Brussels-based EDANA, the International Association Serving the Nonwovens and Related Industries, is celebrating its 40th anniversary. The organization was established on May 12, 1971, when a group comprising some 70 representatives from various European companies convened in the Round-Hall of the Hotel Astoria in Brussels and founded the European Disposables Association (E.D.A.), which was renamed EDANA in 1973.

From its inception, EDANA has become a modern industry association focusing on Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Indian subcontinent, with a global influence and profile that reflects the nonwovens industry's changing dynamics. The association represents more than 220 diverse member companies from throughout the supply chain in a vertically integrated structure. Its mission is "to create the foundation for sustainable growth of the nonwovens and related industries through active promotion, education and dialogue."

Seven of the 29 founding companies have been continuous members of EDANA: BFF Technical Fabrics, United Kingdom; Lantor BV, the Netherlands; Ahlstrom Corp., Finland; Kaysersberg S.A. — Jamont, France, now part of Georgia-Pacific LLC, Atlanta; SCA, Sweden; Mölnlycke, Sweden; and Polymer Group Inc. (PGI), Charlotte.

"We provide a comprehensive range of services and supply our members with the information and data necessary for them to enhance their industry goals and performance," said Pierre Wiertz, general manager, EDANA. "We will continue to provide leadership in order to create an environment beneficial to innovation and the sustainable and profitable growth of the industry through the active promotion of sustainable development, consumer interests and transparency." 

May 24, 2011