INDEX™26, the triennial nonwovens exhibition owned by EDANA — a Brussels-based international association representing the nonwovens industry — will return to Palexpo in Geneva May 19-22, 2026.
Organized in conjunction with Palexpo SA, INDEX brings together the full nonwovens value chain including raw material suppliers, media producers, equipment manufacturers and end-use specialists. At this year’s edition of the show, a new immersive experience designed in a dynamic way will engage participants and help them explore trends, applications and breakthrough nonwoven technologies.
The more than 50,000 square meters of exhibition space also serves as a hub for innovation and networking. Trends, innovative materials, new technologies and more will be on display during the four-day event with the hygiene, automotive, construction, geotextiles, filtration, medical, wipes and packaging sectors all represented.
EDANA reports that trends in the industry point toward high-performance lightweight materials and an increasingly integrated global supply chain. Sustainability and efficiency remain a focus of the industry.
Exhibitor, Visitor Profiles
At the 2026 edition of INDEX, some 600 exhibitors will participate, showing the latest innovations in the nonwovens industry.
“The incredible commitment from our exhibitors confirms INDEX26 as the essential event for the nonwovens industry,” said Magali Fakhry Dufresne, INDEX director. “Leaders from across the entire value chain are coming together to showcase a powerful fusion of innovation and sustainability that is shaping our future.”
The 2023 edition of INDEX attracted 610 exhibitors from 42 countries as well as more than 12,000 attendees from 103 nations.
Exhibit Highlights
Some exhibitors have shared details about new product launches planned for INDEX26 including Reifenhäuser Reicofil, Magnera — exhibiting for the first time since the Berry Global and Glatfelter merger — A.Celli, Borealis, Saueressig, Trützschler and Wisdom Greentech. Machinery for efficient
fiber and nonwovens production; 3D embossing and perforating technologies; breathable low weight nonwovens; and soft, binder-free nonwovens are among just some of the innovations that will be on display in Geneva.
“INDEX26 showcases an industry that is resilient and determined to diversify. Today, it is no longer just about mass-produced disposable items, but about high-tech, durable and sustainable solutions to the most complex challenges of our time,” Fakhry Dufresne noted. “We are seeing a fundamental change in which reducing the carbon footprint per kilogram of nonwoven fabric is becoming the most important performance indicator for the entire value chain. INDEX26 is the place where this technological change becomes visible.”
Learning Opportunities
INDEX will host a robust seminar program designed to offer a deep dive into current technical, regulatory and market issues impacting the global nonwovens industry. The seminar program is created around three pillars — Strategic Market Intelligence; Sustainability and Regulatory Resilience; and Innovation in Specialized Sectors including geotextiles, filtration and mobility.
The Strategic Market Intelligence pillar will focus on trends drawing from EDANA’s nonwovens industry intelligence. The Sustainability and Regulatory Resilience pillar will explore challenges related to environmental and end-of-life concerns, as well as carbon footprint reduction challenges while aligning operations with regulations in a shifting legislative climate.
A session on filtration will look at high-growth areas and new applications; a geotextile seminar will examine the role of nonwovens in revitalizing modern civil engineering; and the mobility seminar will illustrate how nonwovens are meeting the various demands of high-tech transportation.
During INDEX26, EDANA will confer a number of INDEX Awards to deserving finalists who demonstrate the highest level of achievement in the nonwovens and related industries.
Exhibition Details
The show floor is open Tuesday, May 19 through Thursday, May 21 from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. On Friday, May 22, the event is open from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.
A four-day pass costs 110 euros (approximately $125), which includes access to all the related events as well as the exhibit halls. Single-day passes are not available. Registrants will receive a badge via email that they are encouraged to print before arriving at Palexpo in order to expedite the entry process.
“INDEX26 is far more than a showcase for individual products. It stands as clear evidence that innovation in the nonwovens industry today is powered by global collaboration rather than isolated breakthroughs,” said Murat Dogru, general manager of EDANA. “At a time when parts of the world are turning inward, INDEX26 demonstrates the strength of an industry built on open exchange and interconnected value chains. By bringing together high-tech market launches, live demonstrations and a comprehensive seminar program, the event showcases a fundamental shift towards deeper, more intensive collaboration across the entire value chain.”
According to an EDANA survey, 89 percent of attendees at INDEX23 rated their experience as excellent or very good. Visitors also praised the event’s value proposition as a place to connect, discover and network all under one roof.
Plan your visit to INDEX26 and join the nonwovens industry in Geneva in May!
For more information about INDEX26, please visit indexnonwovens.com.
