From the Sector

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, today announced the finalists for the 2026 Hygienix Innovation Award™: Anabio Technologies, Confitex Technology, The LYCRA Company and Youth Crews.

The finalists will present their innovations at Hygienix, an annual event for absorbent hygiene professionals, Nov. 16-19 at the Hyatt Regency Houston. The winner will be announced Thursday, Nov. 19, at 11:30 a.m.

Anabio Technologies: Flushable Sanitary Pad
Every sanitary pad used today can outlive us by an estimated 500 years. Anabio’s patented flushable pad changes that. Its multilayer architecture protects for 12 hours, then disperses when flushed. Independently tested to meet IWSFG flushability requirements, it is designed for flush toilets, septic systems and pit latrines and runs on standard converting lines, offering a practical route to scalable, sustainable, convenient and affordable menstrual care.

Confitex Technology: Washable Nonwoven Car Seat Protectors
Confitex Technology has cemented its reputation as the tech leader in reusable absorbent hygiene by extending the application of its transformative washable nonwoven AHPs into the automotive category. Its world-first washable nonwoven car seat protectors are independently verified to absorb and hold 24 fl oz (700 ml) inside a patented leak-resistant frame and keep performing after 30+ washes. Made from 100% nonwoven materials, they open up a new market segment for the nonwovens industry.

The LYCRA Company: Lycra® Adaptiv Fiber
LYCRA® ADAPTIV fiber reimagines stretch for absorbent hygiene products by leveraging technology originally developed for apparel to personal care. Designed to adapt dynamically to the wearer, this revolutionary spandex polymer with its unique chemistry delivers all-day comfort, inclusive sizing, easier on-and-off wear, and a second-skin fit, helping transform the wearing experience in personal care.

Youth Crews: Youth Crews Diapers
Youth Crews makes tab-style diapers for disabled kids ages 4 to 17 who outgrew baby diapers but don’t fit adult products. Sizes 9 through 12 are built for an older kid’s body: a pulp-free core, leg gathers cut for sitting, and a profile designed to fit under clothes. Founded by a dad who couldn’t find a diaper for his daughter. Free samples available at youthcrews.com.

2025 Award Winner
Confitex Technology Ltd. won the 2025 Innovation Award for its washable nonwoven sanitary pad, which the company says is the world’s first designed for sustainability and scalability without superabsorbent polymers.

“Hygienix Innovation Award finalists represent the future of absorbent hygiene,” said Matt O’Sickey, INDA’s director of education and technical affairs. “These companies are pushing boundaries with solutions that address consumer needs, sustainability goals and performance demands. Their work highlights the innovative spirit that drives our industry forward.”

The Nature Conservancy has launched the Microfiber Action Alliance, bringing together Nike, Patagonia, Under Armour, lululemon, Cotopaxi, REI Co-op and other companies to accelerate practical measures against microfiber pollution.

The initiative is designed to complement existing scientific work by The Microfibre Consortium. Participating companies will apply and refine interventions within their own supply chains, generate evidence on what works and share implementation lessons with the wider industry. TNC emphasises prevention because both synthetic and treated natural fibers can contribute to microfiber pollution and released particles are difficult to remove from the environment.

Potential interventions include changes in material selection and textile construction, manufacturing-process improvements and filtration. The Alliance therefore shifts attention from measuring fiber fragmentation alone to integrating low-shedding design and manufacturing decisions into operational practice.