What is Airlaid? (And why it feels like linen)

17 March 2026

If you’ve ever browsed catering supplies or premium washroom products, you’ve probably seen the word Airlaid and thought:

What is that?

Is it paper?
Is it fabric?
Or just clever marketing?

Fair question - the name doesn’t help much.

Short answer:
Airlaid is a type of paper that feels like linen.

What is Airlaid?

Airlaid is a non-woven material made from wood pulp fibres bonded using air instead of water.

Most paper is made using a wet process; fibres are mixed with water, pressed, then dried. Airlaid skips that.

Instead, air distributes and bonds the fibres, creating a material that is:

• Thicker than standard paper
• Softer to the touch
• Highly absorbent
• Strong when wet

The result?
A cloth-like material that sits somewhere between paper and fabric.

Is Airlaid actually fabric?

No - it’s still paper-based (wood pulp).

It just behaves differently because of how it’s made.

Why does it feel like linen?

It comes down to fibre structure.

Standard paper is tightly compressed.
Airlaid fibres are looser and more open, which gives:

• More thickness
• Better absorbency
• A softer, textile feel

That’s why it’s often described as linen-like, without actually being linen.

Airlaid is usually more expensive than standard paper towels and napkins, but that’s because you’re getting a thicker, more durable, cloth-like material.

Where is Airlaid used?

Anywhere that wants a step up from standard paper without going full linen. Airlaid is often used as either a napkin or hand towel in the following settings:

• Restaurants
• Hotels
• Events & catering
• Corporate hospitality
• Premium washrooms 

Airlaid is also used for disposable cloths, especially where hygiene and comfort matter.

Common in:

• Nursing and care homes
• Healthcare environments
• Beauty salons
• Personal care settings

They’re soft on skin but strong in use, making them a practical alternative to reusable towels. It’s the middle ground between cheap paper and expensive linen cloths.

Airlaid vs Paper Napkins

This is the question most people actually care about.

• Paper napkins = cost and convenience
• Airlaid napkins = presentation and performance

That’s why Airlaid is common in restaurants, weddings and events.

Airlaid vs Paper Hand Towels

Same story in washrooms.

If you’re running a busy public washroom, paper hand towels win on cost.
If you care about experience, Airlaid hand towels win.

The Bottom Line

Airlaid isn’t a gimmick.

It’s simply a different manufacturing process that creates a thicker, softer, more absorbent material.

People choose it when they want:

• The look of linen
• The convenience of disposable
• A better customer experience

Explore Our Airlaid Range

• Airlaid Napkins – linen-feel napkins for catering and hospitality
• Airlaid Hand Towels – premium disposable washroom towels
• Airlaid Cloths – soft, hygienic cloths for healthcare and beauty