Last month at EDANA’s Outlook conference in Rome, the industry’s two major nonwovens trade associations, North America’s INDA and EDANA, the European-based agency, signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to explore a strategic alliance. This LOI marks a significant step toward leveraging the two associations’ combined expertise and resources to address global challenges and drive new opportunities in the nonwovens industry.

Representatives from both sides of the Atlantic insist that these efforts will not intend to streamline or minimize the associations’ services but instead aim to expand the reach of the associations to better serve the industry and their members. The potential alliance would likely expand the associations’ already friendly working relationship, particularly in areas like training, data, advocacy and events.

Looking ahead, INDA and EDANA will continue to hold discussions on how a more official partnership would work, and what its impact would be on the many services they offer as well as the events they sponsor.

For years, these associations have collaborated, participating in each other events, sharing data and even co-hosting a conference in Brazil many times. Additionally, their mission statements are similar—to support the nonwovens industry from both global and regional perspectives. The idea to make this relationship more formal first hatched two years ago during IDEA 2022 during a meeting of association leaders.

According to the associations, a potential alliance would enhance the scope and value to members, offer joint advocacy and representation and capitalize on operational synergies and harbor innovation and growth.

General manager Murat Dogru said the purpose is to “ensure that our members are well-positioned to thrive in a dynamic global environment.” Meanwhile, INDA head Tony Fragnito said the alliance “represents an opportunity to combine our strengths while openly engaging on the global issues affecting the industry.”

Both say that the coordination will enhance their ability to serve the industry and their members while retaining regionally focused support and representation. More details will be released as discussions continue. Certainly, the industry will be eager to hear more.

As always, we appreciate your comments.

Karen McIntyre
Editor
[email protected]