On Friday April 11, INDEX 14 closed its doors on a successful global nonwovens exhibition. With representation from across the nonwovens and related industries, displaying a diverse range of products and services, INDEX delivered on its promise to be the “global meeting point” for the industry.

More than 12,500 visitors made their way through the doors of the Geneva Palexpo exhibition center, where 586 exhibitors—an increase from the previous edition in 2011 of 10%—from 41 countries, in more than 22,000 square meters of stand space, displayed the latest innovations for the industry to see.

Visitors attending the show from April 8-11, 2014 were able to engage with a larger portion of the industry than ever before, as well as take advantage of the special events organized during the exhibition. Automotive nonwovens, packaging, product presentations, geotextiles, and innovation events delivered value to the diverse group of attendees. Additionally, the introductory lunchtime tutorials on nonwoven production and absorbent hygiene products, first introduced in 2011 were continued, with an additional course on filtration added to the sessions available to attend. These courses, which provide an overview of the EDANA training courses, were popular throughout the exhibition, with several editions offering standing room only.

“Celebrating the 30th anniversary of INDEX in Geneva, INDEX stands as the most representative exhibition of the nonwovens industry.  With more exhibitors than ever, we see this as a sign that points to not only a recovery in the global economies, but to a healthy and diverse industry,” says Pierre Wiertz, general manager of EDANA.

“Since INDEX first appeared in Geneva, our industry has evolved,” continues Wiertz. “Nonwovens and related materials are replacing traditional fabrics or plastic composites in vehicles, and in building and construction projects, showing that nonwovens offer high-tech fluid management solutions for not only hygiene and medical purposes, but with cross fertilization in many other applications as well. Looking ahead to INDEX 17, we are reminded of how both resilient and innovative the nonwovens industry really is.”

INDEX 17 will again be held at the Geneva Palexpo, from April 4-7, 2017.