INDA, Association of the Nonwovens Fabric Industry, has entered into a strategic alliance agreement with the China Nonwoven and Industrial Textile Association (CNITA). CNITA is the government-approved national association for the nonwovens and technical textiles industries in China.

The agreement outlines several areas of cooperation between the two associations. These include:

• The mutual sharing of industry, market, technical and trade enhancement information;
• Exchanging special educational courses of relevance to each party;
• Cooperating on international events such as meetings, conferences and expositions; and
• Exchanging test methods and standards and jointly developing new standards.

“We are excited about this new strategic alliance with CNITA,” says INDA president, Dave Rousse. “This agreement establishes a framework for a variety of activities between our associations that will benefit both associations’ members and the entire industry. Having Europe, North America and China sharing common test methods and standards will facilitate international trade in nonwovens. Sharing our education programs with China will help their industry development, and sharing data will help in market planning.”

Rousse continues, “China is not only a major producer of nonwoven fabrics, but with a rapidly rising middle class, it has greatly increased its consumption of nonwoven products. We see this trend continuing. Our alliance with CNITA can help provide a bridge between INDA members and this growing market opportunity.”

As a leading Chinese trade association, CNITA represents thousands of Chinese companies who manufacture nonwovens and technical textiles. CNITA is one of the organizers of the international exposition CINTE Techtextil, held every two years in Shanghai. CNITA is approved by the Ministry of Civil Affairs of the People’s Republic of China.

“CNITA is very pleased to enter into this strategic alliance agreement with INDA and we look forward to collaborating in these important areas. This agreement provides a starting point for cooperation and promises to benefit the members of both associations,” says Lingshen Li, CNITA president.