Formation of Global Nonwoven Alliance Marks Major Step Toward Unified Industry Vision

INDA and EDANA, two leading associations in the nonwoven industry, have officially approved the creation of the Global Nonwoven Alliance (GNA) and will serve as its founding members. Both organizations’ Boards of Directors passed motions to appoint six representatives each—five members along with the current Chair—to represent their institutions in the GNA.

This decision follows the Letter of Intent jointly signed in September 2024 and represents a major milestone in fostering deeper industry-wide collaboration. The GNA will be registered as a non-profit entity under U.S. law, reflecting a formal and strategic partnership to address key global challenges and opportunities within the nonwovens sector.

GNA aims to unify strategic initiatives, promote innovation, extend international collaboration, and strengthen services provided to members both regionally and globally. Despite this global alliance, INDA and EDANA will remain legally independent, continuing their regional focus and member advocacy while aligning their leadership, staffing, and program development to support joint objectives.

The immediate focus includes establishing GNA’s organizational and governance frameworks. In the future, Allied Membership will be extended to other not-for-profit associations aligned with GNA’s mission, broadening collaboration across the nonwovens value chain.

Tony Fragnito, President of INDA, remarked, “The formation of GNA is a milestone for our industry. By working together across regions, we can accelerate innovation, speak with a stronger voice globally, and deliver even greater value to our members. This is not a merger—it’s a strategic alliance built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to the future of nonwovens.”

Murat Dogru, General Manager of EDANA, added, “With the creation of GNA, we are positioning the nonwovens industry to meet global challenges with greater unity and impact. This collaborative structure allows us to scale our efforts, strengthen our influence, and pursue solutions that benefit our members worldwide.”

The GNA Board will be composed of six representatives from each founding association, ensuring a balance of global perspectives and strategic alignment. This structure is intended to foster transparency and long-term stability in guiding policies, priorities, and shared programs.

Further updates, including FAQs and details about GNA’s development, are available on the dedicated GNA webpage.

EDANA, founded in 1971, represents over 260 members globally and is committed to advocating for the societal benefits of nonwovens, supporting sustainability, product stewardship, and addressing regulatory, technical, and market challenges. The organization also hosts several targeted industry events throughout the year.