The price of non-woven fabric per kilogram, or of geotextile per square metre, depends mainly on the polymer, the weight in grams per square metre, the manufacturing process and the test performance you require. Width, roll length and packing add smaller amounts. We do not publish prices, because they follow the polymer market and change often.
The unit of quote also differs. Non-wovens are often sold per kilogram, and geotextiles per square metre. The two units give different answers for the same roll unless weight is fixed, so ask for both.
Polymer and weight
Most non-wovens and geotextiles are polypropylene or polyester. Polypropylene follows the petrochemical market and polyester follows polyester chip and fibre prices. Recycled content lowers the cost for some products but changes performance and consistency.
Weight is the next driver. A fabric of 200 grams per square metre uses twice the material of one at 100. The usual ranges are in non-woven fabric GSM ranges available. When comparing quotes per square metre, check whether the weight and tolerance are the same.
Process and performance
Spunbond, meltblown and needle-punched fabrics are made differently, with different machines and costs, as described in spunbond, meltblown and needle-punched non-wovens. A needle-punched geotextile is thicker and more absorbent, and a spunbond one is lighter and stronger for its weight.
For geotextiles, the performance you require sets the product. Tensile strength, puncture resistance and permeability are measured by standard tests, and a higher requirement means more polymer and a more controlled process. Geotextile tests for tensile, puncture and permeability lists them.
Other items in the quote
These points also move the price, and each should be stated:
- Roll width and roll length, because narrow rolls need more cutting and more cores.
- Treatments, such as UV stabilisation, anti-static or hydrophilic finishes.
- Colour and any printing or embossing.
- Packing, such as wrapping, cores and pallets, and how many rolls fit in a container.
- Test reports, batch certificates and any third-party testing you ask for.
How to compare quotes
Whether you want a non woven fabric price per kg or a geotextile price per sqm, the comparison only works if the unit and the weight are the same. Convert every offer to the same unit. A quote per kilogram can be converted to a price per square metre by using the actual weight, and the reverse. If one mill's rolls weigh less than the stated weight, the apparent saving is not real.
Ask each mill for its test results on the product you will receive, not a catalogue value. Match the standard, such as ISO or ASTM, since results differ between methods. And ask about the tolerance on weight, width and strength, because a wide tolerance can turn a good-looking quote into a weaker product.
For a project with a design specification, such as a road or a drainage layer, confirm the required values with your engineer first, and write them into the order as pass or fail limits.
Next step
A reliable price comes from a written specification and a tested sample. We find and audit technical-textile makers, check samples and have lots tested. Book a free sourcing review with your product, test targets and volume.