The global nonwovens industry is set to converge in Geneva next week as INDEX™26, the world’s leading exhibition for nonwoven materials and technologies, returns to Palexpo from May 19 to 22, bringing together thousands of professionals across the value chain.
Organised by EDANA, the international association representing nonwovens and related industries, the triennial event is positioned as a central platform for innovation, collaboration and business development in a sector undergoing rapid technological and sustainability-driven transformation.
More than 600 exhibitors from around the world are expected to participate, representing the full spectrum of the industry—from raw material suppliers and machinery manufacturers to converters and finished product developers. The exhibition is also projected to attract over 10,000 visitors, including key decision-makers and buyers seeking new technologies and partnerships.
INDEX™26 comes at a time when the nonwovens sector is evolving beyond its traditional association with disposable hygiene products toward high-performance, durable and sustainable applications. Industry leaders say the shift is being driven by growing demand for lightweight, efficient and environmentally responsible materials across sectors such as filtration, medical, automotive, construction and geotextiles.
“INDEX™26 showcases an industry that is resilient and determined to diversify,” said Magali Fakhry Dufresne, Director of INDEX™, noting that reducing carbon footprint per kilogram of nonwoven fabric is becoming a key performance metric across the value chain.
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The exhibition will serve as a launchpad for a wave of new technologies. Companies are set to unveil innovations ranging from next-generation spunmelt production systems and recyclable polymer solutions to ultra-lightweight breathable fabrics and advanced embossing technologies. These developments reflect a broader push toward efficiency, material reduction and circularity in manufacturing.
Sustainability is expected to dominate the agenda, with a strong focus on reducing resource consumption, improving recyclability and aligning with tightening global regulations. Seminar sessions will explore regulatory pressures, particularly in Europe, where evolving policies on plastics and single-use products are reshaping product design and market access.
The event’s conference programme will provide in-depth analysis of market dynamics, offering insights into demand trends, public policy and technological advancements. Key sessions will cover topics such as sustainable mobility, filtration innovations and the role of nonwovens in next-generation infrastructure and transportation systems.
A major highlight will be the INDEX™26 Awards, which recognise excellence in innovation, sustainability and creativity across the industry. The awards, presented on the opening day of the exhibition, are considered one of the highest accolades in the nonwovens sector and are expected to showcase breakthroughs ranging from plastic-free hygiene solutions to advanced filtration materials.
Industry observers note that INDEX™ has increasingly become more than a trade fair, evolving into a strategic hub where global stakeholders exchange knowledge and shape the future direction of the sector. With supply chains becoming more interconnected, the event underscores the importance of collaboration in driving technological progress and addressing environmental challenges.
As the industry gathers in Geneva, INDEX™26 is expected to highlight a clear trajectory: a shift toward smarter, lighter and more sustainable materials, supported by innovation and cross-industry cooperation. For companies navigating a complex landscape of regulatory demands and market expectations, the exhibition offers a critical opportunity to align strategies and capture emerging growth opportunities in the global nonwovens market.
