Cary, NC, April 14, 2026 – INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, the North American trade association representing the nonwovens industry, calls on global leaders to address the escalating energy crisis triggered by ongoing global conflicts.
The world has recently experienced significant disruptions in global energy markets, resulting in sharp and sustained increases in natural gas, electricity, and oil prices. These volatile costs are placing an immediate and severe strain on nonwovens manufacturers worldwide. Energy is a critical input in every stage of nonwoven production — from raw material processing and fiber extrusion to web formation, bonding, and finishing. Many of our member companies, which operate energy-intensive facilities throughout the world, are already facing significant increases in operating expenses.
The nonwovens industry produces essential materials used in life-saving medical products, absorbent hygiene products, filtration media for clean air and water, automotive components, and sustainable packaging solutions. Unchecked energy price surges threaten to undermine the affordability and availability of these critical products, slow innovation in circular-economy technologies, and jeopardize thousands of skilled jobs across our sectors. Small and medium-sized enterprises, which form the backbone of the industry, are particularly vulnerable and risk reduced competitiveness in an already challenging economic environment.
INDA, therefore, urgently calls on heads of state, energy officials, and international organizations to take decisive, coordinated action, including:
- Pursue immediate diplomatic and multilateral efforts to restore stability to global energy markets.
- Implement short-term relief measures, such as targeted energy-cost support programs, temporary price-stabilization mechanisms, and accelerated permitting for additional energy supply.
- Accelerate long-term strategies for energy security and diversification, such as expanded investment in infrastructure, strategic stockpiling, and cross-border energy cooperation.
- Engage directly with industry stakeholders to ensure that any policy responses are practical, proportionate, and designed to safeguard the continued supply of essential products.
The nonwovens industry remains committed to delivering innovative, high-performance, and increasingly sustainable solutions that improve global quality of life.
INDA stands ready to collaborate with policymakers at every level to develop effective solutions. U.S. and global leaders must act now to alleviate the burden of rising energy prices and protect the future of our vital industry.