A loop-forming nonwoven material (28) is used as a mechanical closure element, in particular for disposable sanitary articles (2) such as various types of nappies, incontinence articles and pads. A first upper face (40) of the nonwoven material (30) has first larger non-bonded areas (42), which are located at a distance from one another in the form of islands. The first larger non-bonded areas (42) of the nonwoven material are delimited by bonded contours (44) and surrounded by second smaller non-bonded areas (48) lying outside said delimitation and separating the larger areas from one another.