3–6 November 2026 | Online

Absorbent Hygiene Products Course

What to Expect

This Absorbent Hygiene Products course will give you a unique overview of all aspects of hygiene products, processes and markets, with a focus on baby diapers, menstrual products and adult incontinence.

The instructors will guide you on a journey where you'll learn about product design, raw materials (including super absorbent polymers, adhesives and closing systems), converting technologies, and new developments. The course also includes modules on legislation, sustainability aspects of AHPs, product testing and evaluation, and market information.

The In-Person course:

Takes place over 2 days in the EDANA office in Brussels, Belgium
Is designed to have a right balance between theory and practical exercises
Has a limited capacity (24 participants) in order to encourage active participation and interactive communications with the external experts. This is also a great opportunity to make contacts with other players in the personal care products industry.

The Online Course:

Is spread over 4 consecutive mornings with, on each day, a session of 3 hours from 09.30 to 12.30 CET
Includes a mix of presentations and live Q&A sessions as well as interaction opportunities
Foresees exhaustive course material including a printed handout and a set of samples

Practical Info & Registration

Course in Brussels	Online Course	In-House Course
TBC	3–6 November 2026	On demand
€2050 excl. VAT - EDANA Member	€1600 excl. VAT - EDANA Member	Fees based on format, duration, attendance and location
€2550 excl. VAT - non-Member	€2000 excl. VAT - non-Member	Fees based on format, duration, attendance and location
The fee includes comprehensive delegate notes, samples, lunches, coffee breaks	The fees include comprehensive delegate notes, samples, presentations and Q&A sessions.	The fee includes comprehensive delegate notes, samples and a tailored approach
The course takes place at the EDANA office, located 85 Avenue des Nerviens, 1040 Brussels, Belgium.	The course takes place online with a mix of presentations and Q&A interactions with the instructors and the other participants.	The course can take place at EDANA, at your company or at a location of your choice.

OTHER INFORMATION

Who should attend?

Both technical and marketing persons will benefit from attending this course. As they are likely to be involved with producers, suppliers, converters and retailers within the industry.

Course organiser

This course is organised by EDANA. The association organises INDEX™, the world’s largest nonwovens exhibition. EDANA has over 310 member companies in 38 different countries.

Language

The course language is English. The instructors will speak clearly and make extensive use of visual aids, videos and samples. Active participation is encouraged from all delegates.

Venue

The course will take place at EDANA, 85 Avenue Nerviens, 1040 Brussels, Belgium, if a minimum of 10 participants is reached. If this condition is not met, the course may take place online or may be postponed.

Accommodation

EDANA will share hotel recommendations after receiving the participants' registration for the course.

Instructors include

Based in Brussels, Marines is responsible for managing the internal and external activities related to scientific and technical affairs in order to support the nonwoven industry, in all its applications: personal and household hygiene, medical protection, filtration, automotive, and construction. In this role he’s involved in the development and implementation of standards and their related test methods that serve as a reference for the industry and for fair trade. In addition, Marines manages various course and education programmes designed to provide technical and application-oriented support. Marines is of Dutch nationality.Marines will host the course and deliver the training together with industry experts.

Marines Lagemaat Scientific and Technical Affairs Director

Tony earned a chemistry degree from the French University of Le Mans and worked in fundamental research at Concordia University in Montreal, Canada. Upon returning to France in 2001, he joined Bostik, where he spent 7 years structuring the adhesive division for Absorbent Hygiene Products, formulating adhesives and testing prototypes. After a brief return to Canada in 2008-2009, Bostik appointed him Technical Account Manager for EMEA, supporting customers in optimizing adhesive use in manufacturing. With 23 years of experience witnessing industrial evolution in designs and materials, Tony has been leading the EMEA Bostik Technical Support Team for AHP adhesives and paper & cardboard packaging since 2023, based at the Bostik Smart Technology Center in Venette, France.

Tony Rétrif EMEA Technical Service Group Manager; Hygiene, Paper & Cardboard (HP&C) Global Business Unit

Bernhard Awolin (b. 1961, Kiel, Germany) holds a Diploma in Physics from the University of Kiel (1989) and has over 30 years of experience in R&D, sales, and management across companies including J&J, SQUID AG, Magscan GmbH, Hyga/Intigena, and imeco, where he served as Managing Director (2014-2021). In 2021, he founded Bernhard Awolin Consulting in Aschaffenburg, specializing in absorbent products and medical disinfection wipes, with expertise spanning fibers, nonwovens, testing, manufacturing, quality systems, regulations, and commercialization. He holds several patents and enjoys white water canoeing and singing/songwriting.

Bernhard Awolin Business Consultant for nonwovens-made products

WHAT DID YOU LIKE ABOUT THE COURSE?

Testimonials

"The interaction between fellow participants was very valuable to me. It gave me an insight on how different industries work and how people think according to their position"

"The manufacturing process is worth to learn. I also enjoy the session where we had to make our own hygiene products"

"As a sales manager in the durable nonwoven business, it was a good opportunity to understand the world of AHP. It is a good starting point for a new challenge in my career."

"To me, the most interesting part was the introduction into nonwovens and market statistics and the history of the AHP. I understand now better the process and the problems faced by my customers"