INDEX 2026 will combine product launches, strategic seminars, technical presentations and immersive experiences designed to highlight the evolving role of nonwovens across industries and daily life.

Sustainability and performance as a shared mission

According to Magali Fakhry Dufresne, Director of INDEX™, the industry is entering a decisive phase in which sustainability and performance are converging into a single objective. She highlighted the increasing importance of integrated supply chains and collaborative innovation in shaping the sector’s future.

The seminar programme will therefore go beyond technical updates and provide visitors with strategic guidance on regulatory changes, market developments and funding opportunities.

Seminar programme focuses on market transformation

The INDEX™26 seminar programme, taking place from 19–21 May, will address the major challenges and opportunities facing the nonwovens industry.

EDANA describes the programme as a strategic roadmap combining technical, regulatory and financial expertise to support companies navigating market overcapacity, sustainability requirements and changing legislation.

Topics include:

• strategic market insights for hygiene, wipes, filtration and construction,
  

• international public funding opportunities,
  

• supply chain integrity and quality programmes,
  

• carbon reduction and circularity strategies,
  

• innovations in filtration, geotextiles and automotive applications.

Product presentations showcase next-generation materials and processes

At INDEX™26, numerous companies will present innovations designed to improve sustainability, circularity and performance in nonwoven applications.

Among the highlights are:

• biodegradable PHBA-based polymers from Kaneka,
  

• cooling nanocellulose biopolymers from SK Leaveo,
  

• bio-based hydrophobic agents from Kemira,
  

• renewable LYCRA® EcoMade fiber from The LYCRA Company,
  

• PFAS-free protective solutions for medical gowns from Magnera.
  

The hygiene sector will also feature developments in adhesive-free fastening systems, compostable closures, low-carbon fluff pulp grades and debond-on-demand adhesive technologies.

Digitalisation, AI and process innovation

Additional presentations will focus on digitalisation, AI-supported manufacturing and process optimisation.

Participating companies and institutes include:

• Fraunhofer ITWM,
  

• Andritz,
  

• WEKO,
  

• Trützschler,
  

• BASF.
  

The presentations cover areas such as AI-driven production efficiency, digital twins, advanced fibre treatments, filtration technologies and high-performance automotive materials.

INDEX™26 Awards and immersive experience

On 19 May, the INDEX™26 Awards will honour innovative and sustainable developments across five categories. Nominees include solutions such as bio-based hygiene fibres, PFAS-free protective textiles and advanced water filtration technologies.

A new immersive experience titled “Nonwovens: In Every Layer of Life” will also debut at the exhibition. The installation aims to demonstrate the often invisible but essential role of nonwovens in areas ranging from medical protection to infrastructure applications.

In addition, INDEX™26 will host its first Women’s Networking Breakfast on 21 May, offering professionals across all career stages opportunities for networking and mentorship.

Together, the seminars, product presentations, awards and immersive installations are designed to provide visitors with strategic knowledge and technical expertise for the next generation of nonwoven innovation.