From the Sector

Registration is open for RISE^® 2024 (Research, Innovation & Science for Engineered Fabrics). Industry leaders will convene to discover cutting-edge nonwoven research and advancements, October 1-2, James B. Hunt, Jr. Library, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC. The theme for this year’s event is “Sustainability Solutions: Manufacturing More with Less.”

The RISE program will focus on these key topics:

• Disruptive Innovation & Enabling Technology
• Advancements in Natural & Bio-Based Fibers
• Sustainability in Chemistry
• Energy Efficiencies in Machinery
• Advanced Recycling Techniques & Methods
• In the News: Legislation & Regulation

Prior to RISE, continuing the program begun last year, there will be complimentary webinars featuring technology advancements and innovations. More details and topics will be announced at a later date.

The program highlights for RISE include:

• RISE^® Innovation Award – three finalists will compete for the Award with the winner being announced Wednesday afternoon, October 2nd. Nominations may be submitted through July 29th via the INDA website: https://www.inda.org/awards/rise-innovation-award.html
• The Nonwovens Institute will host a tour of their $65 million-plus, 60,000 square-foot facilities featuring state-of-the-art equipment, pilot lines, and analytical laboratories on Tuesday, October 1st. An RSVP is required and space is limited.
• A Welcome Reception on Tuesday evening, October 1st, at the Lonnie Poole Golf Course.
• Graduate Student Poster session with their latest research during the Welcome Reception.
• New to RISE: Nonwoven Bonding Fundamentals course which will provide a detailed overview of the major fabric bonding processes used to make nonwovens. More details are available here: https://www.inda.org/training/advanced-training.php
• 18-hole Golf Tournament, Monday, September 30th, Lonnie Poole Golf Course, with a start time of 12 pm. Space is limited and registration is required.

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announced that wipes leaders across the supply chain convened for new connections, intelligence, sustainability strategies, and business at the World of Wipes® (WOW) International Conference, June 17-20 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The winner of the World of Wipes Innovation Award® was Rockline Industries for their Facial Care Wipe with Glycine Amino Acid Complex. This new Skin Care Wipe contains a unique multifunctional complex of two medium chain glycine, a phospholipid and a blend of special glycol ingredients that provides for a multitude of skin care benefits as well as providing a unique preservation system for nonwovens. The Skin Care Wipe provides substantiated improved skin smoothness, elasticity, and hydration alongside an anti-ageing claim. This innovation is amongst the first to use these glycine ingredients in a Skin Care Wipe formulation.

In a special recognition, INDA presented the 2024 Lifetime Service Award to David Powling, Technical Leader, Kimberly-Clark Corporation (retired), and the 2024 Lifetime Technical Achievement Award to Paul Latten, Director of Research & Development & New Business, Southeast Nonwovens, Inc. INDA honors both Powling and Latten for their decades of contributions to the nonwovens industry as well as being strong advocates for INDA.

The 1.5-day WIPES Academy, led by Heidi Beatty, Chief Executive Officer, Crown Abbey, LLC, and Paul Davies, Ph.D., Consultant, Crown Abbey, LLC, preceded the WOW Conference June 17-18. This course focused on the essentials of wet wipes construction and ingredients. Participants learned how to bring nonwovens, lotions, and packaging together to launch a successful product. The next WIPES Academy will be held July 21-22, 2025 at the Hilton Columbus Downtown, Columbus, Ohio in conjunction with WOW 2025.

The WOW conference program featured experts discussing these key topics:

• Sparkle & Shine: How Wipes Became WOW
• Wiping Smart: The Rise of Sustainable Practices in the Institutional and Industrial Wipe Markets
• Transformative Trends in Wet Wipe Formulations: A Dual Focus on Skin Health and Sustainability
• Leading Alternatives to Traditional Plastics Used in Wipes
• Panel Discussion: Leading Alternatives to Traditional Plastics Used in Wipes
• Eclectic Perspectives: Unraveling the Threads of I&I Wipes and Scaling Strategies
• Putting $$ in Your Pocket
• Recycling & Regulations

In addition to the premium content in the conference program, WOW featured four pre-conference webinars (with recordings available for full conference attendees), tabletop exhibits, Lightning Talks, a Skin Care Formulation Workshop 101, and a mentorship program for participants who are new to the wipes industry.

WOW 2025 will be held July 21-25, at the Hilton Columbus Downtown in Columbus, Ohio.

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announced that absorbent hygiene professionals can register, sponsor, or reserve a tabletop exhibit for Hygienix™, November 18-21, Nashville, Tennessee. Industry leaders from around the world will gather for four days of networking, presentations, and business opportunities.

The theme for this year’s Hygienix is “Driving Absorbent Hygiene Product Innovation: Consumer Desires, Market Dynamics & Sustainability Solutions.” The event’s focus is on price tiering, shipping and trade impacts, FemTech, period poverty, pet care, adult care innovations, the UN Plastic Treaty and PFAS regulations.

Nominations are being accepted through Sep. 16th for the Hygienix Innovation Award™. Three finalists will be selected to present their absorbent hygiene technologies on Tues., Nov. 19th. The winner of the Award will be announced at the end of the event, Thurs., Nov. 21st.