The Raleigh-Durham-Greensboro triangle is home to the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, Cotton Inc.

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It consists of a mesh of polypropylene (the stuff used to make Astroturf) sandwiched between layers of nonwoven polyester.

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Another bargain: the U.K.-based BBA Group, a conglomerate that makes hydraulic equipment, services aircraft and manufactures nonwoven textiles for things like diapers.

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The Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry says the U.S. is playing catch-up, accounting for one-third of those sales, mostly of disposable wipes and diapers.

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In U.S. hospitals, 85% to 90% of textile products are nonwoven.

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