Global nonwovens exhibition attracts 625 exhibitors and highlights circular manufacturing technologies
INDEX™26 officially concluded at Palexpo after hosting four days of exhibitions, seminars, and networking activities focused on innovation, sustainability, and technical developments in the nonwovens sector.
Held across a gross exhibition space of 50,000 m2, the event featured 625 exhibitors from 44 countries and recorded 11,452 visits. Organisers stated that the exhibition continued to serve as a central platform for global decision-makers and technical experts exploring developments in high-tech, durable, and sustainable nonwovens solutions.
According to organisers, the 2026 edition took place amid continued geopolitical and economic uncertainty, yet maintained strong international participation and industry engagement.
Magali Fakhry Dufresne said, “Despite the current geopolitical context, affecting travel conditions and budgets, the industry demonstrated a strong commitment to attend. Participants were keen to meet in person, reconnect with their peers and advance discussions. INDEXTM is a great opportunity for the young generation to discover many innovations all gathered under one roof. Once again, INDEXTM confirmed its role as a key event for the global nonwovens community every three years.”
She added, “I also would like to thank the industry, and particularly the exhibitors, for their engagement and continued commitment. Exhibitors played a decisive role in the success of the edition, with high-quality, prestigious stands that reflected the strength and ambition of the sector.”
Sustainability and Technical Performance Take Center Stage
A major focus throughout INDEX™26 was the integration of environmental responsibility with technical performance. Exhibitors presented production technologies designed to improve throughput efficiency, support finer fibre production, and reduce carbon footprints across manufacturing processes.
Circular design approaches were also widely showcased, including recyclable mono-material structures intended to replace complex multi-layer constructions. The exhibition additionally featured high-performance protective textiles developed to meet updated safety standards without the use of PFAS.
Pieter Meijer said, “The INDEXTM26 seminar programme and products presentations showcased developments demonstrating how companies are achieving a competitive edge by going beyond regulatory compliance. It showed that it is vitally important for companies to adapt and be agile to successfully master new market challenges such as the Iranian and other crises.”
Seminar Programme and Networking Activities Draw Attention
The event included a specialised seminar programme and immersive technical experiences focused on innovation and collaboration across the global nonwovens industry.
Among the new initiatives introduced during the exhibition was the ‘Women’s Networking Breakfast’, designed to encourage mentoring and professional networking within the sector.
Visitors also participated in the immersive experience titled ‘Nonwovens: In Every Layer of Life’, which highlighted the role of nonwoven materials across modern industrial and consumer applications.
Industry Looks Ahead to INDEX™29
Organisers stated that automation, smart chemistry, lightweight materials, and collaborative innovation were among the major themes shaping the future direction of the industry.
Murat Dogru said, “INDEXTM26 had demonstrated how innovation in the industry is now being driven by global collaboration. The synergy between automated machinery, smart chemistry, and extreme weight reduction has pointed to a promising direction for a more efficient, circular manufacturing landscape. We are already looking forward to INDEXTM29 (15-18 May 2029), to discuss the latest developments.
