04/09/2026

Knowledge in action: What to expect from the INDEX™26 seminars in Geneva (4/9/26)

As the global nonwovens industry prepares to gather at Palexpo in Geneva from 19 to 22 May 2026, EDANA is pleased to provide the final briefing on the INDEXTM26 seminar programme. While the exhibition serves as the world’s largest stage for material innovation, the seminars represent the industry’s "brain trust," designed to transform market challenges into actionable business strategies. With over 600 exhibitors and 12,000 attendees expected, INDEXTM26 arrives at a critical juncture. The industry is currently balancing significant production overcapacity with a relentless drive toward sustainability and new regulatory compliance. The EDANA seminar schedule is curated specifically to address these pressures, offering attendees a roadmap for high-value diversification. The strategic agenda: A day-by-day guide The seminars are structured to move from high-level market intelligence to specific technical applications, ensuring every segment of the value chain finds relevant insights. Tuesday, 19 May 2026 - 14:00 – 15:00 – Market Trends in Nonwovens across Regions: Drawing on EDANA’s comprehensive data and industry intelligence, Jacques Prigneaux, Market Analysis and Economic Affairs Director at EDANA, will provide a clear, data-driven overview of market trends, covering key applications from hygiene and wipes to filtration, construction, and mobility. Wednesday, 20 May 2026 - 10:30 – 11:30 – Global Gateways and How to Tap into Public Funding in the EU and the US: As global competition intensifies, strategic access to public funding can make the difference between innovation and stagnation. - 12:00 – 13:00 – EDANA Professional Development Courses: Marines Lagemaat, Scientific and Technical Affairs Director at EDANA, and Rawaa Ammar, Sustainability Director, will present EDANA’s course offering and will demonstrate the efficacy and variety of our expert courses. - 13:30 – 14:30 – Driving Quality and Transparency in Nonwoven Supply Chains: This seminar will address the increasing demand for supply chain integrity and standardized auditing. - 15:00 – 16:00 – Sustainability in Nonwovens – Key Developments and Perspectives: Moving beyond the buzzwords, this session will explore the latest regulatory developments affecting plastics and single-use applications and what these policies mean in practice for the nonwovens sector. Thursday, 21 May 2026 - 09:30 – 10:30 – From Air to Industry – Nonwovens Powering Innovation across Global Filtration Markets: This seminar will explore the key trends shaping the global filtration market, highlighting how nonwovens enable high efficiency, durability, and innovation in applications ranging from HVAC and industrial filtration to automotive, medical, and environmental protection. - 11:00 – 12:00 – Re-engineering Infrastructure – How Geosynthetics are Revitalising Modern Construction: In this seminar, the focus will be on the current state of play and present innovative applications that support society and revitalize the Geosynthetics industry across our regions. - 13:30 – 14:30 – Lightweight, Quiet, Sustainable – Nonwovens at the Heart of Next-Generation Mobility: In this seminar, we will explore the many ways nonwoven materials are enabling innovation – lightweight designs, enhancing noise reduction, improving air filtration, and creating more comfortable interiors.