Global nonwovens exhibition brings together 625 exhibitors from 44 countries and highlights circular manufacturing technologies

INDEX™26, the World’s Leading Nonwovens Exhibition, concluded on 22 May 2026 at Palexpo in Geneva after four days of exhibitions, seminars, networking sessions, and technology showcases. Spread across a gross exhibition space of 50’000m2, the event hosted 625 exhibitors from 44 countries and recorded 11,452 visits.

The exhibition focused on developments in high-tech, durable, and sustainable nonwovens solutions, with circular design, carbon footprint reduction, and smart manufacturing technologies emerging as central themes throughout the event.

INDEX™26 closes with international participation

Held in Geneva, INDEX™26 brought together companies, technical specialists, and industry decision-makers from across the global nonwovens sector. Organizers stated that the exhibition maintained strong international participation despite geopolitical and economic challenges affecting travel and budgets.

According to the organizers, the event featured exhibitors presenting developments in production technologies, advanced materials, recyclable product design, and protective textile applications.

Magali Fakhry Dufresne, Director of INDEX™, noted: “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, INDEX™ confirmed its role as a key event for the global nonwovens community every three years.”

She adds: “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 circular design remain key focus areas

Environmental responsibility and technical performance were major themes during the 2026 edition. Exhibitors presented technologies aimed at reducing carbon footprints, increasing production efficiency, and developing recyclable material solutions.

Several companies showcased production systems designed to produce finer fibres while improving throughput. Circular design also featured prominently, with manufacturers introducing recyclable single-material alternatives to complex multi-layer structures.

The exhibition additionally highlighted protective textile solutions developed to meet updated safety requirements without the use of PFAS.

“The INDEX™26 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”, added Pieter Meijer, Chairman of the INDEX™ Advisory Board.

Networking and immersive experiences featured during the event

INDEX™26 included several networking sessions and technical demonstration areas focused on innovation and industry collaboration.

The exhibition introduced a new “Women's Networking Breakfast” initiative aimed at supporting mentoring opportunities within the nonwovens community.

Visitors also participated in the immersive experience titled “Nonwovens: In Every Layer of Life”, which explored the application of nonwoven materials across different sectors and daily-use products.

Throughout the four-day exhibition, Geneva served as a meeting point for discussions on current and future technologies within the nonwovens industry.

Industry looks ahead to INDEXTM29

Closing the event, Murat Dogru, General Manager of EDANA concludes: “INDEX™26 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.”