Sustainability, performance and specialization
INDEX 2026, the world’s leading nonwovens exhibition organized by Palexpo in collaboration with EDANA, brought together more than 500 exhibitors and 13,000 visitors from across the globe in Geneva from the 19thto the 22nd of may. Beyond showcasing products, the event provided valuable insight into the trends that are shaping the future of our industry.
From our stand, the Murtra Nonwovens team met with manufacturers, converters, distributors and end users from a wide range of sectors. One message became increasingly clear: the market is demanding solutions that are more sustainable, more technical and more tailored to specific applications.
1. Sustainability is no longer optional
REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS AND MARKET EXPECTATIONS ARE ACCELERATING THE TRANSITION TOWARDS MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE MATERIALS.
Reducing substances of concern, improving recyclability, optimizing the use of raw materials and lowering environmental impact have become key priorities for manufacturers and end users alike.
In this context, PFAS-free materials continue to gain momentum in applications where fluorinated treatments have traditionally been used.
2. Maintaining performance while driving change
ONE OF THE INDUSTRY’S GREATEST CHALLENGES IS DEVELOPING MORE SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS WITHOUT COMPROMISING TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE.
Customers continue to demand advanced properties such as mechanical strength, water repellency, durability, dimensional stability and fire performance. Innovation therefore goes beyond replacing raw materials; it means ensuring that new solutions continue to meet the demanding requirements of end-use applications.
3. The age of specialization
THE MARKET IS MOVING AWAY FROM STANDARD MATERIALS TOWARDS INCREASINGLY SPECIALIZED SOLUTIONS.
Industries such as construction, automotive, filtration, hygiene, medical and industrial applications require nonwovens specifically engineered to meet precise project requirements.
The ability to tailor fiber blends, basis weights, finishes and functional properties has become a key differentiator in delivering value.
Murtra Nonwovens' commitment
At INDEX 2026, we showcased our range of PFAS-free water-repellent nonwoven materials, developed to provide a more sustainable alternative to conventional treatments.
This development is part of a broader strategy focused on innovation, investment in production capabilities and the development of technical solutions aligned with evolving market needs.
At Murtra Nonwovens, we believe the future of nonwovens lies at the intersection of sustainability, performance and customization. INDEX 2026 reinforced our conviction that this is the right path forward.