VIEWPOINT Sustainable Nonwovens Progress

This is the first time in IFJ history that I know of that we’ve dedicated our pages to a singular theme. Sponsored by INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, this Special 7th Issue of IFJ explores the issue of “Sustainability in Nonwovens.” Sustainability is the 2024-25 theme of the Association, which is reflected in every aspect of their efforts, leading up to the IDEA® 2025 Show in Miami Beach, FL, USA, April 29-May 1, 2025.

INDA is focused on the entire value chain around the nonwoven industry, from polymeric resin and fibers, through nonwovens, and into the final nonwoven containing consumer goods. Members convene and connect, as well as innovate and develop their businesses through INDA’s educational courses, business intelligence and market insights, test methods, consultancy and issue advocacy. The goal is to help members succeed by providing information they need to better plan and execute their business strategies.

IFJ strives to maintain fair and balanced industry coverage, yet it must be told that INDA Media is the business-to-business publishing arm of INDA, which also publishes International Filtration News. While ownership is focused solely on nonwovens, our publications report on the entirety of fiber and filtration, as ultimately it is all interconnected.

In this Special Issue, we explore sustainability through the eyes of the many expert contributors and thought leaders

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to provide readers a compass on where the nonwovens industry is on the journey.

Here are highlights: Tony Fragnito, President & CEO of INDA shares on page 12 how the Association is leading discussions on sustainability. On page 15, Mark Snider, INDA Chief Market and Industry Analyst, explains in detail the many ways INDA is keeping members and the industry on task with market intelligence.

On page 16, Bryan Haynes, Technical Director Global Nonwovens, KimberlyClark, addresses issues head-on, detailing the many layers of the plastics issue, and calling for “coopetition” within the industry to lead change.

PLASTICS association leaders Matt Seaholm, President & CEO, and Patrick Krieger, Vice President, Sustainability, dialogued in an exclusive Q&A on page 21 with IFJ, providing their association’s position on the task at hand.

On page 24, Wes Fisher, Director of Government Affairs at INDA, details the current regulatory landscape impacting the nonwovens industry. Ongoing global industry participation on issues around nonwovens and the environment is critical.

Matt O’Sickey, Director of Education & Technical Affairs at INDA, explores nonwovens’ end-of-life challenges and opportunities and addresses “tools” at the disposal to industry on page 45.

IFJ regular correspondents Jason Chen, page 26, Geoff Fisher, page 33, and Adrian Wilson, pages 39, 42, and 48, highlight marketplace advancements to watch. As always, I encourage you to send your thoughts on this issue to csmith@inda.org.

Enjoy! — Caryn Smith, Publisher & CCO

Tracking Fiber Trends & Innovation, Nonwovens Sustainability, Material Science, & Supply Chain Impacts You Need to Know

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