#Nonwovens / Technical Textiles

2020-07-08

EDANA elects new Board

EDANA, the leading global association serving the nonwovens and related industries, has elected new Governors and a new team of Officers for 2020 - 2021. Mikael Staal Axelsen (Fibertex) remains as Chair, supported by Vice-Chairs Åsa Johansson (Essity, Sweden) and David Lamb (Nonwovenn, UK). Giorgio Mantovani (Corman, Italy) was elected as Treasurer. Announced at EDANA’s recent online Annual Strategic Review and AGM, the newly elected board began their term on July 1st.

Association reshuffle demonstrates further industry focus on sustainability and innovation

“It is a pleasure to welcome such engaged and insightful new members to the board. Their experience and enthusiasm is acknowledged by the member confidence in our assembly to drive our ambitious new agenda.” said Mr. Staal Axelsen. “Aligning on the interests and meeting the needs of over 280 members is a complex yet ultimately rewarding challenge. It is heartening to know that we share values that our renewed focus on sustainable and innovative solutions, and transparent business practices demonstrates.”

The following Governors were elected as new Board members:

Mr Cédric Ballay, EVP & General Manager EMEAI, Berry Global, Spain

Mr Roger Chantillon, Executive Board Member & EVP Sales & Marketing, RKW Group, Germany

Mrs Sophie Rasmussen, Business Leader Essential Health EMEA & Global Women’s Health, Johnson & Johnson, UK

Mrs Patricia Sargeant, Vice President, Sales, Composite Fibers, Glatfelter, Canada

Mr Markus Westerkamp, Executive Vice President BA Advanced Solutions, Ahlstrom-Munksjö, Germany

The team of Officers is reinforced by Executive Governors, co-opted by the Board: Mr Thorsten Habeck (Head of Business Management, Fiber Bonding EMEA, BASF, Germany), Mr Ulrich Hornfeck, Board Member & Chief Commercial Officer, Sandler, Germany), Mr Krzysztof D. Malowaniec (Senior Vice President, Paul Hartmann, Germany), Mr Jörg Ortmeier (CEO, TWE Group, Germany) and Mr Mark A. Thornton, Vice President, Global Materials, Procter & Gamble, Germany).

A complete list of the EDANA Board of Governors is available on our website:

https://www.edana.org/about-us/edana-board

EDANA warns of consequences of misclassification of PET spunbond imports

EDANA would like to remind its members and industry stakeholders of the legal requirement to comply with the EU rules on customs classification when importing nonwovens from third countries outside the EU. In this regard, it was recently discovered that there appears to be a high level of customs misclassification occurring in our industry. This could have dangerous and costly consequences for importers.

INDEX™ unveils the first selection of product presentations

A mosaic showcasing several speakers from the Exhibitor Product Presentations at INDEX™26 A comprehensive programme of company presentations will take place across the three days of the INDEX™26 exhibition at Geneva Palexpo, reflecting many aspects of the ongoing transition to sustainable materials through polymer and additives design, fibre engineering and new finishing chemistries.

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.

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.

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.

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.

JEC World 2026 returns with an unprecedented content program

Recognized worldwide as the leading trade exhibition for composite materials and their applications, JEC World returns on March 10-12, 2026, at Paris Nord Villepinte as the most ambitious edition to date, in line with its motto “Pushing the limits”. As the must-attend event for the composites industry, JEC World will offer an unprecedented program, blending conferences, markets insights, technical sessions, awards, and above all, a unique experience and invaluable connections.

Beyond the wardrobe – innovative cotton takes the spotlight

Cotton can do more – a lot more. Cutting-edge textiles and high-tech products made from 100% cotton prove just how powerfully performance and sustainability can come together. That very surge of innovation is front and centre at the 38th Bremen Cotton Conference, taking place March 25–27, 2026, at Bremen’s Parliament on the historic market square – culminating in a bold and dedicated closing session on Friday. In the spotlight: performance upgrades for pure cotton, smart strategies for circular textile waste solutions, and pioneering concepts for demanding technical applications. From natural fibre–reinforced composites to highly effective flame-retardant solutions, cotton steps out of the closet and shows the future potential woven into every fibre.

Keeping print inclusive: Empowering women in the print industry

Across all industries, cultivating a diverse and inclusive workplace is increasingly recognised as valuable and essential to long-term success. However, despite the print industry’s significant advancements in technology and innovation, visible representation of women remains limited. As the sector grapples with low recruitment, it’s important to challenge outdated perceptions. Creating real change, however, requires collective effort - no single company can do it alone.