INDEX and the nonwovens industry: a vital and fruitful partnership

With only a few days to go before INDEX20 (19–22 October, Palexopo, Geneva, Switzerland) opens its doors for the first time since 2017, around 750 exhibitors have confirmed their presence.

This exceeds numbers from 2017, clearly demonstrating the relevance of INDEX20 as the go-to event for first-hand knowledge of new developments in filtration, transportation, construction, hygiene, medical and packaging. As always there will be a huge range of end-uses, including long-life durable and single-use applications. 

Despite the challenges faced by many sectors, nonwovens have continued to evolve, becoming even more prominent during the coronavirus pandemic. At such a time, a gathering like INDEX is more essential than ever, not only in ensuring further growth, but also in underlining and celebrating the contribution made by nonwovens in the fight against the pandemic. To ensure that everyone can enjoy the event without any concerns all the required health protocols will be in place to protect both exhibitors and visitors.  

Clearly the pandemic is not the only challenge facing the world today and many of the possibilities for solving some of the key issues including air quality, cost efficiency, sustainability and providing safe drinking water will also be on offer. Indeed, across the globe, we are witnessing a growth in investment in renewable, recycled materials and the development of recycling techniques for nonwoven products across a range of applications, whilst also ensuring a reduction in the use of material inputs, energy and production of waste.

Speaking about the event, Pierre Wiertz, General Manager of EDANA, said: “The products and services displayed throughout the exhibition provide a snapshot of how our innovative industry is developing. It is a privilege to witness this first-hand, knowing that the dynamic nonwovens market of the future will continue to make positive contributions to the world in which we all live.”

An inspirational new feature this year is the INDEX Innovation Lab which will be open for the first time. A dedicated space within INDEX20, the Innovation Lab will showcase innovation and R&D, enable the discovery of nonwovens’ key features and functions in various applications and enhance the understanding of their potential. There will even be posters on display from some of the industry’s brightest brains showcasing up-to-the-minute research projects that are still ongoing, together with the winners and nominees of the INDEX20 Innovation Awards. The Innovation Lab will also feature a ‘walk-through’ of nonwovens in daily life, showcasing the extensive range of applications and growing number of sectors touched by nonwovens.

The six free Sector Seminars will run alongside The Lab, featuring expert insights on transportation, filtration, infection prevention, smart nonwovens and geosynthetics. Each one will take place live in Geneva, and in parallel on the virtual platform, where all attendees will be able to interact with speakers, participate in discussions and Q&A sessions.

For those who cannot come to Geneva in person, INDEX will include a virtual platform for the first time ever. This will enable visitors from around the world to attend the broad seminar programme, interact directly with speakers, exhibitors and other participants and even arrange live discussions with them.

INDEX20 will be a true celebration of what the industry can create, and a demonstration of the glorious future ahead.