The spunbond nonwoven equipment sector is experiencing a notable rebound in orders. According to public industry data, Hongda Research Institute saw new contracts surge 148.7% year-on-year in H1 2026, with orders in hand up 86.4%. This growth rate far exceeds the industry average of single-digit growth, indicating that downstream clients' willingness to upgrade capacity is being released intensively, rather than a simple cyclical restocking.
Drivers of Order Growth
The surge is driven by synchronized progress in both domestic and international markets. Overseas, project installation and service in Turkey and Poland are advancing efficiently, earning client recognition. Domestically, the Fujian project passed acceptance, delivery in Fujian and Hebei made substantial progress, the Zhejiang contract took effect, and new client interest in Jiangsu is heating up. This multi-point blooming suggests demand is not reliant on a single market but reflects a global rise in demand for high-performance nonwoven materials.
Notably, an 86.4% increase in orders in hand implies strong revenue visibility for the next one to two years. For equipment suppliers, new contracts are a leading indicator of current sales, while orders in hand lock in future capacity. The signal is clear: the prosperity cycle for spunbond equipment is likely to extend into 2027, allowing equipment makers to enjoy sustained earnings.
Technological Breakthroughs and Industrial Upgrading
Order growth is not isolated; it accompanies several technological milestones. The ionic liquid solvent bamboo fiber project, after three years of research, has fully entered the pilot engineering design phase, with 3D modeling and engineering design completed as planned, and construction drawing design scheduled for Q3. If industrialized, this technology could transform the highly polluting production of viscose fibers and open new applications for bamboo fiber in nonwovens.
The self-developed wide-width PE/PP bicomponent spunbond line has successfully completed trial production and achieved commercial delivery, with product performance fully meeting standards. Bicomponent spunbond technology is key for high-value-added nonwovens (e.g., hygiene and filtration materials). Wider width means higher single-line capacity and lower unit costs. For downstream plants, this makes wide-width lines a more cost-effective option and may accelerate the elimination of old narrow lines.
Additionally, multiple breakthroughs in specialty fiber spinning processes have been achieved, with continuous iteration of key technology reserves. The depth of technology accumulation determines whether a company can stay ahead in the next product upgrade cycle. For the textile industry, Hongda's case shows that R&D investment is shifting from a cost item to a competitive barrier.
Management Upgrades and Industry Impact
High order growth also demands better internal management. In H1, Hongda promoted the full launch and optimization of SAP and BIP systems, establishing or revising 11 rules, significantly enhancing risk control and refined management. Party member pioneer posts were set up in major tasks such as innovation platform construction and wide-width line development, and a temporary party group was formed to drive core technology breakthroughs.
For the industry, this event signals three things. First, the demand cycle for spunbond nonwoven equipment has bottomed out, and 2026 may mark the start of a new capex round. Second, technology-leading companies will gain more order share, increasing industry concentration. Third, green manufacturing (e.g., bamboo fiber projects) and high-efficiency lines (wide-width bicomponent) are the two future directions; companies should position themselves early.