During the past several decades, the nonwovens industry has evolved from a niche market of the chemical, fiber, textile, plastic, pulp and paper industries into a global business with hundreds of end use markets and applications. My magazine, Nonwovens Industry, has been providing coverage of the business since 1970 and, during that time, has reported on thousands of events, topics and changes in the industry. In 1987, the magazine began an annual tradition of ranking the largest nonwovens producers in the world in our annual top company report. What began as a modest feature, involving only 13 North American companies has evolved into a massive survey of 40 global companies with headquarters located around the world. These companies truly dominate the industry. Last year, their combined sales were approximately $9.5 billion, representing more than 90% of the world's roll goods sales.
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