Summary Report
It is the first time for Hong Kong Nonwovens Association (HKNA) to organize
ANFA Nonwovens Conference 2023 in Hong Kong and ANFA Nonwovens
Conference 2023 is the first Asia Nonwovens Conference after a nearly fouryear period COVID-19 pandemic. Funded by the Trade and Industrial
Organisation Support Fund of the Trade and Industry Department of HKSAR
Government and in collaboration with Asia Nonwoven Fabrics Association(ANFA) and Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC), the conference was heldin Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from 30th to 31st October 2023.
The conference encompassed a wide range of crucial topics pertaining to thenonwovens industry, including:
1. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the nonwovens industry andresponse strategies;
2. Applications of high-value nonwovens fabric products in the healthcare,
medical, and filtration material industries;
3. Sharing of new environmentally friendly technologies for the of nonwovensproduction;
4. Innovative ideas and models to enhance market competitiveness formanufacturers; and5. Introduction of standards and certifications for high-value nonwoven
products in different countries to help businesses understand and adapt tovarious market demands.
The event was a resounding success. This conference brought together
nonwovens associations from Japan, Korea, India, Indonesia, Taiwan, andvarious regions in China. Notably, representatives from nonwovens
associations in the U.S. and Europe were also invited to participate in thisgathering. The conference saw an impressive turnout of nearly 180 industry
participants, making it a significant event for the nonwovens industry,
particularly in light of the ongoing pandemic.
The resounding success of this event can be attributed to the unwaveringsupport provided by Trade and Industry Department of the HKSAR as well as
Hong Kong Productivity Council. It was solely through the support from thegovernment and various sectors that enabled us to successfully organize thisconference.
In addition to inviting 12 esteemed experts from the nonwovens industry, thesecond day of the conference featured a remarkable expert symposium. During
this symposium, experts from diverse fields openly shared their perspectives
on the utilization of new nano-materials in nonwovens, envisioned the future
development of the nonwovens industry, and generously imparted theirexpertise and knowledge to the engaged audience. The symposium created aplatform for fruitful discussions and the exchange of ideas.

Agenda – 30 October (Day 1)

Agenda – 30 October (Day 2)

Opening Ceremony
ANFA Traditional Flag Presentation

Mr PARK Chan Hyouk
President of Asia Nonwoven Fabrics Association (ANFA)VIP Speech
Hon Sunny TAN
Legislative Council Member of The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region(HKSAR) and Chairman of Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC)

Opening Speech
Mr Socrates NGPresident of Hong Kong Nonwovens Association (HKNA)VIP Speech
Mr Anthony FRAGNITO
President of Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry (INDA)

Dr CHAN Pak Li, Bernard, JP
Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of Commerce andEconomic Development Bureau of The Hong Kong Special AdministrativeRegion (HKSAR)

Topic 1.
Nonwoven Market Trends after the COVID-19
Pandemic:
Asian Economy: Review and Outlook
Speaker: Mr Bohan ZHANG
Economist
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) –Tokyo Branch

Mr Bohan ZHANGFirstly, Mr Bohan Zhang, an experienced economist from Sumitomo Mitsui
Banking Corporation in Tokyo, was invited by the Asia Nonwoven Fabrics
Association (ANFA) to present at the conference. His presentation centeredaround the review and outlook in Asian economy, the challenges andopportunities encountered by the banking industry amidst the pandemic. Mr
Zhang's insightful speech laid the foundation and established the overarchingtheme for the conference. The audiences from the nonwoven industry will havea better understanding of post-pandemic Asian economy after Mr. Zhang’s
speech and have a better picture of the Nonwoven Market Trends after theCOVID-19 Pandemic after his informative speech.

Topic 2.
New Technology Sharing of Green Nonwovens FilterMaterials:
Applying Stitch-bond Nonwoven to Automotive Wireharness Tape
Speaker: Mr David LAI
General ManagerJhih Cheng Non-Woven Company Limited

Mr David LAI

Next, we are honored to invite Mr David Lai, General Manager of Taiwan JHIH
Cheng Nonwoven Co., Ltd., to deliver a presentation on the application ofStitch-bond nonwoven fabrics in automotive production lines. Stitch-bondnonwoven fabrics are recognized as high value-added products in this field.
Stitch-bond nonwoven fabrics are renowned for their exceptional attributes,
including remarkable abrasion resistance, effortless tearability, and effective
noise reduction. Experts with extensive experience in the nonwovens industry
have even expressed their astonishment at the versatile applications of stitchbond nonwoven fabrics. They eagerly anticipate the value-added advantages
that this application can bring, particularly within the transportation andelectronics sectors.

Topic 3.
Introduction to Hong Kong’s Nonwovens Industry andits Product Advantages:
Application of Nano Technology Invention in Filtrationin Hong Kong
Speaker: Professor Wallace LEUNG

Professor Wallace LEUNG

In order to promote Hong Kong’s Nonwovens Industry and showcase its
achievements, we have invited Professor Wallace Leung to deliver apresentation on the groundbreaking development of nanotechnology in filtrationmaterials in Hong Kong. Professor Wallace Leung is a passionate advocate oftalent development, and the occasion to interact with numerous industry
experts in a single location was a rare one for him.

Topic 4.
Development Strategies of Asia’s Nonwoven Industry
after the COVID-19 Pandemic:
Status of the Asian Apparel Industry After Pandemic
Speaker: Mr Jonathan OH
Senior Vice President and General Manager of Global Apparel
Division
Freudenberg & Vilene International Limited

Mr Jonathan OH

The morning session of the first day concluded with enlightening speechesdelivered by distinguished guests from various regions including Asia, HongKong, and Taiwan. The afternoon session of the first day will be dedicated toexploring the international landscape. During this session, Mr Jonathan Oh,
Senior Vice President and General Manager of Global Apparel Division atFreudenberg, delivered a vibrant presentation on the development strategiesof the Asian nonwovens industry in the post-pandemic era.

Topic 5.
Business Sharing from Southeast Asia Market:
Current Development of Non-Woven Industry in India
Speaker: Mr Kanav GUPTA
Associate Director
Business Co-ordination House (BCH)

Mr Kanav GUPTA

The conference's attention subsequently turned to India, where Mr Kanav
Gupta, Associate Director of Business Co-ordination House (BCH), delivered
an in-depth presentation on the development and opportunities within theIndian industry. India is undeniably the most significant global production base,poised to emerge as a pivotal growth hub for both the world economy and thenonwovens industry in the forthcoming years. If nonwovens experts can seize
this opportunity, I firmly believe that, as Mr Gupta stated, they can grow together
with India, a country full of potential.

Topic 6.
Application of High Value-Added Nonwovens Products:
Application of Nano Technology in Korea
Speaker: Mr KIM Jeong Keun, James
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)Korea KNS Company

Mr James KIM

South Korea holds a prominent position in the nonwovens industry. During theconference, Mr James Kim, President of KNS, delivered a remarkable speechon the applicability of nanotechnology in the Korean cosmetic market and its
potential to enhance the value-added of products.

Topic 7.
New Technology Sharing of Green Nonwovens Filter
Materials:
The Application of Nonwoven in Industrial Filtration
Speaker: Dr David HO
Chairman
Bright Sheland International Company Limited

Dr David HO

Furthermore, Dr David Ho, Chairman of Bright Sheland International Company
Limited, gave an enlightening lecture on the filtration materials used innonwoven fabrics. His explanation of electrostatic spinning was exceptionallyinsightful, and it has sparked anticipation for more exciting developments in thefuture.

Welcome Dinner
Furthermore, apart from the conference during the day, HKNA also organized
a delightful trip to the seaside, which was thoroughly enjoyed by allparticipants.

On the evening of the first day of the conference, 150 participants boarded aboat at Golden Bauhinia Square, engaging in lively discussions and admiring
the magnificent scenery along both sides of Victoria Harbour. They later arrived
at a Spanish restaurant located on the Stanley waterfront, where they indulged
in a delightful dinner party. Beyond being an industry gathering, this night cruise
effectivelytranscended

nationalandregionalboundaries,

effectively

showcasing the unique features of Hong Kong. It was a rare occasion tohighlight the gathering of friend from worldwide in such an event.

Topic 8.
Standard and Certification of High Value Added
Nonwovens Products in Different Countries:
New Rules and Regulations of Biodegradability inEuropean Unions
Speaker: Mr Murat DOGRU
General Manager
European Disposables and Nonwovens Association (EDANA)

Mr Murat DOGRU

On the following day, in addition to the plenary session of the ANFA Broad
Meeting, there were several equally captivating speakers. Mr. Murat Dogru fromthe European Nonwovens Industry Association (EDANA), enlightened us on
the standards and certification of high value-added nonwoven products,
specifically focusing on the new EU regulations regarding biodegradability.
Currently, the European Union is dedicated to reducing carbon emissions andhas already established a comprehensive timeline for carbon reduction. To
better adapt to the constantly evolving landscape of the industry, the Hong Kong
nonwovens sector must stay up-to-date with the global market trends.

Topic 9.
Application of High Value-Added Nonwovens Products:
New Invention in Micro Fiber in Water Soluble Artificial
LeatherSpeaker: Mr Dehe YIN
Ningbo Hengqide Chemical Fiber Technology Company Limited

Mr Dehe YINWe had the privilege of inviting Mr Yin Dehe, the representative of Ningbo
Hengqid Chemical Fiber Co., Ltd., who showcased the application of watersoluble island fibers in the production of artificial leather within the realm ofnonwoven fabrics.
Water Reduced Island Fiber is a unique type of island fiber that can be reduced
using only hot water, eliminating the need for chemical solvents. This process
not only maintains the excellent characteristics of benzene-reduced and alkalireduced island fibers but also expands their applications across variousindustries. The water reduced fixed island fiber has the potential to challenge
existing technologies and is expected to bring about significant transformations
within the industry.

Topic 10.
Nonwoven Market Trends after the COVID-19 Pandemic:
Nonwovens Moves to a Sustainable Future
Speaker:
Mr Mark SNIDER
Chief Market and Industry Analyst
Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry (INDA)

Mr Mark SNIDER
Although Mr Mark Snider was unable to attend ANFA Nonwovens Conference
2023 in person and share his expertise and experience, he had prepared avideo presentation early on about the nonwovens industry towards asustainable future. The audiences are delighted to have the opportunity to listen
to his speech and gained a great deal from it.

Topic 11.
New Thinking and Marketing Promotion Model ofNonwoven Enterprises:
Market, Challenges and Opportunities on Air Filtration
Materials
Speaker: Ms Cathy XIE
Vice President and Secretary of Board of Director
Chongqing Zaisheng Technology Co., Ltd.

Ms Cathy XIE

We are privileged to have Ms. Xie Jia, Vice President and Secretary of theBoard of Directors of Chongqing Zaisheng Technology Co., Ltd., sharing her
insights on the market, challenges, and opportunities related to air filtrationmaterials.
Both the European Union and China have made carbon reduction a key
component of their long-term development strategies. As China's advanced
manufacturing industry continues to flourish, there is a growing demand forclean air.

Hence, promoting green and low-carbon practices has become the trajectoryfor future societies. The nonwovens industry, being one of the sectors withsignificant energy consumption and production, can effectively align withnational policies by reducing carbon emissions during the production process
and incorporating environmentally friendly materials in product manufacturing.
Chongqing Zisun Technology has achieved a significant milestone by
developing an exceptional formula for ultra-fine glass fibers. Not only does it
surpass international standards in terms of quality, but it has also obtained
certification

for

being

non-carcinogenic,

requirements set by the European Union.

aligningwiththeharmlessTopic 12.
Nonwoven Market Trends after the COVID-19 Pandemic:
How Textile Industry Mingle with Nonwoven
Speaker: Professor Jinlian HU
DirectorLaboratory of Wearable Materials for Healthcare
City University of Hong Kong

Professor Jinlian HU

In the afternoon, Professor Hu Jinlian from the Department of Biomedical
Engineering at City University of Hong Kong will deliver a speech on the market
trends of nonwovens in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The
presentation will cover topics such as the integration of nonwovens into thetextile industry and other relevant aspects.

Technical Q&A Session in Nonwovens Nano
TechnologyModerator:
Mr David YEUNG - Founder & CEO Lionrock Batteries LtdNano Technology Experts:
1) Mr James KIM Jeong Keun - CEO of Korea KNS Company
2) Professor Wallace LEUNG
3) Mr ZHAO Shu Guang - Founder of Shanghai Yun Tong Nanotechnology4) Mr Andy CHU - Founder of Graham C (Hong Kong) Ltd

Technical Q&A Session in Nonwovens Nano Technology

Finally, a panel discussion on nanotechnology for nonwovens was conducted,moderated by Mr David Yeung from Lionrock Batteries Ltd. This session wasaimed at providing valuable insights to the audience.

ANFA Board Meeting
On the second day morning of the ANFA Nonwovens Conference 2023, ANFA
board meeting was successfully held. Over 30 representatives from various
nonwoven associations across Asia attended.

Group PhotoConclusion
This event would not have been a success without the assistance of all parties
involved. Once again, HKNA would like to thank all the associations andorganizations that contributed to this event. On this occasion, HKNA effectively
leveraged Hong Kong's intermediary role in facilitating internal and external
communications, which proved vital for the event's success.

Acknowledgments (In arbitrary order)
Asia Nonwoven Fabrics Association (ANFA)All Nippon Nonwovens Association (ANNA)
Taiwan Nonwoven Fabrics Industry Association (TNFIA)
Korea Nonwoven Industry Cooperative (KNIC)
European Disposable and Nonwovens Association (EDANA)Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Association (INDA)
Business Co-ordination House (BCH)
Indonesian Nonwoven Fabrics Association (INWA)
China Nonwovens Technical Association (CNTA)
Guang Dong Nonwovens Association (GDNA)The Committee of Filtration & Separation (CFS)
Yangtze River Delta Nonwoven Industry Association (YNIA)
NanHai- Medical and Health Product Association (NH-MHPA)
Hong Kong General Chamber of Textiles (HKGCOT)

Highlighted Photos for ANFA Nonwovens
Conference 2023ġġ