Heightened interest for nonwovens exhibition, Index 11, April 12-15

Index 11 will take place at the Geneva Palexpo, Switzerland, April 12-15. EDANA, the international association representing the nonwovens and related industries, and the sponsor of Index 11, says that innovation and sustainability are the drivers at this year’s event. More than 12,500 visitors from over 100 countries are expected to attend the 2011 event, which takes place in Geneva every three years. Pierre Wiertz, general manager of EDANA, said: “The geographical diversity of the exhibitors continues to develop, reflecting the shifts in the nonwovens market, with large numbers of visitors from the Middle and Far East.”

The 2011 event is accompanied this year by a program of activities, including special events, interactive workshops, and education sessions. EDANA will launch its new sustainability report on the opening day, building on the association’s mission to create an environment beneficial to sustainable and profitable growth. The group will also publicly launch its joint study on the future of the nonwovens and related industries, in a program titled “Vision 2020.” Aimed at helping member companies identify the challenges and opportunities in the next decade, it was developed with support from futurists and market experts.

The Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI), is a special invitee at Index 11. IFAI will provide several workshops on selected U.S technical textile markets. Symposiums led by Jeffrey Rasmussen, market research manager for IFAI, will offer insights to help attendees understand the current conditions within the fabric graphics, geosynthetics, smart fabrics, and construction/building market segments.