#Nonwovens

2025-10-10

IDEA 2025 and FiltXPO

A Strong Signal for the Nonwovens and Filtration Industries

by Oliver Schmidt

When the doors opened for IDEA 2025 in Miami Beach, the international nonwovens community once again confirmed the importance of this triennial event. Organized by INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, the show attracted a broad global audience of producers, suppliers, and converters.

This year, IDEA was co-located with FiltXPO 2025, the dedicated filtration conference and exhibition, creating a unique platform that combined nonwovens and filtration technologies under one roof.

Strong industry presence

According to INDA, IDEA and FiltXPO together brought over 650 exhibitors to the Miami Beach Convention Center and attracted thousands of visitors from across the globe. The exhibition floor offered a comprehensive overview of the entire supply chain, from fiber producers and machinery builders to converters and finished product suppliers. Exhibitors reported strong traffic, qualified leads, and discussions with key decision-makers, including many C-suite leaders.

“The energy and engagement at IDEA and FiltXPO were outstanding,” emphasized Tony Fragnito, INDA President & CEO. “Seeing thousands of global leaders and innovators converge in Miami Beach underscores the vital importance of face-to-face interactions not just for project updates and business development but also for discussing industry challenges and opportunities.”

Key themes: sustainability and performance

Across the halls and in the conference sessions, sustainability remained the dominant theme. At the two-day Sustainability in Nonwovens Conference, experts addressed issues ranging from regulations and circularity to the potential of hemp fibers and bioplastics. Sessions also explored extended-life products and recycling approaches for nonwoven fabrics. Performance was the second major driver: innovations targeted higher absorbency, softness, filtration efficiency, and durability across hygiene, medical, construction, and technical markets.

Technology and market focus

The co-location with FiltXPO highlighted how filtration has become one of the fastest-growing nonwoven sectors. Market drivers such as stricter environmental standards, the clean air and water agenda, and indoor air quality in data centers spurred discussions and new product launches. Poster sessions showcased research from 23 companies, while a dedicated Filter Media Training Course provided hands-on education.

On the IDEA side, technologies for hygiene applications took center stage, with advanced topsheet and ADL (acquisition and distribution layer) solutions. Construction and energy were also in focus, including wetlaid-based battery separatorsand composite surfacing veils for corrosion protection and smooth finishes.

Company Highlights: Innovation on Display

In addition to the major conference themes and the impressive figure of more than 650 exhibitors, it was above all the product- and technology-driven innovations of leading companies that shaped the character of this year’s IDEA25. Many industry players used the Miami stage to showcase their latest developments for hygiene, filtration, construction, automotive, and other markets. The spectrum ranged from sustainable fibers and advanced nonwoven substrates to solutions for circularity and high-performance applications.

This selection of company highlights illustrates how much the nonwovens sector thrives on material and process innovation – and how consistently suppliers are addressing global trends such as sustainability, efficiency, and new applications.

The following examples highlight some of the solutions presented:

-----+++++-----+++++-----+++++

Exclusive content for TexData members

This article is available to registered members only.

Join the TexData Community free of charge to access selected premium content, in-depth reports, and background information from across the textile industry.

Registration takes just a moment – and gives you full access to all member benefits, including our weekly INFOLETTER with the latest industry updates.

Your data is protected according to the highest data privacy standards.

Join now and enjoy all benefits.

[Join now]

From European recovery to new growth horizons

After two turbulent years marked by sharp declines in production, the global nonwovens industry is regaining its footing and entering a new phase of growth. Driven by rising demand in filtration, battery technologies, hygiene components and sustainable construction, nonwovens are no longer just a supporting material, but a key enabler of critical transitions—from clean energy to healthcare and mobility.

The Global Nonwovens Alliance

With the announcement in April 2025 of the planned Global Nonwovens Alliance (GNA), the world’s two largest nonwovens associations, INDA (United States) and EDANA (Europe), are taking a significant step toward closer international cooperation. The new entity, to be in-corporated as a tax-exempt federation, is designed to provide the global nonwovens industry with something it has long lacked: a unified voice on cross-border issues and opportunities.

IDEA®25 and FiltXPO™ 2025 Awards

Innovation has always been the heartbeat of the nonwovens and filtration industries. At the co-located IDEA®25 and FiltXPO™ 2025 exhibitions in Miami Beach, this spirit once again took center stage with the presentation of the prestigious IDEA® Achievement Awards and the FiltXPO™ Innovation Awards.

Katharina Obergruber appointed to the Management Board of Sandler AG

The Supervisory Board of Sandler AG has appointed Katharina Obergruber to the company’s Management Board. Effective September 1, 2026, the Board will consist of Philipp Ebbinghaus (CEO), Dr. Ulrich Hornfeck (currently CCO, future COO), and Katharina Obergruber (CCO). Katharina Obergruber, currently Chief Sales Officer Hygiene and member of the Management Team of Sandler AG, will assume responsibility for all sales activities as Chief Commercial Officer. She will assume this role from Dr. Ulrich Hornfeck, who will focus primarily on production and supply chain topics.

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.

EU ban on destroying unsold clothing and footwear now in force

The European Union's ban on the destruction of unsold clothing, clothing accessories and footwear has entered into force. Since July 19, 2026, large companies across the EU have been prohibited from destroying unsold textile products, while medium-sized companies will be required to comply with the same rules from 2030.

Eastman Naia™ brings its inside-out denim vision to Kingpins New York

Following its debut at Kingpins Amsterdam, Eastman Naia™ brings the next chapter of its denim story to Kingpins New York, taking place July 22–23. At Booth Green 7, Naia™ presents its denim proposition built around three complementary design directions: Performance Denim, Fashion Denim and Authentic Denim.