Three years later, INDEX is back. Later this month, the global nonwovens industry will gather once again at PalExpo in Geneva, Switzerland to find out what trends and innovations are shaping the marketplace.

Four decades after its first edition, INDEX continues to be the premier global stage for nonwovens innovation and is set to feature thousands of attendees, hundreds of exhibitors, and representation from across the entire supply chain. However, this year, INDEX will likely tell two stories—one of strong innovation and new product development and one of an industry that has been extremely challenged in recent years. 

There is no doubt that innovation is alive and well in nonwovens. The INDEX26 Awards finalists prove that. From dual-sided wipes and washable absorbent pads to wool-based acquisition and distribution layers, and a converting line for resealable diapers, these new products offer solutions to new demands in the market and show how the industry continues to provide new ways to serve its customers across many categories. These aren’t trivial upgrades; they reflect real attempts to adapt to shifting consumer demands and sustainability pressures. 

However, this innovation comes at a time when industry continues to grapple  with the aftershocks of overinvestment during the Covid 19 pandemic. Unprecedented expansion and investment in 2020-2021 have created a glut of capacity that the market continues  absorb. Meanwhile, investment has slowed to a crawl—not because opportunities have disappeared—but because manufacturers are still focused on filling existing capacity.

Layered on top of that is a volatile geopolitical environment—including trade tensions, fluctuating raw material costs and ongoing conflicts—and it becomes clear that this is not an easy time to be in the nonwovens business. Margins are under pressure, planning is uncertain and optimism is tempered by a persistent sense of instability.

That’s what makes INDEX 2026 so important—attendees won’t only find out what is possible, they’ll also be able to confront what’s real. The industry doesn’t need another round of self-congratulation—it needs honest conversations about capacity discipline, supply chain resilience and long-term sustainability. The true value of INDEX this year won’t be found in the award winners or the product launches. It will lie in whether the industry is willing to acknowledge its challenges and create a path forward for recovery.

As always we appreciate your comments.

Karen McIntyre | Editor
[email protected]