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#Nonwovens

A Unified Voice for Nonwovens:

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.

From regional leaders to global coordination

Both INDA and EDANA will remain independent legal entities with their own memberships, advocacy programs, and regional event portfolios. They will continue to focus on the specific needs of their respective markets in North America and Europe. At the same time, they will act as founding members of the GNA, contributing leadership, staff, and program coordination to address topics that transcend regional boundaries.

According to the joint statement, the goal is not to merge existing structures but to align resources and strengthen collaboration. This means harmonizing standards and certifications where feasible, sharing market intelligence and best practices, and coordinating advocacy positions on issues of global importance – without undermining regional independence.

Goals and benefits

The motivation behind the GNA is straightforward: to enhance member value and strengthen the industry as a whole. Through closer cooperation, the two associations intend to:

+++ deliver more robust educational programs,

+++ expand networking opportunities across continents,

+++ share industry insights more effectively, and

+++ create operational synergies that optimize resources.

A more coordinated voice is also expected to improve the representation of industry interests at both regional and global policy levels. Importantly, the alliance follows a “think globally, act locally” approach, ensuring that regional conditions and regulatory frameworks remain respected while benefitting from shared global perspectives.



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