#Nonwovens

2026-03-18

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).

The signatories welcome the Commission’s decision to introduce a derogation for pallet wrappings and straps from the 100% reuse targets defined in Article 29(2) and (3). According to the statement, this move reflects a growing recognition of the operational challenges consistently raised by stakeholders across the European packaging value chain. Industry representatives have long argued that these transport packaging formats are not suitable for reuse and that no scalable alternatives currently exist that can ensure comparable levels of load stability, product protection, transport safety, and operational reliability.

At the same time, the joint statement highlights a key inconsistency. While exempting pallet wrappings and straps from the 100% reuse targets, the Commission maintains the 40% reuse target under Article 29(1) for the same applications. According to EDANA and its co-signatories, the technical and safety limitations apply equally in both cases.

Pallet wrapping films, for example, lose their structural integrity once cut upon delivery, while pallet straps are designed for single-use stabilisation and cannot reliably maintain performance after removal. In industrial logistics environments—where high loads, repeated handling, and long transport distances are standard—any reduction in load-securing performance can pose risks to workers, compromise product integrity, and affect transport safety.

The organisations therefore warn that maintaining the 40% reuse target for these formats risks creating a regulatory framework that is difficult to implement consistently and raises concerns regarding legal certainty and proportionality. A fragmented approach could also undermine broader EU objectives related to simplification, competitiveness, and industrial resilience.

Against this backdrop, EDANA and more than 70 co-signatories call on the European Commission to adopt a delegated act extending the exemption to the 40% reuse target under Article 29(1), and to include comparable transport packaging solutions. Prioritising recyclability or recycled content in cases where reuse is technically unsuitable is, according to the statement, essential to ensure that the regulation remains workable and fit for purpose.

The full joint industry statement provides a detailed assessment of the technical, operational, and policy implications of reuse targets for transport packaging.

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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.

INDEX™26: A strong edition in a challenging context, confirming Geneva’s role as a global hub for innovation in the nonwovens sector

EDANA’s INDEX™26, the world’s leading trade fair for nonwovens, co-organised with Palexpo, officially concluded last Friday 22 May with a successful edition. In a context marked by uncertainty and continued pressure, the 2026 edition of INDEX™ concluded successfully. With a diverse range of 625 exhibiting companies from 44 countries, an important number of visitors, and an expanded international reach, the event confirmed its role as a central hub for innovation and a representative showcase of the nonwovens’ ecosystem.

PET spunbond from China – EDANA welcomes imposition of provisional anti-dumping measures

On 13 May 2026, after eight months of investigation, the European Commission imposed provisional anti-dumping duties of 45.6-50.0% on imports of PET spunbond from China. EDANA welcomes this expression of the Commission’s clear determination to protect EU industries from the unfair trade practices of Chinese producers.

Towards pragmatic and harmonised labelling in the EU

EDANA, alongside 14 European associations, urges the European Commission and Member States to adopt a pragmatic approach for the future harmonised packaging labels, in line with the EU’s agenda for the EU Single Market, simplification and competitiveness. The system should rely on text-free pictograms, available in achromatic or monochromatic versions matching the packaging palette, with the possibility of using digital labelling as a core element. Our associations represent manufacturers of consumer goods across Europe.

Keeping products moving with Swedish automation at FILTECH 2026

At FILTECH 2026, taking place in Cologne from June 30th to July 2nd, members of TMAS – the Swedish textile machinery association – will highlight how the country’s engineering expertise is enabling filtration manufacturers to increase productivity, improve traceability and reduce dependence on labour-intensive manual processes.

New spinning package with two-step filtration for recycled yarns and more

At the ITM in Istanbul, BB Engineering unveiled its new, patented ValuePack spinning package for the first time, which features a two-stage filtration system. This is particularly beneficial for re-cycling processes. Until now, spinning packs have used either metal powder (“sand”) or filter candles as filter media. Both options are suitable for differ-ent applications, and each has its own specific advantages and dis-advantages.

ITMA 2027 gains strong momentum

In line with the theme "Co-creating the future of textiles", ITMA continues to strengthen its support for start-ups, recognising their role in driving innovation and shaping the future of textile and garment manufacturing. Through the Start-Up Valley, emerging companies gain access to a global marketplace where they can connect with industry leaders, potential partners, investors and customers.

Mongolia: Workshop on Italian textile technologies kicks off in Ulaanbaatar

The workshop dedicated to Italian textile technologies will kick off in Ulaanbaatar from 21 to 23 June 2026. Focused on the most advanced innovative solutions for the textile industry, the initiative will bring together 13 Italian textile machinery manufacturers, confirming the growing interest in strengthening industrial cooperation between the two countries and highlighting Mongolia’s strategic importance for Italian textile machinery producers.