#Index 2017

2017-04-07

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"

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.

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

A broad coalition of European industry associations, including EDANA, Euratex and Plastics Europe, has urged EU institutions to maintain the current legal framework of the Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD). In a joint statement, the organisations argue that reopening the Directive at this stage would create legal uncertainty, increase regulatory complexity and undermine investment, while its implementation across the European Union is still incomplete.

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

Today marks the official commencement of the World Continence Week. To honour this global awareness initiative, EDANA has published a comprehensive report titled "The Central Role of Absorbent Hygiene Products in the Management of Adult Urinary Incontinence: Benefits, Costs and Environmental Impact." The World Continence Week (WCW) is an annual global initiative dedicated to raising public awareness about incontinence and bladder or bowel health issues. Traditionally held in June, this awareness week aims to shed light on a condition that affects millions of people worldwide but is frequently kept secret due to widespread social stigma, embarrassment, and taboo.

Brazil sets new cotton export record and consolidates global leadership

Brazil ended the 2025/26 commercial year with a new record, consolidating its position as the world’s largest cotton exporter. Between August 2025 and July 2026, the country shipped 3,373,941 tonnes of the fiber, 19% more than in the previous cycle, and reached record revenue of US$5.3 billion. The result represents a milestone in Brazil’s expansion in the international market and reinforces the country’s role as a strategic supplier to the global textile industry.

The LYCRA Company expands its co-creation vision through an immersive Lifestyle District at Intertextile Shanghai.

The LYCRA Company, a global leader in fiber and technology solutions for the apparel industry, is reimagining the trade show experience at Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics Autumn Edition, which opened today in China. Building on the success of last year's ALL IN concept, the company has expanded its co-creation vision into a 356-square-meter Lifestyle District featuring partners Jingzili New Material, JYT Textile, Lianxingfa Knitting, and Trend Textile. The district is part of a larger 895-square-meter pavilion showcasing a total of 19 co-exhibitors. Together, they demonstrate how innovations in fiber, fabric, and garments can be combined to create compelling solutions for both work and play.

Plastic-free stretch technologies drive new direction for denim innovation

As the denim industry looks for ways to reduce its reliance on synthetic fibres, plastic-free stretch technologies are gaining momentum. Developments based on mechanical fabric construction and natural rubber are demonstrating that comfort and stretch can be achieved without conventional elastane, supporting both recyclability and circular product design.