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Deforestation Regulation EUDR Imgae: Edana
Deforestation Regulation EUDR
23.10.2025

EDANA calls for clarity and consistency on the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)

EDANA, the international association representing the nonwovens and related industries, considers the European Commission’s recent U-turn on the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) a missed opportunity to deliver a clear and effective framework to help effectively fight global deforestation. 

The recent announcement adds unnecessary complexity where simplification was needed. Instead of offering certainty, it introduces confusion amongst operators, disrupts already intricate supply chains, and risks undermining Europe’s competitiveness. 

„Our members are committed to supporting global efforts to prevent deforestation, however, the Regulation in its current format - supported by an IT system still unfit for purpose - presents fundamental challenges, including issues around polygon geolocation and excessive due diligence requirements that remain unresolved“, stated the association. 

EDANA, the international association representing the nonwovens and related industries, considers the European Commission’s recent U-turn on the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) a missed opportunity to deliver a clear and effective framework to help effectively fight global deforestation. 

The recent announcement adds unnecessary complexity where simplification was needed. Instead of offering certainty, it introduces confusion amongst operators, disrupts already intricate supply chains, and risks undermining Europe’s competitiveness. 

„Our members are committed to supporting global efforts to prevent deforestation, however, the Regulation in its current format - supported by an IT system still unfit for purpose - presents fundamental challenges, including issues around polygon geolocation and excessive due diligence requirements that remain unresolved“, stated the association. 

EDANA emphasizes that the Regulation must not be pushed through prematurely: The European Commission should maintain its original proposal to the European Parliament and delay implementation by 12 months. Such a step would allow sufficient time to ensure the system is workable and fair for all operators. 

Frequent changes in direction erode business confidence and create uncertainty across global markets. The latest developments have already led to confusion on both sides of the Atlantic, with some countries calling for an accelerated timeline while others urge delay.

More information:
Edana European Commission Deforestation Regulation EUDR
Source:

Edana

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The Three Finalists for the 2025 Hygienix Innovation Award™ (c) INDA
The Three Finalists for the 2025 Hygienix Innovation Award™
20.10.2025

The Three Finalists for the 2025 Hygienix Innovation Award™

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announced the three finalists for the 2025 Hygienix Innovation Award™. These absorbent hygiene products will be presented at Hygienix™, the premier event for absorbent hygiene professionals, taking place November 17–20 at the Omni Orlando ChampionsGate, ChampionsGate, Florida. The 2025 Hygienix Innovation Award™ will be announced on Thursday, November 20th at 10:40 am.

The Award Finalists
Confitex Technology – Washable Nonwoven Sanitary Pads
Making single-use reusable:As regulators, retailers and consumers move toward a greener future, a new category of washable AHPs is creating opportunities for the nonwoven industry. Confitex Technology has created and patented world’s first washable nonwoven sanitary pads designed for sustainability and scalability without the need for SAPs. Confitex Technology is leading Innovator and Private Label supplier. Their purpose is to transform the lives of millions and reduce the Earth’s landfill by creating the ultimate reusable AHPs.

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announced the three finalists for the 2025 Hygienix Innovation Award™. These absorbent hygiene products will be presented at Hygienix™, the premier event for absorbent hygiene professionals, taking place November 17–20 at the Omni Orlando ChampionsGate, ChampionsGate, Florida. The 2025 Hygienix Innovation Award™ will be announced on Thursday, November 20th at 10:40 am.

The Award Finalists
Confitex Technology – Washable Nonwoven Sanitary Pads
Making single-use reusable:As regulators, retailers and consumers move toward a greener future, a new category of washable AHPs is creating opportunities for the nonwoven industry. Confitex Technology has created and patented world’s first washable nonwoven sanitary pads designed for sustainability and scalability without the need for SAPs. Confitex Technology is leading Innovator and Private Label supplier. Their purpose is to transform the lives of millions and reduce the Earth’s landfill by creating the ultimate reusable AHPs.

Dukane – Curved Leg Elastic (CLE)
Dukane’s Curved Leg Elastic (CLE) technology redefines how elastic strands are attached in hygiene product manufacturing. By enabling ultrasonic bonding of curved elastics without any hotmelt adhesive, CLE eliminates material waste, simplifies construction, and enhances product performance. For the first time, manufacturers can seamlessly integrate curved and straight elastic strands within the same lamination using ultrasonic technology alone—a breakthrough previously thought possible only with adhesives or complex multilayer designs. CLE represents a new standard in sustainable, high-precision elastic attachment.

ZymoChem – BAYSE™
ZymoChem is a biotechnology leader revolutionizing sustainable chemical production. The company’s breakthrough product, BAYSE™, is the world’s first scalable, bio-based, microplastic-free, and biodegradable Super Absorbent Polymer.

Designed as a drop-in replacement for fossil-based SAPs, BAYSE offers a significantly lower carbon footprint while matching the performance of conventional materials and enabling seamless integration into existing manufacturing processes.  As featured earlier this year on CNBC’s “Clean Start,” this decarbonized solution is dramatically advancing the sustainability outlook for the hygiene industry.

Last year, HIRO Technologies, Inc. received the 2024 Award with its World’s First MycoDigestable Diapers—a breakthrough featuring plastic-eating mushrooms that combined excellent absorbency with sustainable, natural materials.

“Hygienix Innovation Award finalists represent the future of absorbent hygiene,” said Matt O’Sickey, PhD, INDA’s Director of Education & Technical Affairs. “These companies are pushing boundaries with solutions that address consumer needs, sustainability goals, and performance demands. Their work highlights the innovative spirit that drives our industry forward.”

Event Highlights at Hygienix™ 2025
Beyond the Innovation Award, Hygienix 2025 will deliver a powerful program of learning, networking, and collaboration, including:

  • Two Evenings of Exhibits & Receptions – Engage with leading suppliers and solution providers shaping the future of absorbent hygiene.
  • Workshops: Three workshops Monday afternoon covering absorbent hygiene systems, advances in menstrual care, and a deep dive into baby, infant, and toddler care.
  • Women in Nonwovens (WiN) Luncheon – Fostering mentorship, leadership, and collaboration across the industry.
  • Lightning Talks – Fast-paced 5-minute presentations spotlighting exhibitor innovations.
  • Lunch Around with Olivia Ahn, MD, Co-Founder of Planera – Hear her inspiring start-up journey firsthand.
  • Welcome Reception – Kick off the event with the ever-popular Welcome Reception in a relaxed, informal atmosphere Monday evening.

Featured Conference Sessions
Attendees will gain insights and strategies from sessions tackling the industry’s biggest opportunities and challenges:

  • The Illusion vs. Reality of Absorbent Hygiene Products Entrepreneurship – Overcoming Start-Up Hurdles (and Panel Discussion)
  • Economic Realities: Profit, Pressure, and Possibility
  • Panel Discussion: Servicing the Shift – Private Label as a Growth Engine
  • Finding Growth: Paws & Planet
  • Disruption Ahead: Misinformation, Regulation, and Testing in Absorbent Hygiene
  • Designed with the Consumer in Mind
  • Absorbent Hygiene Construction with Non-Traditional Inputs
  • Flushable by Design
  • Sustainable by Design
More information:
Hygienix™ 2021 Hygienix™ INDA Award
Source:

INDA

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13.10.2025

26 European business associations support EU-Mercosur Agreement

26 European business associations, representing a wide array of industries and businesses, express their full support for the swift ratification of the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement:

Together, the associations’ members cover a significant portion of the total trade in goods and services of over 153 billion euros in 2024 between the EU and the Mercosur region, as well as the approximately 380 billion euros of mutual investment in our two regions in 2023. In this unprecedented time when the rules-based global order is being critically undermined, this free trade agreement represents a beacon in the EU’s diversification strategy. It is therefore a critical element in ensuring the EU’s long-term competitiveness. 

By 2040, according to DG Trade’s calculations, the agreement is expected to add 77.6 billion euros to the EU GDP and 9.4 billion euros to the Mercosur GDP. At the same time, the agreement will result in a 39% increase in EU exports to Mercosur and a 17% increase in Mercosur exports to the EU. 

26 European business associations, representing a wide array of industries and businesses, express their full support for the swift ratification of the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement:

Together, the associations’ members cover a significant portion of the total trade in goods and services of over 153 billion euros in 2024 between the EU and the Mercosur region, as well as the approximately 380 billion euros of mutual investment in our two regions in 2023. In this unprecedented time when the rules-based global order is being critically undermined, this free trade agreement represents a beacon in the EU’s diversification strategy. It is therefore a critical element in ensuring the EU’s long-term competitiveness. 

By 2040, according to DG Trade’s calculations, the agreement is expected to add 77.6 billion euros to the EU GDP and 9.4 billion euros to the Mercosur GDP. At the same time, the agreement will result in a 39% increase in EU exports to Mercosur and a 17% increase in Mercosur exports to the EU. 

The EU-Mercosur is a modern agreement, driven by modern principles. It will deliver increased market access and improved access to resources, while preserving key sectors in European domestic markets, diversifying secure supply chains, and fostering investments for both sides. It will also help to deepen the cooperation on sustainable development, in areas such as fighting climate change, preserving biodiversity, and advancing labour and social rights. 

European businesses wholeheartedly support the EU-Mercosur Agreement and call on the Council and European Parliament to swiftly ratify the EU-Mercosur interim Trade Agreement (iTA) and the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement (EMPA). To this end, it is key to streamline the ratification process and to ensure timely completion and avoid procedural delays. This is a crucial opportunity for Europe which will support growth and prosperity for one-fifth of the global economy – benefiting about 750 million people. 

More information:
Mercosur strategic partnership agreement European Commission
Source:

Euratex

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Global Nonwovens Alliance Unveils Inaugural Board Photo EDANA
Global Nonwovens Alliance Unveils Inaugural Board
02.10.2025

Global Nonwovens Alliance Unveils Inaugural Board

The Global Nonwovens Alliance (GNA), a tax-exempt federation jointly founded by INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, and EDANA, the Voice of Nonwovens, announces the appointment of its founding Board of Directors. This group of leaders represents some of the most influential executives across the nonwovens value chain and reflects GNA’s mission to foster global collaboration, innovation, and growth in the industry.  

This newly appointed Board unites leaders from North America and Europe to advance GNA’s core objectives: strengthening advocacy with a global voice, expanding education and networking opportunities, driving efficiencies, and promoting innovation and sustainability across the nonwovens sector. 

INDA representatives to the GNA Board include: 

The Global Nonwovens Alliance (GNA), a tax-exempt federation jointly founded by INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, and EDANA, the Voice of Nonwovens, announces the appointment of its founding Board of Directors. This group of leaders represents some of the most influential executives across the nonwovens value chain and reflects GNA’s mission to foster global collaboration, innovation, and growth in the industry.  

This newly appointed Board unites leaders from North America and Europe to advance GNA’s core objectives: strengthening advocacy with a global voice, expanding education and networking opportunities, driving efficiencies, and promoting innovation and sustainability across the nonwovens sector. 

INDA representatives to the GNA Board include: 

  • Mark A. Thornton, Vice President, The Procter & Gamble Company  
  • Mike Clark, Division President, Hollingsworth & Vose Company 
  • Jodi Russell, Vice President R&D, Cleaning Innovation, Packaging & Sustainability, The Clorox Company 
  • Paul Harmon, Chief Innovation and Marketing Officer, Magnera 
  • Douglas Dowdell, Director Helix, Global Cellulose Fibers, International Paper 
  • Jaren J. Edwards, Co-CEO and President, Everra 

EDANA representatives to the GNA Board include:  

  • Mikael Staal Axelsen, Group CEO, Fibertex Personal Care/Innowo Print 
  • Jörg Ortmeier, Chief Executive Officer, TWE Group GmbH 
  • Giorgio Mantovani, Managing Director, Corman Spa 
  • Dr. Thorsten Habeck, Business Director Dispersions for Fiber Bonding – Europe, Middle East & Africa, BASF SE 
  • Dr. Ulrich Hornfeck, Member of Management Board, Sandler AG 
  • Anke Renz, Vice President Research & Development, Essity 

Mark A. Thornton will act as Chair and Mikael Staal Axelsen as Vice-Chair of this newly established Board. Both bring extensive industry experience, strong strategic vision, and proven commitment to advancing the sector. Their leadership will be instrumental in steering the organization through its next phase of growth and collaboration.  

The Board has also appointed Murat Dogru as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the organization. He will lead the GNA’s strategy, operations, and engagement with global stakeholders. As CEO, he will be responsible for ensuring that the organization delivers on its mission to represent and advance the industry at large. The position will officially start 1st January 2026.  

More information:
Global Nonwovens Alliance Inaugural Board CEO
Source:

EDANA

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