What Is “Non-Woven” Material in Air Filters? Complete Analysis and Application Advantages.
Non-woven is a type of fiber-based material made through melt-blown, needle-punched, or thermal bonding processes. It’s widely used in air filters for its high filtration efficiency, low pressure drop, and moisture/mold resistance.
What Is Non-Woven Material?
Non-woven fabrics are not woven using looms like traditional textiles. Instead, they are made by bonding fibers together using mechanical, thermal, or chemical processes. Common production methods include:
- Melt-blown
- Needle-punched
- Thermal bonded
- Electrospinning
Why Use Non-Woven in Air Filters?
| Feature | Description | Benefit for Filters |
| Ultra-fine fibers (1–10μm) | Captures PM2.5, dust, pollen | High filtration efficiency |
| Uniform porous structure | Holds large dust load | Extended service life |
| Customizable | Variable thickness and stiffness | Fits many filter designs |
| Low fiber shedding | Stable structure | Avoids secondary pollution |
| Functional coatings possible | Electrostatic, carbon | Odor & germ control |
Common Types of Non-Woven Filter Media
| Material | Composition | Typical Applications |
| PP Melt-blown | Polypropylene | Pre-filters, masks, MERV 11–13 |
| PET Thermal-bonded | Polyester fibers | Panel filters, bag filters |
| Composite (PP + PET) | Multi-layer structure | High-efficiency HVAC filters |
| Activated Carbon Non-woven | Impregnated with carbon | Odor control, VOCs removal |
Applications of Non-Woven Air Filters
| Application Area | Recommended Filters |
| Commercial buildings | MERV 8–11 PP/PET panel filters |
| Hospitals & Pharma | MERV 13–14 composite + HEPA |
| Electronics cleanrooms | Melt-blown ULPA filters |
| Auto spray booths | Ceiling Filter HF-600G／Fiberglass Filter Media |
FAQs about Non-Woven Filter Media
Q1: Can non-woven filter media be washed and reused?
Most non-woven filters are designed for single use. Washing may damage the fiber structure and reduce filtration efficiency, so regular replacement is recommended.
Q2: Do non-woven filters release harmful substances?
High-quality non-woven filter materials comply with RoHS, REACH and other standards, containing no BPA, formaldehyde, or other harmful additives.
Q3: What’s the difference between non-woven and HEPA?
HEPA is a high-efficiency filtration standard, and most HEPA filters are also made from multiple layers of ultra-fine non-woven fabric. Simply put, HEPA is a performance standard, while non-woven is a material technology.
Hencolin’s Professional Filter Media
PP/PET Primary & Medium Efficiency Non-woven Roll Materials – Available in various weights, widths, and stiffness options
MERV 13 Composite Filters – Featuring electrostatic fibers and layered meltblown structure
Activated Carbon Non-woven Filters – Odor removal and VOC chemical filtration
Medical-grade Filters – Silver ion treatment + high dust holding capacity structure
📎 Explore custom media solutions ➜ filter-media-rolls
The Foundation of Pure Air
Non-woven materials serve as the essential foundation of contemporary air filtration systems. Their unique structural properties, adaptability, and superior performance characteristics make them the preferred choice for HVAC systems, medical facilities, industrial environments, and controlled cleanroom settings. Selecting the appropriate non-woven filtration media is crucial for maintaining optimal air quality standards and ensuring operational safety across all applications.
