Innovation drives us forward in the nonwoven fabric market
Narula Nonwoven Company Limited, based in Thailand, is a prominent manufacturer and distributor of nonwoven fabric products, catering to a diverse range of industries including medical, automotive, and construction. Renowned for leveraging modern technology to ensure superior quality, the company boasts a significant production capacity and a commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. Speaking to TechnicalTextile.Net, Business Development Head Japan Trivedi discusses the company’s evolution, certifications and more.
Can you tell us about the founding vision of Narula Nonwoven Company Limited and how it has evolved over the years?
Narula Nonwoven Company Limited was established by the visionary Sukhit Narula, who sought to revolutionise the nonwoven fabric industry by delivering unparalleled quality, driven by innovation, sustainability, and a steadfast dedication to customer fulfilment. Since its inception, the company has undergone a transformative journey, refining its mission to embrace state-of-the-art technologies, streamlined manufacturing processes, and an unwavering resolve towards ecological stewardship.
From its outset, Narula Nonwoven Company Limited recognised the imperative of intertwining innovation into the very fabric of its operations. This commitment has propelled the company to the forefront of the industry, where it continually pushes boundaries and sets new standards for excellence. Through strategic investments in new product development, coupled with a culture of forward-thinking creativity, Narula Nonwoven remains at the vanguard of cutting-edge solutions for industrial, medical and hygiene segments.
Moreover, sustainability lies at the core of Narula Nonwoven’s ethos. Recognising the profound impact of industrial practices on the environment, the company has integrated sustainable principles into every aspect of its business model. We have implemented energy-efficient manufacturing processes by harnessing 1 MW power from solar Installations. Narula Nonwoven endeavours to minimise its ecological footprint without compromising product quality or performance.
Central to Narula Nonwoven’s success is its unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. By fostering collaborative partnerships and maintaining open lines of communication, the company ensures that its solutions are precisely tailored to meet the diverse needs of its clientele. Through continuous improvement and a relentless pursuit of excellence, Narula Nonwoven endeavours to exceed customer expectations at every turn.
In essence, Narula Nonwoven stands as a beacon of innovation, sustainability, and customer-centricity within the nonwoven fabric industry. Driven by a visionary outlook and an unwavering dedication to excellence, the company continues to redefine standards and shape the future of the industry.
What were the main challenges in scaling the company’s production capacity over the years?
Over the span of 16 years, Narula Nonwoven has embarked on a gradual expansion journey. Beginning with a modest production capacity of 1,500 tons per year back in 2008, we have steadily grown our operations, evolving to a current manufacturing capacity of 23,000 tons per year. This journey reflects our commitment to consistent progress and steady advancement, as we continue to strive for excellence in all our endeavours.
Challenges such as securing sufficient resources, optimising production processes, and adapting to market fluctuations were navigated as we worked towards scaling our production capacity to meet growing customer demands.
How has the OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 and ISO 9001:2015 certifications influenced your company’s operations and product quality?
The certifications we hold, such as OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100, ISO 9001:2015, RoHS, SVHC, and Green Industry, exert a profound influence on our global operations. They function as internationally recognised benchmarks for product quality, safety, and environmental management.
From a sales and marketing standpoint, these certifications are invaluable assets. They bolster customer trust and confidence in our offerings, unlocking fresh market opportunities on a global scale. Furthermore, they validate our unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of regulatory compliance and industry best practices, positioning us as a preferred supplier in the global marketplace.
Internally, these certifications streamline our workflows, nurturing a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence. By aligning with these esteemed standards, we not only uphold the integrity of our products but also showcase our dedication to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Overall, these certifications serve as critical components in fortifying our competitive advantage and cementing our reputation as an industry leader.
Could you describe the importance and impact of establishing a printing unit and a nonwoven treatment line within your facilities?
The introduction of PP spunbond nonwoven printed fabric opens up a wide array of applications across multiple industries. In packaging, our printed fabric enhances the visual appeal and branding of gift items. It also serves as elegant and protective covers for flower bouquets, while offering engaging prints for baby underpads, ensuring both functionality and aesthetics. In the medical sector, our printed fabric is versatile, serving as material for bandages with therapeutic functionality and visually appealing designs. Additionally, in hygiene products like wipes, our printed fabric adds a playful touch. With our state-of-the-art flexographic 4-colour printing technology, we offer endless creative possibilities.
Additionally, both our online and offline treatment lines enable us to cater to the varied needs of our customers in the industrial, agriculture, medical, and hygiene sectors. Our capabilities include flame-retardant, UV protection, antibacterial, anti-odour, hydrophilic, hydrophobic, and antistatic treatments.
How does Narula Nonwoven ensure its products meet the diverse needs of various sectors?
We do this through extensive market research, close collaboration with customers, and ongoing innovation. By understanding the unique requirements of different industries such as automotive, healthcare, hygiene, agriculture, and construction, we tailor our product offerings to deliver optimal performance and value. Our well-equipped testing labs ensure that our products consistently meet industry standards, while regular training sessions for our workforce at all levels keep them updated with the latest advancements and best practices, ensuring continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.
Can you discuss the company’s efforts in sustainability, particularly regarding the recycling of spunbond fabric into PP recycle pellets?
Our sustainability efforts shine through our initiative to recycle spunbond fabric into PP recycle pellets. This not only reduces waste but also meets the rising demand for eco-friendly solutions. By repurposing post-production fabric waste, we divert it to a closed-loop system that conserves resources and cuts emissions. Offering products crafted from recycled materials bolsters our brand reputation and competitiveness. In essence, our commitment to recycling underscores our dedication to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
We take pride in offering spunbond nonwovens with recycled PP content, branded as ‘REBOND’ (brand name registration is in process). This not only showcases our sustainability commitment but also acts as a recognisable symbol of our eco-friendly endeavours. With REBOND customers can rely on choosing a premium material that meets their needs while aligning with their environmental values.
What role do you believe Narula Nonwoven plays in the nonwoven fabric industry in Thailand and internationally?
Narula Nonwoven plays a significant role in the nonwoven fabric industry in Thailand and internationally by delivering innovative products, maintaining high standards of quality and reliability, and fostering long-term partnerships with customers and suppliers. As one of the leading players in the industry, we strive to set benchmarks for excellence and drive positive change across the value chain.
How does the company approach innovation and stay ahead in the highly competitive nonwoven fabric market?
At the core of our business strategy lies innovation, which drives us forward in the fiercely competitive nonwoven fabric market. We maintain our edge by investing in new product development, fostering a culture of creativity and collaboration, and closely monitoring market trends, demand, and customer feedback. Additionally, our R&D teams stay focused on meeting the growing demand for product development by actively participating in exhibitions and exploring new markets. Through this proactive approach, we anticipate future needs, embrace emerging technologies, and continually adapt and refine our product offerings to remain relevant and competitive in the ever-evolving landscape.
How does the company plan to expand or modify its product range to address future industry trends and customer needs?
In anticipation of upcoming industry shifts and evolving customer demands, Narula Nonwoven is strategically poised to broaden its product portfolio. This entails the introduction of value-added materials through novel technological modification in our machinery based on customer’s end use applications. Our expansion efforts may involve the development of sophisticated functional fabrics, exploring promising avenues within burgeoning sectors like industrial textiles, medical textiles and protective textiles. Furthermore, we aim to bolster our global footprint through strategic collaborations, thus solidifying our presence in key markets worldwide.
Looking forward, what are the main goals and objectives for Narula Nonwoven Company Limited in the next five years?
Over the next five years, our primary objectives are to expand our market presence, enhance our brand reputation for quality and innovation, and establish ourselves as the preferred global provider of nonwoven solutions.
How do you perceive the current trends shaping the nonwoven industry, and what implications do they have for business development strategies?
The current trends in the nonwoven industry, such as the demand for sustainability, customisation, and increased hygiene standards, are shaping our business development strategies. We are focusing on incorporating recycled materials, innovating new products, and expanding into high-growth sectors like healthcare. By adapting to these trends, we aim to drive sustainable growth and stay ahead in the market.
In what ways do advancements in materials science and manufacturing technologies influence product innovation and market differentiation within the nonwoven sector?
By leveraging breakthroughs in polymer chemistry, nanotechnology, and process engineering, we can develop novel materials with enhanced properties such as strength, durability, and biocompatibility, thereby creating new opportunities for market expansion and diversification.
How does the nonwoven industry navigate regulatory frameworks and standards compliance, particularly concerning product safety and environmental sustainability?
Compliance with regulatory frameworks and industry standards is essential for ensuring the safety and sustainability of products in the nonwoven sector. At Narula Nonwoven, we prioritise adherence to stringent regulations and standards established by reputable authorities such as OEKO-TEX, ISO, REACH, RoHS, SVHC, and Green Industry. Our commitment to compliance is demonstrated through the implementation of rigorous quality control measures, regular audits, and staying updated on evolving regulatory requirements. By maintaining the highest standards of compliance, we not only ensure the safety of our products but also uphold customer confidence in our commitment to environmental responsibility and product quality.
Can you discuss the role of supply chain resilience and global sourcing strategies in mitigating risks and ensuring continuity for nonwoven manufacturers and suppliers?
Supply chain resilience and global sourcing strategies are critical for mitigating risks and ensuring continuity for nonwoven manufacturers and suppliers, especially in the face of disruptions such as natural disasters, geopolitical tensions, and pandemics. At Narula Nonwoven, we not only maintain a diversified supplier base, implement contingency plans, and leverage technology to enhance visibility and transparency across our supply chain, but our manufacturing location in Thailand also positions us as the first preferred supplier for anyone seeking an alternative supplier for their nonwoven requirements. This strategic advantage allows us to minimise disruptions and optimise operational efficiency, ensuring consistent and reliable supply to our customers.
What emerging markets or applications do you foresee as potential growth opportunities for the nonwoven industry, and how might businesses capitalise on them effectively?
We foresee several emerging markets and applications as potential growth opportunities for the nonwoven industry, including medical textiles, geotextiles, industrial filtration, and sustainable packaging. By leveraging our expertise, infrastructure, and market insights, we aim to capitalise on these opportunities effectively through targeted product development, market expansion initiatives, and strategic partnerships, thereby driving sustainable and continuous growth, along with profitability for our company.
