INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, and China Nonwoven and Industrial Textile Association (CNITA), have formed an official strategic alliance. Among other things, the agreement will initially allow the two organizations to share information and production data, establish links on each others’ websites, exchange test methods and standards and market each others’ events. Ultimately, the cooperation could expand to develop training courses or even co-develop industry events.
 
Dave Rousse, INDA’s president, says INDA chose CNITA because it is the government-sanctioned nonwovens association. “This group was more analogous to INDA and having the government sponsorship and resources made them more attractive ot us. We felt they were the one we should partner with for actionable items,” he says.
 
As a leading Chinese trade association, CNITA represents thousands of Chinese companies who make nonwovens and technical textiles. The association is one of the organizers of CINTE Techtextil, which is held every other year in Shanghai. INDA began an initiative a few years ago to get a formal agreement signed between the two agencies but these efforts were derailed by economic problems.
 
“We are excited about this new strategic alliance with CNITA,” Rousse adds. “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.”