From Sept. 2-4, the 14th China International Trade Fair for Technical Textiles and Nonwovens (CINTE 20) co-organized by CNITA, CCPITTEX and Messe Frankfurt was successfully held in Shanghai. It was the first exhibition of technical textiles and nonwovens after the breakout of the pandemic, and attracted nearly 500 exhibitors. The exhibits covered the entire industrial chain of technical textiles and nonwovens, including machines and accessories, raw materials and chemicals, nonwoven fabrics and products, other industrial textile rolls and products, functional fabrics, personal protective equipment, etc. The scale was 38,000 square meters, occupying the three major exhibition halls of Shanghai New International Expo Center. The number of visitors has achieved a breakthrough increase compared with the previous sessions.

2020 is a special year for the industrial textiles and nonwovens industry due to Covid-19. China industrial textiles and nonwovens industry and CNITA have undertaken the important task of supporting anti-epidemic materials such as masks, protective clothing, and wipes for the whole country fighting against Covid-19. In order to promote the industry’s anti-pandemic deeds and display anti-pandemic products, the display area of Heroic Deeds of Anti-pandemic and innovative products of key anti-pandemic materials was specially set up in the exhibition hall.

Technology shapes life. The great significance and role of technical textiles and nonwoven products have been played fully this time. They can also be applied in various fields. During CINTE 20, players shared high-quality resources in the industry chain, discussed topics on industry innovation and development, and shared industry development responsibilities.

During CINTE 20, the 9th China International Nonwovens Conference (CINC 2020) was also successfully held Sept. 2-3. CINC is committed to building a high-quality communication platform for participants from the industry. It has been held for eight consecutive sessions with increasing influence. Focusing on the theme of “Responsibility and Innovation of the Nonwovens Industry under the Pandemic,” presentations about investment, technological innovation, social responsibility and industrial chain collaboration in the nonwoven industry were delivered at site or via video by many speakers from China, North America and Europes.

Li Lingshen, president of CNITA, reviewed the development of China’s nonwovens industry in 2019 and contributions of China’s nonwovens industry in the fight against Covid-19, described the outlook and social responsibility strategy of the nonwovens industry in the post-virus period. INDA president Dave Rousse and EDANA general manager Pierre Wiertz made presentations via video. Mr. Rousse shared with attendees the functional foundation of nonwoven materials in three critical areas of facemask, medical and surgical gowns, and wipes for healthcare workers and all citizens, and reported on the latest capacity and production data in North America. EDANA highlighted the essential character of nonwovens industry after breakout of the pandemic. Mr. Wiertz gave an overview of what the European nonwovens industry and EDANA have done to contribute to the fight against Covid-19.
 
In addition, speakers from domestic universities, research institutions and key companies shared the export and quality-supervision of anti-pandemic materials, the technological innovation of high-performance polypropylene, the green development of the nonwoven industry, the research progress of meltblown polypropylene electret nonwovens, children mask standard, etc. These presentations attracted a large number of audience. All the seats offered in the conference area were occupied, some people stood and listened to the presentations.

At the conference, the 2016/2020 China Nonwovens Industry Social Responsibility Report made by CNITA and Sateri was released. China’s nonwovens industry identified industrial development, supply chain, environment, and humanity as the four dimensions of industry social responsibility. Under this framework, the goals and behavioral norms of social responsibility were determined. This report will play an important role in promoting the sustainable development of the industry.

Additionally, the launch ceremony of the Nonwoven Industry Green Development and Innovation Alliance was held at this conference. The purpose of this alliance is to implement the social responsibility development strategy of nonwoven industry, encourage players in the industry to jointly build a green supply chain, and accelerate the R&D, application and promotion of environment-friendly fibers, energy saving and emission reduction technologies.