The voice of nonwovens EDANA

THE VOICE OF NONWOVENS

EDANA is the leading global association and voice of the nonwovens and related industries.

Since 1971, EDANA has provided its more than 250 members with a comprehensive range of services with the information and data necessary to enhance the industry’s goals and performance. The association has a global reach with a focus on Europe, the Middle East and Africa

Nonwovens are innovative, high-tech, engineered fabrics made from fibres. They are used in a wide range of consumer and industrial products either in combination with other materials or alone.

Nonwovens are designed for their specific application, ranging from thin, light weight nonwovens to strong and durable nonwovens, be it consumer or industrial applications. The combination of their specific characteristics through the raw materials selection, the formation and bonding methods used or the applied finishing treatments, such as printing, embossing, laminating etc. allow to deliver high-performance products.

All EDANA’s activities are focused on reflecting the changing dynamics of the nonwovens industry, in particular by advocating free and fair trade, fostering product stewardship and promoting an environment beneficial to innovation and to sustainable and profitable growth.

In EDANA all the parts of the nonwovens supply chain are brought together under one umbrella. Members supply products and services ranging from raw materials to finished products and everything in between including machinery, components and development and testing facilities. In fact, EDANA represents not only all types of nonwovens, but also materials often used with nonwovens, such as films and superabsorbent polymers.

Promoting sustainability

EDANA has developed a Sustainability Vision 2030, giving clear insight into the priority topics on sustainability for the industry.

The vision combines the most prominent topics of the materiality matrix with key United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) for the industry. The four key areas are: Sustainable supply chain, Eco-efficiency, Building trust, and Responsible end of life. Each area is defined by a clear ambition.

The vision helps members to identify their priorities and further develop their own sustainability strategy. EDANA’s role is to facilitate interaction and help the industry progress towards its sustainability goals in line with the United Nation’s SDG’s.

Innovation and research

Innovation and research are at the very core of nonwovens and its related industries. Whether it is technical, scientific or process-related innovation, it drives the industry and the people behind it. The designers and manufactures strive to invent and deliver ever more advanced solutions to the challenges facing society including sustainability.

EDANA is committed to stimulate innovation and to help young talents from centres of excellence and universities get access to the companies working in the nonwovens industry. To make this commitment a reality, several activities are in place.

Its focus areas include polymers (as a raw material), man-made cellulosic fibres, natural fibres, synthetic fibres, paper/cellulose and nanomaterials. Services offered comprise project management, development work, pilot facilities, lab-scale facilities, consultancy, training courses and PhD opportunities.

Centres of Excellence for nonwovens members of EDANA include:

• Centre Européen des Textiles innovants (CETI) • Centre Technique du Papier • DITF – Deutsche Institute fur Textil- und Faserforschung Denkendorf • Nonwovens Innovation & Research institute (NIRI) • RI.SE - Research Institutes of Sweden • STFI - Sächsisches textilforschungsinstitut • The Bombay textile research association - BTRA • The Nonwovens Institute • The University of Huddersfield • The University of Leeds, Nonwovens Research- School of Design • VTT Technical Research Center of Finland

Events

A key part of EDANA’s activities is the organising and promoting of events for the nonwovens industry. OUTLOOK™, for example, is the world’s premier conference for the nonwovens hygiene, personal care and wipes products.

Its programme provides updates on market growth and opportunities, innovations, technological developments and information on regulatory activities for the diaper, wet wipe, femcare and incontinence product categories, as well as a wealth of economic information that enables business decisions for the future.

It is a first-class platform with multiple networking opportunities bringing all players, from middle to senior management in the supply chain together.

Since OUTLOOK™ was launched in 2001 in Europe, its success combined with increased market demands in other parts of the world led to the organisation of sister conferences in Latin America, Asia and India.

The NIA is a 2-day conference and tabletops exhibition bringing together academics, students, scientists, engineers and industry experts. The aim is to encourage the sharing of knowledge, research and developments that will support the innovation and growth in the nonwovens and related industries.

Many activities are offered throughout the conference to provide the best breeding ground for innovation, innovation roundtables, a guided tour of the hosting institute facilities, tabletop exhibitions dedicated to the presentation of Centres of Excellence and an area for posters designed by R&D students showcasing academic

projects. The organisation rotates between nonwovens centres of excellence, with an initial focus on Europe, and particular emphasis on the host’s area of expertise and current research projects. Any research or academic institute or university department interested, is invited to join this network.

INDEX™

INDEX™ is the world’s leading nonwovens exhibition, and a global showcase for the nonwovens and related industries. Senior industry professionals from around the world come together to seek competitive insights, learn about the latest technologies, and to network, for four days of intensive and rewarding business activities.

Taking place once every three years, it brings together over 12,750 trade visitors from over 100 countries to see the products and services displayed by 666 exhibitors, from 41 countries, in more than 24,000m2 net of stand space.

Stewardship Programme

In October 2019 EDANA announced their intention to create a Stewardship Programme for Absorbent Hygiene Products to limit the presence of chemical impurities found in diapers, incontinence care and female sanitary items, such as tampons and sanitary towels. Industry will devise the programme in consultation with regulators, academia, consumer groups and suppliers.

EDANA will commit to a new level of transparency with consumers and define limit values for impurities and ensure these cannot be found above those values, using consumer relevant test methods that will be reviewed and supported by independent experts. The programme will create an industry-wide list of chemicals, including substances such as PAHs, PCBs, dioxins, furans, phthalates and formaldehyde

“Absorbent hygiene products help millions of Europeans live active, healthy and happy lives, from early childhood to old age and have a long history of extensive safe use. Consumers should know that they are safe, and we want to provide transparency and reassurance with our commitment. This programme will further build on the longstanding record of responsible safeguarding of these products. Our commitment is grounded in consumer needs and science, and at the same time goes beyond existing legislation,” said Pierre Wiertz, General Manager of EDANA. n