EDANA’s Innovation Forum 2025 lit up Station F in Paris on June 11–12, bringing together a diverse mix of global industry professionals, innovators, startups, and academics. Over two energetic days, the forum tackled the future of the nonwovens sector through a blend of keynotes, workshops, thematic talks, and networking — with strong emphasis on sustainable solutions, digital technologies, and cross-sector collaboration.
In his welcome address, EDANA General Manager Murat Dogru underscored the importance of embedding innovation deeply into the sector’s DNA — not just for staying competitive but for driving resilience, relevance, and leadership in shaping future solutions.
Discussions ranged from turning textile waste into valuable products to using AI for smart manufacturing, and shifting R&D towards fiber-level modeling to reduce prototyping costs. Maria Ström, CEO of The Loop Factory, pointed to nonwovens’ strength and durability as a major asset in solving textile waste challenges.
Dr. Carmen Hijosa, founder of Ananas Anam, shared how natural fibers from agricultural waste can redefine sustainability in textiles — utilizing leaves already fallen to the ground.
Representatives from European research institutes discussed aligning innovation pipelines with real-world manufacturing needs. As Matthew Tipper of NIRI put it, closing the gap between research and industrial relevance is critical for faster, practical impact.
One highlight was a hands-on “serendipity” workshop, led by Dieter Eichinger, exploring how unexpected discoveries can fuel breakthroughs. “Transformation often begins where we least expect it,” he remarked.
Day one concluded with a scenic cocktail cruise on the Seine, providing attendees an elegant backdrop for informal exchange.
Day two launched with a compelling keynote by Oliver Breucker of Roover Consulting, who emphasized AI as a partner, not a replacement. “AI enhances creativity—it helps us ideate better, faster, and with more customer focus,” he said.
Product showcases followed, including fiber-based packaging and carbon-neutral absorbents that merge sustainability and performance. Alexandros Skouras from Paptic noted, “Today’s innovations no longer force a choice between performance and eco-impact—they deliver both.”
The forum welcomed Walter Johnsen from Marble Studio to share how deep-tech ventures are reshaping climate progress. Four startups pitched bold ideas in diapers, apparel, fashion, and green chemistry, with Miki Agrawal of Hiro Technologies challenging the room: “Let’s rebuild from the ground up—not just improve old solutions.”
Maxime Guillaud, CEO of INSKIP, closed the event by showing how startups and innovation ecosystems in other industries can inspire transformation in nonwovens. “It’s not just about tech — it’s about organizing people, ideas, and capital efficiently,” he concluded.
The forum wrapped with a tour of Station F, the world’s largest startup campus, reinforcing EDANA’s belief in collaboration, networks, and ecosystems to scale future-forward ideas.
EDANA thanked all contributors and attendees for making Innovation Forum 2025 a resounding success, with plans already underway for the next edition in 2027.