Swiss nonwoven fair Index23 to encourage innovation through challenges

The coming Index will cover innovations across the nonwovens section, including key areas such as automotive, geotextiles, medical nonwovens, filtration, packaging and hygiene.

Exhibitors and visitors alike are invited to explore the latest industry innovations, network, connect, build lasting relationships and develop fruitful business opportunities at Index, which runs every three years. A large number of global exhibitors and visitors are expected in Geneva, set to take advantage of the wide range of opportunities for new and established businesses: meeting prospects, customers and suppliers from across the industry, the organisers said in a press release.

Following the trend featured by the last editions, 13,000 visitors are expected to attend Index, 70 per cent of who are typically decision-makers within their respective companies.

Index20, one of the first exhibitions in the industry to take place in person during the COVID-19 pandemic, welcomed over 500 exhibitors from 42 countries on-site, making a total of 700 exhibitors including those attending via the virtual platform. The impact of the past editions portrays the extent of the growth in the nonwovens industry, as well as its diversification. More than 90 per cent of exhibitors were satisfied with the business results achieved in the last two editions of the show.

“We found lots of exhibitors with sustainable products. We were able to conduct business with many partners from around the world in a short period of time. This was a time and cost save versus visiting them at their sites,” said one of the visitors.

“The companies that join the event are very focused on establishing synergies and commercial relationships, participants are clear about their specific needs and discussions are highly technical and well-driven,” said another visitor.

Index23 will also include seminars and exhibitors will have the opportunity to showcase their latest innovations through product presentations. Sector seminars on key innovation-based topics will be held around crucial themes, including health, transportation, geotextiles, energy and sustainability.

“The event comes at a time when collaboration and discussion is needed more than ever as the nonwovens industry – and the wider manufacturing landscape – faces unprecedented challenges. With rising energy costs, raw material issues and logistical tasks to overcome – not to mention impacts from COVID-19, a united and transparent industry is essential,” Murat Dogru, general manager of EDANA, said.

“We are very excited to invite the nonwovens community to come together once again at INDEXTM. We look forward to discussing all things innovation in the nonwovens industry and working together to find solutions to ongoing industry challenges,” Magali Fakhry Dufresne, Index exhibition director, PALEXPO, added.

Index is organised by PALEXPO on behalf of EDANA.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RR)