#Index 2014

2014-04-03

Nonwoven production exceeded 2 million tonnes in 2013 in Greater Europe

Fibre production at Trevira (c) 2014 Trevira

EDANA disclosed the preliminary European annual statistics for 2013. This release offers a comprehensive picture of the Nonwovens industry in Greater Europe, information which offers significant value a few days before the opening of INDEX™ 14, the world’s largest nonwovens exhibition.

According to figures collected and compiled by the EDANA secretariat, production of nonwovens in Europe grew by around 1.9% in 2013 to reach 2,037,400 tonnes. This compares with 1,998,900 tonnes in 2012 when the annual growth was 1.5%. Despite these two low growth years, the average growth rate since 2009 has been nearly 5.2%.

Obviously, a more in-depth analysis will be necessary to draw any definitive conclusion, as diverging trends have been observed in different European countries, and between the various production processes of nonwovens.

Jacques Prigneaux, EDANA’s Market Analysis and Economic Affairs Director, stated “Growth in the Wetlaid nonwovens has been substantial this year, but it is actually the Hydroentanglement process that has recorded the highest apparent growth of more 5.7%. However, other bonding processes within the Drylaid technologies (thermally, chemically bonded and needled punched), and also Spunmelt nonwovens witnessed low growth rates in 2013. Airlaid production, compared to its performance of 2012, recorded a higher growth, at 3%.”

The main end-use for nonwovens remains the hygiene market with a 32% share of deliveries, amounting to 645,700 tonnes, which has grown by 1.9% in 2013. The most significant growth areas for nonwovens in 2013 were in medical (+14.0%) and all types of filtration applications (+11.5 %), followed by all wipes together (+7.4%), in which the specific evolution of personal care wipes (+12.4%) must be underlined.

On the contrary, major declines were noticed in interlinings, coating substrates and artificial leather markets. Additionally, several important durable sectors in terms of volumes sold, such as in construction markets or agriculture, showed limited (and sometimes negative) growth.

Nevertheless, sales to the Automotive interiors market continued to increase (+4.1% in 2013). This trend confirms the importance of the Automotive sector for the European nonwovens industry, which will be highlighted during INDEX™ 14 (with a special workshop to be held from 1.30pm on Tuesday 8th April).

Only EDANA members receive the full report, as part of one of their most valued membership benefits, and will soon get their complimentary copy of the report “2013 European Nonwovens Production and Deliveries”. EDANA nonwoven producers member companies will receive detailed data, in recognition of their participation.

"Thanks to a convergence of efforts of the participating companies and of the EDANA staff in the last few years, these statistics are available earlier than ever, making these ever more relevant for planning and benchmarking purposes within member companies" said Jacques.

Sustainability: European industry calls on EU to keep Single-Use Plastics Directive unchanged

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EDANA announces five new board members following 2026 Annual General Meeting

The EDANA Board of Governors is elected or re-elected at the Annual General Meeting by the member companies. The Governors are senior executives (business leaders) from member companies, based in different countries and representing different sectors of the nonwovens industry. The Board has central responsibility for guiding EDANA's overall strategy and approving its policies and priorities. It meets three times a year.

EDANA launches landmark continence report to mark the start of the World Continence Week

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SHIMA SEIKI brings new flat knitting technologies to FEBRATEX 2026

Leading flat knitting solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, together with its Brazilian representative BRASTEMA TECNOLOGIA TEXTIL LTDA., will exhibit at the Brazilian Textile Industry Fair (FEBRATEX 2026) this month. On display will be a roundup of SHIMA SEIKI computerized flat knitting technology, represented by WHOLEGARMENT® knitting machines, computerized flat knitting machines featuring a brand-new model with high productivity and excellent cost performance, a glove knitting machine and the latest digital solutions.

Lenzing reports improved half-year results and advances strategic transformation

Despite a persistently challenging market environment in the first half of 2026, characterized by volatile energy and raw material prices, subdued global consumer demand and intensified competition from Asia, the Lenzing Group significantly improved its financial performance. Net result after tax more than doubled to EUR 35.6 million, compared with EUR 15.2 million in the first half of 2025. Free cash flow increased to EUR 45.8 million, while EBITDA amounted to EUR 239.2 million. Revenue totaled EUR 1.27 billion, compared with EUR 1.34 billion in the previous year.

Trützschler’s latest spinning and card clothing innovations at CAITME 2026

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