In the first half of 2026, Hongda Institute saw new contracts surge 148.7% year-on-year, with orders in hand up 86.4%. This growth far exceeds the industry average, indicating that orders for spunmelt nonwoven equipment are consolidating toward leading players, and the global capacity expansion cycle is more intense than expected.
The Logic Behind the Order Surge
The doubling of orders is no accident. On the demand side, global markets for hygiene materials, filtration media, and geotextiles continue to heat up, with emerging economies accelerating local capacity build-out to replace imports. Hongda's efficient installation and service on overseas projects in Turkey and Poland epitomize this trend—clients in Eastern Europe and the Middle East no longer just buy equipment; they demand full-process technical support from installation to commissioning, which gives Chinese equipment makers a differentiated edge over Western rivals.
Domestically, orders are also blooming across multiple regions. A project in Fujian passed acceptance, deliveries in Hebei made substantial progress, a contract in Zhejiang took effect, and new customer interest in Jiangsu is rising quickly. These are not small orders but complete production lines with high unit values and long lead times, imposing strict demands on project management and supply chain organization. The 86.4% growth in orders in hand indicates that delivery capacity keeps pace with the order intake, easing concerns about capacity bottlenecks and underpinning future revenue.
Technology Reserves Determine Order Quality
Beyond quantity, the technological sophistication deserves attention. The ionic liquid solvent bamboo fiber project, after three years of R&D, has entered the pilot plant detailed engineering stage, with 3D modeling and engineering design completed on schedule, and construction drawings planned for Q3. This marks a critical step from lab to industrialization. Bamboo fiber traditionally relies on the viscose process, which is polluting; the ionic liquid method is a green alternative. If successfully scaled, it will provide a new bio-based feedstock for nonwovens, offering downstream fabric and hygiene producers a more sustainable supply chain option.
The successful trial production and commercial delivery of the wide-width PE/PP bicomponent spunbond line is another milestone. Bicomponent spunbond technology is core to producing high-end hygiene materials (such as ultra-soft nonwovens), previously monopolized by a few European equipment makers. The commercial delivery of a domestic wide-width line not only breaks the technology barrier but also reduces equipment procurement costs for downstream users, a tangible benefit for domestic hygiene material producers expanding capacity. Additionally, breakthroughs in multiple specialty fiber spinning processes are upgrading the company's capabilities from single products to a platform-based technology portfolio.
Practical Implications for Buyers and Foreign Trade Firms
The combination of surging orders and technological progress is reshaping the competitive landscape of spunmelt nonwoven equipment. For buyers, now is the window to evaluate domestic equipment alternatives. Domestic wide-width bicomponent lines now have commercial references, shortening the verification cycle. However, buyers must focus on the supplier's field service capability and spare parts response, especially for overseas projects, where local service networks often determine project success.
For textile foreign trade firms, Hongda's overseas order growth signals that infrastructure and hygiene capacity construction in Central-Eastern Europe and the Middle East is accelerating. Equipment exporters should watch for follow-up tenders in Turkey, Poland, and similar markets, while being mindful of geopolitical and exchange rate risks. On the technology front, the maturation of ionic liquid bamboo fiber and bicomponent spunbond processes means nonwovens made with these new technologies will gradually enter the market. Trade firms should position themselves with differentiated products early to avoid price wars in conventional segments.