Last month’s INDEX exhibition, held in Geneva, Switzerland, more than 18 months after its originally scheduled date, can clearly be described as a success. The industry’s first major in-person trade show since the world shut down amidst the Covid-19 pandemic attracted thousands of visitors from around the globe who visited the more than 400 exhibitors present at the show.

Most went into INDEX with low or no expectation and many were pleasantly surprised by the quality of attendees and the scope of the show. While North American visitation was considerably lower and Asian participation was nearly absent, traffic was steady and executives at the show were there to do business.

And, business they did. Companies throughout the nonwovens supply chain have been working hard these past 18 months and their booth displays reflected it. The amount of new nonwovens innovations and raw material and machinery developments was higher than seen at previous INDEX exhibitions.

The overwhelming majority of these developments centered on a key topic—sustainability. As the industry looks to put Covid behind it, the focus will surely be on how to minimize the environmental impact of nonwovens and nonwoven-based products. From Fitesa’s announcement that it would add a European-based Reicofil 5 line capable of processing a variety of sustainable raw materials to Suominen and Infinited Fiber’s development of a wipes substrate made using recycled cotton waste, the rate of sustainable new products is surely going to accelerate in upcoming years.

One area where sustainability is rapidly becoming a must is in packaging, particularly in hygiene or wipes products, as retailers and consumers are demanding packaging material that is not only sourced sustainably but also offers an end of life solution outside of the landfill. We’ve already seen several companies switch packaging materials and it looks like more will soon follow suit (For more on sustainable packaging solutions, see page 52.)

Speaking of sustainable solutions, the growing use of non-plastic materials in the feminine hygiene market (see page 24) continues to be driven by consumer want as well as the emergence of new companies and brands.

As it has become clear that consumers will not give up the convenience and health benefits of disposable products, companies are learning they need to offer greener solutions. Things are definitely changing in disposables.


Karen McIntyre
Editor
[email protected]