#INDEX 20

2021-03-25

INDEX™20 moved to October and expanded to include hybrid format

Since the beginning of the global pandemic, the desire to provide the nonwovens community with an outstanding industry showcase, whilst ensuring the best possible health protection and safety to a broad international audience, has been of paramount concern to the INDEX™ Organisers.

Due to on-going travel restrictions and unforeseen delays in vaccination programmes, the Organisers are forced to recognise that the lifting of the Swiss federal governmental restrictions regarding sizeable gatherings of people and a consequent return to normal business, may take a little longer than anticipated.

To ensure that INDEX™20 has every opportunity of taking place this year, the INDEX™20 Organisers, PALEXPO and EDANA, have decided to adopt two important measures, designed to guarantee the widest possible visibility and participation for all.

The first is to announce that INDEX™20 is postponed until 19 – 22 October 2021.

As a major international event in the nonwovens calendar, the Organisers feel they must take advantage of every possibility of maximising visitor attendance and ROI for exhibitors. Delaying the event for an additional 6 weeks will increase the opportunities for a broader range of participants to attend INDEX™20 in person. Naturally, the strictest health protocols will be applied and rigorously observed at the event, to ensure the best conditions are in place for conducting business safely.

The second initiative is to introduce a comprehensive virtual platform for INDEX™20. This exciting digital tool will enable the over 14,000 exhibitors and visitors to interact directly if they so wish, extend the event’s reach both in terms of geography and applications, and provide live and on-demand product content and information. A data-driven matchmaking facility will assist participants in contacting and networking with like-minded attendees in their particular sector.

PALEXPO and EDANA remain available for any further information that may be required and thank you for your continued support.

Businesses urge European Commission to allow continued sale of products already lawfully placed on the market before the Empowering Consumers Directive’s application to avoid unnecessary waste and costs

EDANA, the voice of nonwovens, alongside a coalition of leading European business associations, has issued a joint statement urging the European Commission to introduce a "grandfathering clause" to the Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition (ECGT) Directive. The coalition warns that without transitional provisions for products already lawfully placed on the market, the new rules could inadvertently lead to massive waste and economic disruption.

EDANA wraps up its Sustainability & Policy Forum 2025: Uniting the industry and EU policymakers to navigate the future of nonwovens

Against a backdrop of rapidly evolving environmental legislation, the EDANA Sustainability & Policy Forum 2025 concluded the past week in Brussels, marking a step forward in the dialogue between the nonwovens industry and European policymakers. Held from 9-10 December at the historic Residence Palace, the two-day event successfully brought together business leaders, sustainability experts, and EU officials to address the dual challenges of circularity and industrial competitiveness.

Joint Statement: Urgent clarification needed on scope of Textiles EPR for PPE and Medical Devices

EDANA, the voice of nonwovens, alongside fellow industry associations CIRFS (European Man-Made Fibres Association), EURATEX (The European Apparel and Textile Confederation), ESF (European Safety Federation), and EuroCommerce (Retail & Wholesale), has issued a joint statement raising critical concerns regarding the transposition of Directive (EU) 2025/1892, the targeted revision of the Waste Framework Directive.

European Commission imposes registration on imports of PET spunbond from China

On 15 September 2025, the European Commission opened an Anti-dumping (AD) investigation into imports of PET spunbond from China following a complaint by the EU industry (AD738). On 2 December 2025, the Commission made imports of PET spunbond from China subject to registration. This is an important milestone in the proceedings.

Sustainable, lightweight, and sound absorbing: Polyester-based front trunk solution for BEVs

As car manufacturers look to further reduce their carbon footprint, Autoneum has developed an innovative front trunk solution for battery electric vehicles (BEVs), made entirely from polyester-based textile. The Ultra-Silent Frunk offers significant weight reduction, improved acoustic and thermal insulation, and uses up to 70 percent recycled material, supporting sustainable and efficient vehicle design. Autoneum, global technology leader in acoustic and thermal management for vehicles, has already received orders for the new frunk from three major OEMs in Asia and Europe to be built in three BEV models. Series production for two BEVs has been underway in China and Germany since last year.

Modern testing methods for raw cotton

The 38th International Cotton Conference Bremen will take place from 25 to 27 March 2026 at the Bremen Parliament. This conference has traditionally stood for in-depth expertise and international exchange. The program will focus on technical innovations, market trends, and regulatory frameworks across the entire value chain – from agriculture to the circular economy. With high-profile speakers, the conference is regarded as the key meeting point for the global cotton industry. Today’s focus: Cotton quality and testing methods.

Rieter responds to higher raw material prices

Global political and economic developments have been leading to rising raw material and energy costs for some time. The textile machinery industry is also affected by this trend. Rieter machines and components consist to a large extent of steel, copper, aluminum and electronics. These materials in particular have seen higher demand and higher prices in recent months.