In 2020, the global nonwovens industry has been galvanised into action as never before in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Entirely new supply chains have been rapidly established and new capacities put in place in record time around the world. Innovation in R&D, supply-chain collaborations, products, processes and working methods has been at an all-time high.
When INDEX20 finally takes place from 7 - 10 September 2021, it will be showcasing an industry reinvigorated by the recognition of its valuable contribution to safety and protection during a time of great difficulty.
An extraordinary six months for the industry
Many INDEX20 exhibitors have worked at unprecedented speed since the start of the pandemic, with entirely new supply chains established across Europe.
Global shortages of facemasks hinged largely on the scarcity of certain grades of meltblown nonwovens currently necessary to achieve the FFP3 quality standard for filtration efficiency.
Governmental decisions have elevated these nonwovens to critical equipment status > Read more
The rise of remote service and digital collaboration
Between March and June, with all but essential travel banned, this year the highly-globalised nonwovens industry has been discovering what can be achieved from a distance.
Many companies quickly developed platforms for new communication over digital channels, for both their internal communications and for maintaining essential contact with customers and suppliers > Read more
Pandemic intensifies research effort
As the wearing of nonwoven facemasks becomes ubiquitous, material scientists around the world have been exploring methods of further improving their effectiveness, expanding their functionality and trying to address their disposable nature > Read more
From shrimp farming to facemasks for the fjords
Norway is to be the location of Scandinavia’s first plant for the fully integrated production of meltblown nonwovens and their conversion to three-ply surgical facemasks.
However its co-founders had been anticipating a very different next move, until the arrival of the coronavirus focussed their attention on PPE shortages, and wondered how they could help the situation > Read more
