Serendipity, AI and Circularity Drive EDANA Innovation Forum 2025

Paris, 18 June 2025 – The EDANA Innovation Forum 2025, held on June 11–12 at Station F, Paris, drew together a diverse mix of industry leaders, startups, researchers, and innovators to explore the evolving landscape of the nonwovens sector. Across two vibrant days, the event served as a collaborative platform with keynote talks, themed sessions, research showcases, and networking activities focused on current challenges and future breakthroughs.

“Innovation isn’t just about staying competitive—it ensures long-term relevance,” stated EDANA General Manager Murat Dogru in his welcome speech. “Embedding sustainability, digitalization, and collaboration at the heart of innovation helps us shape the future.”

Key presentations spotlighted how textile waste can be transformed into valuable products, how AI is accelerating sustainable production, and how fiber-level modelling is replacing costly prototypes. Maria Ström, CEO of The Loop Factory, noted: “Nonwovens are robust and resilient, presenting opportunities in textile recycling to confront the waste crisis.”

Nature-inspired material innovation was also in focus. Dr. Carmen Hijosa, Founder of Ananas Anam, asked: “What if fibres came from agricultural waste? We could use leaves that already fall to the ground—extraordinary, natural, and unused.”

Later sessions examined the role of research institutes in aligning with industry goals. Matthew Tipper, CEO of NIRI, emphasized the importance of mutual understanding: “People in the nonwovens industry must understand what R&D teams are working on. We need synergy between industry needs and research initiatives.”

A workshop titled “Capturing Serendipity” rounded out the first day, led by Dieter Eichinger, CEO of Eichinger, who remarked, “Some of the most transformative ideas arise unexpectedly—we must leave space for that imagination.”

Attendees ended the evening with a cocktail dinner aboard the Excellence cruise, soaking in views of Paris and the Eiffel Tower from the Seine.

Day two began with a keynote on the power of AI in product development. Oliver Breucker, Co-CEO of Roover Consulting, shared: “AI doesn’t replace creativity—it amplifies it. It allows us to think bigger, iterate faster, and keep the user at the core.”

Sustainable innovation took center stage with ready-to-launch products such as carbon-zero superabsorbents and fibre-based packaging. Alexandros Skouras of Paptic affirmed: “It’s no longer about choosing between performance and sustainability—the next-gen materials offer both.”

A special session with Walter Johnsen of Marble Studio explored how deep-tech entrepreneurship can accelerate climate goals. Four innovative startups also showcased transformative ideas in fashion, chemicals, diapers, and textiles. Miki Agrawal of Hiro Technologies emphasized: “Innovation should solve root problems, not just patch old systems.”

To conclude the Forum, Maxime Guillaud, CEO of INSKIP, offered insights into startup ecosystems. “Innovation comes from how we align people and resources around ideas,” he stated. The Forum ended with a guided tour of Station F, underlining the value of ecosystems in scaling game-changing concepts.

EDANA extended thanks to all contributors, promising that the ideas exchanged will continue driving progress well into the future. See you in 2027!