#Nonwovens / Technical Textiles

2019-06-13

IMPERVIUS™ highlights on trends and techonologies

The first IMPERVIUS has taken place in Baveno (c) 2019 Edana

The 2019 IMPERVIUS™, the first Bitumen Waterproofing Membranes Conference, organised in Baveno, Italy on 5-6 June, attracted 93 key players from 61 different companies and 24 countries. Presentations focused on raw material development, processes, development in the MENA region, regulation and environmental opportunities.

EDANA, the International Association Serving the Nonwovens and Related Industries closed the first 2019 IMPERVIUS™ conference with a request from the participants to organise it again.

Held in Baveno on 5-6 June 2019, the conference opened with a keynote speech on the “Future-Proofing construction in the age of change” given by Frank Hatzack, senior advisor at the Copenhagen Institute for Futures Studies.

Claudio Colombi, Market Manager Construction at Chomarat- France and Marc Beuken, Managing Director at Alphamin- Belgium on the origin and purpose of this conference “Our Bituminous membrane Industry Suppliers Working Group decided with EDANA to organise a conference focused on the Bituminous membranes world. One of our missions is to serve that market. We worked hard to put a programme together that would trigger discussions and bring new ideas to the attendees. We are very happy with the response, 93 professionals of the industry had intense discussions and sessions those two days.”

“For EDANA and its members in this sector this conference is the natural extension of a 20 years-long history of unique cooperation in non-competitive areas such as sustainability and market prospectives. This is also a unique example of dialogue between proponents of all technologies for the bitumen waterproofing membranes, including but not exclusively nonwovens ones, in line with EDANA’s Outreach policy” said Pierre Wiertz, General Manager of EDANA.

There was a general sentiment of deep satisfaction among participants regarding the content of the conference and the networking.

“There was a good presentation level with various and interesting topics from how to build the future, what are the main trends in the construction developments to the raw materials challenges including interesting technical aspects. It covered also the environmental aspects as circular economy – on what could be of interest to do in our industry. Also, interesting info about new self-adhesive membranes which push us to think about the bitumen membranes evolution. This conference allowed to improve exchanges between waterproofing producers and suppliers and to speak together about the challenging topics”, Patrick Cogneau, Technical and R&D Director at DERBIGUM – Belgium.

Catharina Svenningsson, R&D Manager at Nordic Waterproofing Group – Sweden: “Finally! EDANA and its Bituminous membrane Industry Suppliers Working Group succeeded in gathering bitumen waterproofing lovers and presented a very interesting and ambitious program of lectures.

“The insights and knowledge that we got in these two days were impressive. A great conference in a friendly environment in which we actually get to meet other professionals and share great ideas.” Ines Antunes, R&D Manager at Polyglass – Italy.

Christine Robach, Bitumen Formulation R&D Manager at SOPREMA – France: Nice and pleasant event. We appreciated the diversity and quality of the presentations. Timing well managed with enough time for networking and individual discussions.

“It was a pleasure to be here and to finally meet face-to-face many contacts. I learned a lot about the bitumen waterproofing membranes this will help me to expand my horizons in this sector”. Ouahiba Kherrat, Chemist at Sud Etanche -Algeria.

Sustainability: European industry calls on EU to keep Single-Use Plastics Directive unchanged

A broad coalition of European industry associations, including EDANA, Euratex and Plastics Europe, has urged EU institutions to maintain the current legal framework of the Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD). In a joint statement, the organisations argue that reopening the Directive at this stage would create legal uncertainty, increase regulatory complexity and undermine investment, while its implementation across the European Union is still incomplete.

EDANA announces five new board members following 2026 Annual General Meeting

The EDANA Board of Governors is elected or re-elected at the Annual General Meeting by the member companies. The Governors are senior executives (business leaders) from member companies, based in different countries and representing different sectors of the nonwovens industry. The Board has central responsibility for guiding EDANA's overall strategy and approving its policies and priorities. It meets three times a year.

EDANA launches landmark continence report to mark the start of the World Continence Week

Today marks the official commencement of the World Continence Week. To honour this global awareness initiative, EDANA has published a comprehensive report titled "The Central Role of Absorbent Hygiene Products in the Management of Adult Urinary Incontinence: Benefits, Costs and Environmental Impact." The World Continence Week (WCW) is an annual global initiative dedicated to raising public awareness about incontinence and bladder or bowel health issues. Traditionally held in June, this awareness week aims to shed light on a condition that affects millions of people worldwide but is frequently kept secret due to widespread social stigma, embarrassment, and taboo.

ANDRITZ sets focus on textile recycling and durable nonwoven production technologies at ITMA Asia 2025

International technology Group ANDRITZ will be presenting its innovative nonwovens production and textile solutions at ITMA ASIA + CITME 2025 in Singapore, from October 28 to 31, 2025 (Hall 2, D106). ANDRITZ will showcase its MMCF production plants, textile sorting and recycling, bast fiber processing, needlepunch, airlay, and life-cycle service technologies, with a focus on sustainable solutions. Discover how these innovations can grow your business opportunities and support a greener future.

OUTLOOK™ 2025: Charting a sustainable and innovative future for the Nonwovens Industry

EDANA concluded its flagship event, OUTLOOK™ 2025, last week, marking it as a major success and addressing the biggest questions facing the industry. The three-day conference highlighted the urgent need for a unified approach to sustainability, regulation, and innovation in the absorbent hygiene and wipes sectors.

Global Nonwovens Alliance unveils Inaugural Board, advancing collaboration and growth worldwide

The Global Nonwovens Alliance (GNA), a tax-exempt federation jointly founded by INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, and EDANA, the Voice of Nonwovens, announces the appointment of its founding Board of Directors. This group of leaders represents some of the most influential executives across the nonwovens value chain and reflects GNA’s mission to foster global collaboration, innovation, and growth in the industry.

EU ban on destroying unsold clothing and footwear now in force

The European Union's ban on the destruction of unsold clothing, clothing accessories and footwear has entered into force. Since July 19, 2026, large companies across the EU have been prohibited from destroying unsold textile products, while medium-sized companies will be required to comply with the same rules from 2030.

Eastman Naia™ brings its inside-out denim vision to Kingpins New York

Following its debut at Kingpins Amsterdam, Eastman Naia™ brings the next chapter of its denim story to Kingpins New York, taking place July 22–23. At Booth Green 7, Naia™ presents its denim proposition built around three complementary design directions: Performance Denim, Fashion Denim and Authentic Denim.