Unlike other nonwoven fabrics, spun bonded fabrics require a one step manufacturing process to achieve complete chemical to fabric or polymer to fabric production. Worldwide production of spun bonded fabrics reached 307,000 metric tons in 1990. Production increases at an annual rate of 6-8 percent. The manufacturing process integrates spinning, laydown, consolidation, and bonding of continuous filaments to form the fabrics. Spunbonding plant manufacture requires a relatively large initial investment (＄15-＄20 million) but yields very high productivity. Although most early spun bonded fabric plants were built in the United States and Western Europe, the People's Requblic of China, Taiwan, Brazil, Argentina, and Israel have recently installed plants. Disposable diaper coverstock accounts for approximately 50 percent of the United States spun bonded fabric market. Strong growth rates are expected for this market, as well the geotextile, roofing, carpet backing, medical wrap, and durable paper markets. 70 refs.