From the Sector

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, has released the North American Nonwovens Industry Demand & Forecast, 2024–2029, the thirteenth edition of its authoritative market intelligence series. The report provides detailed demand data from 2019–2024 and forecasts through 2029, incorporating the most recent tariff changes enacted by the current administration and their expected impacts on nonwoven market dynamics.

Redesigned to better support strategic planning and investment decisions, the report offers a reliable, accurate view of demand across all North American nonwoven end-use markets. Forecasts are built from robust analyses of key market drivers and trends, presenting the industry’s growth potential in dollar value, units, and volume (square meters and tonnage).

“This report provides insights on nonwoven demand across the short-life and long-life market segments,” said Tony Fragnito, President & CEO of INDA. “The intelligence included here is critical for business leaders responsible for asset management, operational planning, and long-term strategy.”

“The nonwovens industry is constantly evolving and innovating, and the innovation trend continues with new and more sustainable products being developed,” said Mark Snider, INDA’s Chief Market & Research Analyst. “This report will help guide both current participants and new investors as they navigate emerging opportunities.”

Key components of the report include:

• Economic and population drivers shaping market growth in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada over the next five years
• Demand analysis for Disposable, Filtration, Wipes, Medical, and other applications
• Long-life durable sectors including Transportation, Building & Construction, Furnishings, Geotextiles & Agro Textiles, and Apparel
• Key demand model drivers and historical market disruptors, including the COVID-19 pandemic
• A summary of historical patterns and future trends influencing the nonwovens sector

The new Demand & Forecast report complements INDA’s North American Nonwoven Supply Report (released May 2025), which provides capacity, production, and trade flow data. Together, the Supply and Demand reports offer a complete view of the market—past, present, and future—and serve as essential tools for business leaders seeking a comprehensive understanding of industry performance and trajectory.

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announces the hiring of Rachael Davis as the new Publisher / Chief Content Officer for INDA Media, effective January 5, 2026. Davis will provide strategic leadership for the International Fiber Journal and International Filtration News, guiding the publications into their next phase of growth, engagement, and industry impact.

Davis brings a strong blend of technical expertise, editorial leadership, and deep knowledge of the fibers, textiles, and nonwovens sectors. Before joining INDA, she served as Executive Editor for Textile World, Textile World Asia, and Textiles Panamericanos within the Textile Industries Media Group, LLC. A graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology, she holds a Bachelors of Applied Science in Polymer and Textile Chemistry and began her career working directly in the textile industry before transitioning into publishing. Over the past two and a half decades, she has advanced through a variety of editorial roles, earning a reputation for clarity, accuracy, and thoughtful industry reporting.

“We are thrilled to welcome Rachael to INDA,” said Tony Fragnito, INDA President & CEO. “Her combination of technical understanding, editorial excellence, and industry insight makes her the ideal leader to guide INDA Media’s publications into their next chapter. As INDA expands its global collaboration as a founding member of GNA, and the industry continues to innovate and evolve, Rachael’s vision and experience will help us build on the strong publishing foundation already in place.”

Davis shared her enthusiasm for the opportunity: “I am very excited to take this next step in my career, and I am honored to join INDA and lead two publications that play such an important role in connecting and informing the global nonwovens and filtration communities. I will miss my colleagues at Textile World, but I’m excited to leverage my experience and help grow these INDA titles, deepen their technical and market coverage, and serve readers who rely on trusted, authoritative content.”

“Rachael has a broad range of textile knowledge and editorial skill and has been a significant member of the TIMG / Textile World team. Not only has Rachael written great stories about the US textile industry, but also has assisted TIMG to adapt to the many changes in print and electronic business media over the past 25 years. Everyone at TIMG and Textile World wishes her success and fulfilment in her new role — and I know INDA will offer numerous opportunities for Rachael to fully utilize her many talents,” said Jim Borneman, Editor in Chief, Owner, Textile Industries Media Group, LLC.

INDA extends its sincere appreciation to Caryn Smith, Principal at Driven by Design, whose leadership as Publisher / Chief Content Officer has strengthened the design, structure, and content of INDA Media’s publications. INDA thanks her for her leadership and commitment to affecting a smooth transition.  The association wishes her, and her firm, continued success. 

Participants can now register online for the 38th International Cotton Conference Bremen, which will be held on 25-27 March 2026 at the Haus der Bürgerschaft parliament building on market square. 

The comprehensive range of topics covering the entire value chain will provide practical expertise, address current developments, answer key industry questions, and provide new impetus for the future.  
 
Speakers will report on the current world market situation, trade flows, and production and processing statistics. Regulatory conditions, on textile recycling or the circular economy for instance, have a significant impact on the cotton industry and will therefore also feature on the agenda. Hot topics will include new developments and innovations relating to our core topics of production, quality assessment and cotton processing. Other focal points will include the circular economy and cotton recycling.  

Highlight: Modern agriculture on focus 
A special highlight will be a keynote speech on modern agriculture. There will also be further fascinating presentations exploring the topic of cotton breeding and cultivation, as well as new potential and opportunities for increased efficiency in processing. Not least because of increasing competition from synthetic fibres on the market. 

Appropriately, there will also be an exclusive session together with the Discover Natural Fibres Initiative (DNFI) on the subject of ‘Regulations in the EU and worldwide’, which will look at the latest political situation, for example under the Green Deal. There will also be further parallel sessions expanding on the conference topics, along with an exhibition of selected posters.   

With additional events and meetings throughout Cotton Week, the International Cotton Conference combines in-depth expertise with direct practical relevance. It is aimed at scientists from the respective fields, cotton traders, textile producers, textile machine manufacturers, the textile processing industry, textile retailers and NGOs involved in textiles. 

The general meeting of AVK –Industrial Association for Reinforced Plastics has re-elected its executive board as part of its regular elections.

Gerhard Lettl (C. F. Maier) and Michael Polotzki (Menzolit) retired from the Executive Board. Both were honored for their many years of outstanding commitment to the work of the Executive Board, the management of various working groups and seminars and, in the case of Mr. Lettl, for his leadership of the AVK Innovation Award jury. As a special recognition, the AVK presented the new AVK Honorary Award for the first time, which honors the great personal commitment of both men.

Nicole Stöß (Polynt) and Ralph Breiltgens (Kunststoffverarbeitung Reich) were newly elected to the Executive Board.

At the constituent board meeting on the same day, the board positions were confirmed: 
Dr. Michael Effing (AMAC) remains Chairman of the Board, Dirk Punke (BÜFA) was con-firmed as Deputy Chairman. Prof. Jens Ridzewski (Applus+IMA) continues to hold the office of Treasurer.

The Executive Board will commence its new term of office on 1 January 2026 and remain in office for three years.

“With the new management team, we are focusing on continuity and fresh impetus at the same time,” emphasises Dr Elmar Witten, Managing Director of AVK. “I would like to thank Mr. Lettl and Mr. Polotzki for their many years of service and look forward to continuing to work with the newly elected committee to actively shape the future of the composite ma-terials industry.”