[pageLogInLogOut]

#Nonwovens / Technical Textiles

EDANA elects new board

EDANA has elected new Governors and a new team of Officers for 2019 - 2020. Mikael Staal Axelsen (Fibertex) accepted the nomination of Chairman and will be supported in the role by Vice-Chairs Omar Hoek (Ahlstrom-Munksjö, France) and David Lamb (Nonwovenn Ltd, UK). Paul Eevers’ (Unilever) position as Treasurer was also renewed. Announced at EDANA’s recent Annual Strategic Review and AGM in Vienna, the newly elected Board began their term on July 1st.

Michael Staal Axelsen nominated as board chair amid renewed strategic ambition

In addition to his long-standing support of the association as a board member, Mikael is a vocal participant in many of EDANA’s working groups, ever ready to facilitate constructive debate and garner support for EDANA’s growing range of initiatives. “This nomination is naturally an honour, but I take the true pleasure in collaborating with our members in their extensive and growing commitment to the evolution of our network” said Mr. Staal Axelsen. “At a time of rapid change and increased scrutiny on many fronts, it’s very encouraging to see such tangible momentum. My ongoing focus will be to ensure that these new frontiers are successfully crossed and that we maintain our strategic interests of stakeholder engagement, global outreach and sustainable growth.”

Michael Staal Axelsen (c) 2019 EDANA
Michael Staal Axelsen (c) 2019 EDANA


The following Governors were elected as new Board members:

  • Mr Michael Baumgartner, Managing Vice President Eurasia, Fitesa, DE
  • Mr Christian Hassmann, Director of Global Filtration and Separation, Johns Manville, DE
  • Mr Petri Helsky, President & CEO, Suominen, Finland
  • Mrs Christine Lemoine, Tyvek® Global Technology Manager, DuPont, Luxembourg
  • Mr John McNabb, Chief Technology Officer, Freudenberg Performance Materials, DE
  • Mrs Elizabeth Metz, Vice President of Global Nonwovens, Kimberly-Clark, USA
  • Mrs Kristin Olofsson, Innovation, Sustainability & CSR Director, Trioplast Group, Sweden
  • Mr Mark Thornton, Global Director of Materials, Procter & Gamble, DE

The team of Officers is reinforced by Executive Governors, co-opted by the Board: Mrs Patricia Featherstone, Director Marketing & Communications, RKW Hygiene & Industrial Division, Belgium (also Chair of the Nominating Committee), Åsa Johansson, Global Material Development Director for Personal Care, Essity, Sweden and Krzysztof Malowaniec, Senior Vice President, Paul Hartmann, DE.

A complete list of the EDANA Board of Governors is available here:

https://www.edana.org/industry-support/about-edana/board-of-governors

 

More News from EDANA

#Nonwovens

2025 Nonwoven production in Greater Europe: European Nonwovens Industry remains strong amid challenging market conditions

EDANA, the international association serving the nonwovens and related industries, released today the European annual statistics for 2025, offering a comprehensive picture of the nonwovens industry in Greater Europe. This information shows an overview of the industry’s strength and resilience across the region. According to the figures collected and compiled by EDANA, overall nonwovens production in Europe declined by around 2.2% in 2025, reaching 2,919,000 tonnes.

#Nonwovens

EDANA and more than 70 industry organisations call for consistent exemptions in EU packaging regulation

EDANA, together with more than 70 industry associations and organisations, has issued a joint statement commenting on the European Commission’s Delegated Act under Article 29 of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).

#INDEX 2026

EDANA unveils nominees for INDEX™26 Awards: Highlighting the next generation of nonwoven excellence

EDANA is proud to unveil the highly anticipated nominees for the INDEX™26 Awards, the nonwoven industry’s highest accolade for technical and sustainable excellence. Out of a record-breaking field of entries, these finalists represent the cutting edge of material science—from bio-based hygiene fibers and PFAS-free protective textiles to revolutionary water-filtration machinery. Each nominee has been selected by a jury of industry experts for their ability to solve critical global challenges, including the transition to a circular economy and the pursuit of enhanced consumer performance.

#INDEX 2026

INDEX™26: Pioneering highlights at the World’s leading nonwovens exhibition

INDEX™26, the World’s Leading Nonwovens Exhibition, will take place from 19 to 22 May 2026 at PALEXPO in Geneva. The upcoming edition serves as a hub for innovation, inspiration, and networking with international decision-makers, positioning itself as a cross-industry platform for exchange across all nonwoven sectors. With 600 exhibitors expected, INDEX™26 represents the entire value chain of the industry, from raw materials and machinery to producers of nonwovens, components, and converters.

More News on Nonwovens / Technical Textiles

#ITMA Asia + CITME Singapore 2025

ANDRITZ sets focus on textile recycling and durable nonwoven production technologies at ITMA Asia 2025

International technology Group ANDRITZ will be presenting its innovative nonwovens production and textile solutions at ITMA ASIA + CITME 2025 in Singapore, from October 28 to 31, 2025 (Hall 2, D106). ANDRITZ will showcase its MMCF production plants, textile sorting and recycling, bast fiber processing, needlepunch, airlay, and life-cycle service technologies, with a focus on sustainable solutions. Discover how these innovations can grow your business opportunities and support a greener future.

#ITMA Asia + CITME Singapore 2025

Dilo Group at ITMA ASIA Singapore 2025

At ITMA ASIA Singapore, the Dilo Group will exhibit at Booth No. H2 – D202. Together with Kansan Materials, Izmir, the company will present its latest developments and looks forward to welcoming visitors to exchange ideas and explore innovations in needling technology.

#Nonwovens

OUTLOOK™ 2025: Charting a sustainable and innovative future for the Nonwovens Industry

EDANA concluded its flagship event, OUTLOOK™ 2025, last week, marking it as a major success and addressing the biggest questions facing the industry. The three-day conference highlighted the urgent need for a unified approach to sustainability, regulation, and innovation in the absorbent hygiene and wipes sectors.

#Nonwovens

Global Nonwovens Alliance unveils Inaugural Board, advancing collaboration and growth worldwide

The Global Nonwovens Alliance (GNA), a tax-exempt federation jointly founded by INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, and EDANA, the Voice of Nonwovens, announces the appointment of its founding Board of Directors. This group of leaders represents some of the most influential executives across the nonwovens value chain and reflects GNA’s mission to foster global collaboration, innovation, and growth in the industry.

Latest News

#Techtextil 2026

Techtextil 2026 recognition for the UK’s FET

Fibre Extrusion Technology (FET) will receive the Techtextil 2026 New Production Technology Innovation Award at next week’s Techtextil in Frankfurt (April 21-24). The Leeds-based member of the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) has developed the FET-500, a new toxic solvent-free gel small scale system for the production of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE).

#Techtextil 2026

Lower CO2, stronger bonds: Indorama Ventures enables customers’ performance at Techtextil

At Techtextil 2026 in Frankfurt am Main, Indorama Ventures presents its latest material innovations aimed at supporting customers in achieving both performance and sustainability targets. The company highlights solutions based on recycled and bio-based raw materials as well as advanced binder fibers, addressing current market demands for lower CO₂ emissions, improved efficiency, and reliable supply.

#Digital Printing

Kornit Digital redefines apparel production for the on-demand era unveiling Atlas MATRIX at Konnections 2026

Kornit Digital Ltd. (NASDAQ: KRNT, “Kornit Digital”, “Kornit”, or the “Company”), a global pioneer in sustainable, on-demand digital fashion and textile production, today unveiled its Atlas MATRIX at Konnections 2026, redefining apparel production in the on-demand era.

#Recycled Fibers

Recover™ and Prosperity Textile announce strategic denim partnership

Recover™, a global producer of low-impact, high-quality recycled cotton fiber at scale, has announced a strategic partnership with Prosperity Textile, a vertically integrated denim fabric manufacturer operating at industrial scale.

TOP