ever before. We are incredibly excited for what she is bringing to the team.”