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#Index 2017

Winner of the FILTREX Innovation Award 2017 announced

The first ever FILTREX Innovation Award was won by Freudenberg Filtration Technologies. Votes were submitted confidentially by industry professionals attending FILTREX™ Europe, the leading nonwovens filter media conference and tabletop exhibition, being held in Geneva on the 5th and 6th April 2017 in conjunction with INDEX™17.
Sector officially recognizes innovation in the filtration industry for the first time.

The FILTREX™ Innovation Award recognize the efforts of all manufacturers of nonwoven based filtration products/elements and celebrate their continuous efforts for excellence and innovation. The occasion marks the first time the sector has officially recognized innovation in the filtration industry.

The five nominees each presented a 10-minute showcase of their innovation during the FILTREX™ conference. Freudenberg were then announced as winners at an award ceremony at the Château des Bois, Geneva, where they received a specially commissioned trophy featuring an artist’s view of a filter media performance. It was noted at the event that the award carried significant merit as it was voted for exclusively by industry peers.

Freudenberg were honoured for their brand new micronAir® blue filter. The filter is a highly efficient four-layer particle filter that features a patented two layered filter media focusing on PM 10 and PM 2.5 particles as well as a combi-filter that protects against harmful gases and an anti-allergen filter layer. The new product, to be used principally in cars, eliminates almost 100% of occurring allergens and protects against microorganisms such as bacteria and fungal spores.

Alexander Oelsner stated "There is immense pride in this achievement. I hope this initiative will further innovation and collaboration across our industry. Together we can achieve so much"

Pic:Alexander Oelsner with Fredenberg colleague Uwe G. Haefner (c) 2017 Edana

Award nominees, in alphabetic order, were as follows:

Ahlstrom Tampere Ahlstrom Statguard™: A filter media suitable for bag filters that reduce the explosion risk, because of added conductive properties.

Europlasma  Nanofics®: A high-tech finishing process which improves filter performance but reduces the consumption of energy and chemicals in manufacturing.

Freudenberg Filtration Technologies microAir® blue: A cabin air filter consisting of four filter layers for total protection against air pollution, including allergens.

Johns Manville A 3-layer hybrid filter media for the production of bag filters

Sandler sawasscreen® enAIRsave®: A new pocket filter media with improved energy efficiency.

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#Associations

Businesses urge European Commission to allow continued sale of products already lawfully placed on the market before the Empowering Consumers Directive’s application to avoid unnecessary waste and costs

EDANA, the voice of nonwovens, alongside a coalition of leading European business associations, has issued a joint statement urging the European Commission to introduce a "grandfathering clause" to the Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition (ECGT) Directive. The coalition warns that without transitional provisions for products already lawfully placed on the market, the new rules could inadvertently lead to massive waste and economic disruption.

#Nonwovens

EDANA wraps up its Sustainability & Policy Forum 2025: Uniting the industry and EU policymakers to navigate the future of nonwovens

Against a backdrop of rapidly evolving environmental legislation, the EDANA Sustainability & Policy Forum 2025 concluded the past week in Brussels, marking a step forward in the dialogue between the nonwovens industry and European policymakers. Held from 9-10 December at the historic Residence Palace, the two-day event successfully brought together business leaders, sustainability experts, and EU officials to address the dual challenges of circularity and industrial competitiveness.

#Associations

Joint Statement: Urgent clarification needed on scope of Textiles EPR for PPE and Medical Devices

EDANA, the voice of nonwovens, alongside fellow industry associations CIRFS (European Man-Made Fibres Association), EURATEX (The European Apparel and Textile Confederation), ESF (European Safety Federation), and EuroCommerce (Retail & Wholesale), has issued a joint statement raising critical concerns regarding the transposition of Directive (EU) 2025/1892, the targeted revision of the Waste Framework Directive.

#Nonwovens

European Commission imposes registration on imports of PET spunbond from China

On 15 September 2025, the European Commission opened an Anti-dumping (AD) investigation into imports of PET spunbond from China following a complaint by the EU industry (AD738). On 2 December 2025, the Commission made imports of PET spunbond from China subject to registration. This is an important milestone in the proceedings.

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#Heimtextil 2026

Artificial Intelligence in focus: Heimtextil 2026 prepares global textile industry for the future with strong content programme

Artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly transforms the textile industry - from creation and production to pricing, distribution and communication. But how can AI be applied successfully, and where does it truly add value? Heimtextil addresses these questions from 13 to 16 January 2026: The comprehensive programme dedicated to the key future field AI strengthens the global industry and opens up new business opportunities as well as practical applications for design, retail, industry, architecture, interior design and contract furnishing.

#Weaving

Lindauer Dornier announces leadership transition in weaving machine business

After more than ten successful years at Lindauer DORNIER GmbH, Mr Wolfgang Schöffl will leave the family-owned company at the end of the year to enter well-deserved retirement.

#Heimtextil 2026

Texpertise Focus AI: Messe Frankfurt puts Artificial Intelligence centre stage at its international textile and apparel trade fairs

Under the banner 'Texpertise Focus AI, Messe Frankfurt will place a strong emphasis on Artificial Intelligence (AI) across its international textile and apparel trade fairs from 2026 onwards, setting a future-shaping signal for the industry. The initiative highlights the responsible use of AI along the entire textile value chain, from fibre production to the point of sale. The programme will launch at Heimtextil in Frankfurt in January 2026.

#Technical Textiles

Autoneum and Polestar set new benchmarks for passenger experience and sustainability

As the global market leader in sustainable acoustic and thermal management, Autoneum is a key supplier of interior and exterior components for the highly anticipated Polestar 5 model. The successful collaboration between Autoneum and Polestar marks a significant milestone in sustainable automotive engineering: the electric grand tourer sports car features several innovations in lightweight, fully recyclable polyester-based components that ensure a superior driving experience. Polestar 5 was revealed at the IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich and is available in 24 markets.

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