China geotextile growth continues in double digits

China’s output value of geotextiles reached 405,000 tons in 2010 and during the next five years it is anticipated to maintain annual double-digit growth, reaching 730,000 tons by 2015, according to announcements at the 2011 China Geotextiles Composite Materials Summit Dec. 3 in Lingxian, Shandong.

From 2006-2010, China’s output of geotextiles saw an average annual growth of 35.3%, which was 20% higher than that of the entire technical textile industry (16%). The growth stems from China’s hefty investments in internal infrastructure, according to reports from the conference. Infrastructure construction, including massive, high-profile projects such as the Three Gorges Dam, South-to-North Water Diversion, Qinghai-Tibet Railway, and Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway are driving continuous demand for geotextiles, conference reports stated.

According to Li Lingshen, president of China Nonwovens and Industrial Textiles Association (CNITA), China will further increase its investment in major infrastructure projects such as railways, highways, airports, and water conservancy and environmental protection projects, all adding to the demand for geotextile fabrics.

Geotextiles and construction textiles are emphasized in China now, listed as major items for development during China’s 12th Five-year Plan.

SOURCE: Yarns and Fibers Exchange