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FiltXPO™ Innovation Award Graphic (c) Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry INDA
23.09.2026

Finalists for the FiltXPO™ 2026 Innovation Awards published

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, in partnership with International Filtration News, has announced the finalists for the FiltXPO™ 2026 Innovation Awards. The awards recognize innovative new products introduced to the filtration industry since the last FiltXPO event in 2025.

The FiltXPO Innovation Awards celebrate advancements in filtration technology for air and gas and water and liquid applications. Entries are evaluated on creativity, novelty of approach, uniqueness and technical sophistication.

The winners will be announced during FiltXPO 2026, the premier global event for the filtration industry, Oct. 28-29 at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis.

The FiltXPO 2026 Innovation Award finalists are: 

FiltXPO Innovation in Air/Gas Filtration Award 

  • Hifyber: CombiNano
  • Leanfil Oy: Leanfil®
  • Solberg Manufacturing, Inc.: Fully Automated Liquid Management System

 FiltXPO Innovation in Water/Liquid Filtration Award 

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, in partnership with International Filtration News, has announced the finalists for the FiltXPO™ 2026 Innovation Awards. The awards recognize innovative new products introduced to the filtration industry since the last FiltXPO event in 2025.

The FiltXPO Innovation Awards celebrate advancements in filtration technology for air and gas and water and liquid applications. Entries are evaluated on creativity, novelty of approach, uniqueness and technical sophistication.

The winners will be announced during FiltXPO 2026, the premier global event for the filtration industry, Oct. 28-29 at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis.

The FiltXPO 2026 Innovation Award finalists are: 

FiltXPO Innovation in Air/Gas Filtration Award 

  • Hifyber: CombiNano
  • Leanfil Oy: Leanfil®
  • Solberg Manufacturing, Inc.: Fully Automated Liquid Management System

 FiltXPO Innovation in Water/Liquid Filtration Award 

  • Acuriant Technologies Inc.: CUF Flow - More Water, Same Footprint
  • Ahlstrom: Ahlstrom OptiPad™
  • Gessner, a Mativ Brand: GESSNER PFAS Filter Media

Voting for the winner in each category is open on the International Filtration News website. Winners will be announced Oct. 28 at FiltXPO 2026.

More information:
Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry INDA Innovation Awards FiltXPO™ Innovation Award finalist
Source:

Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry INDA

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16.09.2026

EURATEX warns of a missing sense of urgency on Europe’s industrial competitiveness

EURATEX, the European Apparel and Textile Confederation, welcomes today’s State of the Union Address by European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, and in particular her recognition of Europe’s need to rebalance unfair trade, cut red tape, and strengthen its industrial and strategic autonomy. 

EURATEX now calls on the Commission and Member States to translate these commitments into concrete action for the textile and apparel value chain.

At the same time, we regret that industrial competitiveness received comparatively limited attention in an otherwise wide-ranging address. EURATEX urges the Commission to match today’s political commitments with an equal sense of urgency on industrial competitiveness, and to place manufacturing sectors, such as textiles, more firmly at the centre of its agenda in the months ahead.

EURATEX, the European Apparel and Textile Confederation, welcomes today’s State of the Union Address by European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, and in particular her recognition of Europe’s need to rebalance unfair trade, cut red tape, and strengthen its industrial and strategic autonomy. 

EURATEX now calls on the Commission and Member States to translate these commitments into concrete action for the textile and apparel value chain.

At the same time, we regret that industrial competitiveness received comparatively limited attention in an otherwise wide-ranging address. EURATEX urges the Commission to match today’s political commitments with an equal sense of urgency on industrial competitiveness, and to place manufacturing sectors, such as textiles, more firmly at the centre of its agenda in the months ahead.

"Europe cannot build a strong defence, lead the green and digital transitions, or protect its social model on a weakening industrial base. Competitiveness is not just one chapter of the European project – it is the foundation all the others are built on; when we get that right, everything else becomes possible.”, states Dirk Vantyghem, Director General EURATEX.

On trade, EURATEX shares the President’s assessment that the EU’s growing trade deficit with China – now standing at €1 billion a day – has reached a tipping point. The textile and apparel sector has been on the front line of this “second China shock” for years, and we advocate the Commission to move swiftly from dialogue to concrete trade-defence measures, including stronger customs enforcement and imports monitoring for textile products.

EURATEX also welcomes the pledge to cut administrative burden and forge a “pact against gold-plating” with Member States. Textile companies, the vast majority SMEs, are disproportionately affected by overlapping and often diverging national implementation of EU rules, and genuine simplification would meaningfully improve their competitiveness.

Looking ahead to the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), EURATEX stresses the need of dedicated support for the textile industry, reflecting its role as a strategic manufacturing sector for Europe's green, digital, and defence transitions, and ensuring the sector is not left without targeted instruments as EU funding priorities are reshaped.

EURATEX commends the President’s announcement of a new “European Instrument for Strategic Enablers” to strengthen European defence capabilities. Technical and defence-related textiles – from protective equipment and ballistic materials to smart textiles for soldier systems – are an integral part of Europe’s defence industrial base, and we stand ready to ensure the sector is fully recognised in this effort.

On international partnerships, we note with interest the President’s proposal to deepen the EU-Canada relationship through an “Alliance for the Future”. EURATEX has recently signed Memoranda of Understanding with its Canadian counterparts, the Canadian Textiles Industry Association (CTIA) and the Canadian Apparel Federation (CAF), and is well-placed to build on this cooperation as EU-Canada industrial ties are strengthened.

Finally, EURATEX supports the announcement of a new Mediterranean Youth Skills and Jobs initiative. We are already active in this domain through our role in the Pact for Skills, and have ongoing engagement across the Mediterranean region. Therefore, we are ready to contribute with our expertise to ensure the initiative delivers meaningful opportunities for young people in the textile and apparel value chain.

More information:
European Apparel and Textile Confederation EURATEX State of the Union Address European Commission competitiveness
Source:

European Apparel and Textile Confederation EURATEX

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Ben Muller (c) INDA Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry
15.09.2026

INDA Hires Ben Muller as Executive Director

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announced today that Ben Muller has joined the association as executive director. Mr. Muller brings more than 20 years of progressive leadership experience spanning nonprofit organizations, corporations and trade associations.

Most recently, Mr. Muller served on the senior executive team of the High Point Market Authority, where he led marketing, public relations and educational programming for one of the world’s largest trade shows. Previously, he held senior brand and marketing leadership positions with Hanesbrands and Kayser-Roth, gaining extensive experience in textile and apparel supply chains. He began his career serving mission-driven organizations, including the American Cancer Society and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Tony Fragnito, INDA’s current president and CEO, will transition to an executive consultant role in January 2027 to support the leadership transition and focus on projects and initiatives designed to expand the reach and participation of the Global Nonwovens Alliance (GNA). His planned retirement will occur in December 2027.

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announced today that Ben Muller has joined the association as executive director. Mr. Muller brings more than 20 years of progressive leadership experience spanning nonprofit organizations, corporations and trade associations.

Most recently, Mr. Muller served on the senior executive team of the High Point Market Authority, where he led marketing, public relations and educational programming for one of the world’s largest trade shows. Previously, he held senior brand and marketing leadership positions with Hanesbrands and Kayser-Roth, gaining extensive experience in textile and apparel supply chains. He began his career serving mission-driven organizations, including the American Cancer Society and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Tony Fragnito, INDA’s current president and CEO, will transition to an executive consultant role in January 2027 to support the leadership transition and focus on projects and initiatives designed to expand the reach and participation of the Global Nonwovens Alliance (GNA). His planned retirement will occur in December 2027.

The creation of the executive director position follows the formation of the GNA by INDA and EDANA and represents the next step in the evolution of INDA’s staff leadership to support the alliance. Mr. Muller’s broad leadership experience, strategic marketing expertise and deep understanding of member and industry engagement will be valuable as he leads INDA’s strategic initiatives, oversees operations and represents the interests of the nonwovens industry across the Americas.

“I am honored to join INDA at such a pivotal moment for the industry,” said Mr. Muller. “The formation of the Global Nonwovens Alliance creates an exciting opportunity to strengthen collaboration and expand the value we provide to members. I look forward to listening to our members, learning from their expertise and ensuring INDA continues to be a strong advocate and resource for the industry throughout the Americas.”

“Tony has provided outstanding leadership to INDA during a transformational period for both the association and the global nonwovens industry,” said Mark A. Thornton, chair of the INDA Board of Directors and vice president, Baby Care, Fem Care and Family Care Quality Assurance, The Procter & Gamble Company. “The Board is deeply appreciative of his leadership, commitment to our members and role in helping establish the Global Nonwovens Alliance. As we look ahead, we are confident Ben brings the strategic thinking, industry experience and collaborative leadership needed to build on that strong foundation and guide INDA into its next chapter.”

“Ben’s appointment represents an important step in bringing the vision of the Global Nonwovens Alliance to life,” said Murat Dogru, CEO, GNA. “The strength of the Alliance will depend on combining a truly global perspective with strong regional leadership that understands the priorities of its members. I am very pleased to welcome him and look forward to working closely together as we build the next chapter of the Alliance.”

“Leading INDA has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career, and I am grateful for the opportunity to work with such a dedicated staff, Board, and membership,” said Fragnito. “It has been a meaningful way to cap off my career, and I look forward to working closely with Ben to ensure a seamless transition of INDA’s business operations and member relationships. I am excited to support him as he helps lead INDA and a partner with Murat as he leads the Global Nonwovens Alliance.”

More information:
Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry INDA CEO Ben Muller
Source:

INDA Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

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07.09.2026

EURATEX calls for €10 EU handling fee on low-value e-commerce imports

The European Apparel and Textile Confederation (EURATEX) is calling for an EU handling fee of around €10 on low-value e-commerce consignments entering the European market. The association argues that the fee should contribute to the costs of customs controls, market surveillance and product-safety enforcement associated with the rapidly growing volume of direct-to-consumer imports.

Low-value e-commerce imports into the European Union have increased sharply in recent years. According to the European Commission, around 5.9 billion low-value e-commerce items entered the EU in 2025, up 26% from 2024. The growth of direct shipments from non-EU online retailers and marketplaces has increased the workload for customs and market-surveillance authorities and intensified the debate about compliance with European product, safety and customs requirements.

The European Apparel and Textile Confederation (EURATEX) is calling for an EU handling fee of around €10 on low-value e-commerce consignments entering the European market. The association argues that the fee should contribute to the costs of customs controls, market surveillance and product-safety enforcement associated with the rapidly growing volume of direct-to-consumer imports.

Low-value e-commerce imports into the European Union have increased sharply in recent years. According to the European Commission, around 5.9 billion low-value e-commerce items entered the EU in 2025, up 26% from 2024. The growth of direct shipments from non-EU online retailers and marketplaces has increased the workload for customs and market-surveillance authorities and intensified the debate about compliance with European product, safety and customs requirements.

Since 1 July 2026, the EU has applied a temporary customs duty of €3 to low-value consignments of up to €150. The measure replaced the previous customs-duty exemption for such imports and is intended as a transitional arrangement until the new EU Customs Data Hub becomes operational. It is separate from the EU-wide handling fee for small e-commerce consignments provided for under the broader reform of the EU customs framework.

Following the latest agreement on the customs reform, the handling fee is to be introduced by 1 November 2026. Its level will be determined by the European Commission before the member states begin applying it.

Against this background, EURATEX used Première Vision in Paris to argue that the handling fee should be set at a level that more closely reflects the actual enforcement costs associated with the large number of individual consignments entering the Single Market.

The association proposes a benchmark of around €10 per parcel. According to EURATEX, the amount should ultimately be based on a detailed assessment of the costs incurred by customs authorities, market-surveillance bodies and other public authorities involved in checking imported goods.

Processing large numbers of small consignments requires customs declarations to be assessed, risks to be analysed and compliance requirements to be checked. Market-surveillance authorities are also responsible for identifying unsafe or non-compliant products and enforcing EU product-safety rules.

EURATEX therefore argues that the handling fee should primarily be viewed as an enforcement instrument rather than simply as a trade or taxation measure. Revenues generated by the fee should, in the association's view, be linked to additional resources for customs controls, market surveillance, product-safety enforcement and risk-analysis systems.

The proposed €10 level is a EURATEX position and has not been adopted by the European Union. The European Commission is responsible for determining the actual amount of the forthcoming EU handling fee.

The customs reform also changes the responsibilities of companies involved in distance selling to EU consumers. Online platforms and sellers covered by the new rules are to be treated as importers for customs purposes and will therefore assume greater responsibility for customs formalities and duty payments rather than leaving these obligations with individual consumers.

EURATEX considers stronger platform responsibility an important element in addressing non-compliant imports but also points to the risk of alternative logistics structures being used to circumvent controls. More intensive checks on individual direct-to-consumer parcels should not, according to the association, result in goods simply being channelled through bulk imports, EU warehouses or fulfilment centres instead.

Effective enforcement would therefore need to cover different logistics models and provide customs and market-surveillance authorities with sufficiently detailed information on both business-to-consumer and business-to-business flows.

The European textile and clothing industry comprises nearly 200,000 companies in the EU-27 and employs around 1.2 million people. The sector generates annual turnover of approximately €166 billion. Most companies are small and medium-sized enterprises.

For EURATEX, the debate about low-value imports is consequently also a question of competitive conditions. The association is calling for companies selling products to European consumers, irrespective of their country of establishment or distribution model, to be identifiable and subject to comparable customs, product-safety and market-surveillance requirements.

 

More information:
Euratex European Apparel and Textile Confederation EURATEX ecommerce Première Vision European market Chinese imports
Source:

European Apparel and Textile Confederation EURATEX

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EDANA’s OUTLOOK™ returns to Cascais to shape a changing industry Graphic by Edana
20.08.2026

EDANA’s OUTLOOK™ returns to Cascais to shape a changing industry

The market does not wait, and it does not grant easy answers. Across the absorbent hygiene, personal care, and wipes sectors, business is undergoing a period of intense, necessary adjustment. New European rules on packaging, single-use items, product safety, and end-of-life are forcing companies to drop old assumptions about materials and performance. At the same time, producers must keep their goods safe, reliable, and affordable for the babies and aging adults, who rely on them every day. 

From 22 to 24 September 2026, EDANA’s OUTLOOK™ returns to the Hotel Miragem in Cascais, Portugal, for its twenty-fifth edition of the conference. 

OUTLOOK™ began in Monaco in 2001. It focused then on baby diapers and menstrual protection. Over a quarter of a century, the work expanded. It grew to cover adult incontinence, wipes, complex international product safety, and strict environmental compliance. In 2007, the conference met in Cascais. Returning to the Portuguese coast this September marks a milestone, but the focus remains squarely on the work ahead. 

The three-day programme takes on the hardest questions in the supply chain directly: 

The market does not wait, and it does not grant easy answers. Across the absorbent hygiene, personal care, and wipes sectors, business is undergoing a period of intense, necessary adjustment. New European rules on packaging, single-use items, product safety, and end-of-life are forcing companies to drop old assumptions about materials and performance. At the same time, producers must keep their goods safe, reliable, and affordable for the babies and aging adults, who rely on them every day. 

From 22 to 24 September 2026, EDANA’s OUTLOOK™ returns to the Hotel Miragem in Cascais, Portugal, for its twenty-fifth edition of the conference. 

OUTLOOK™ began in Monaco in 2001. It focused then on baby diapers and menstrual protection. Over a quarter of a century, the work expanded. It grew to cover adult incontinence, wipes, complex international product safety, and strict environmental compliance. In 2007, the conference met in Cascais. Returning to the Portuguese coast this September marks a milestone, but the focus remains squarely on the work ahead. 

The three-day programme takes on the hardest questions in the supply chain directly: 

Day 1 Keynote — Global Macroeconomics & Shocks: Henry Curr, Economics Editor at The Economist, will open the plenary with his keynote presentation, "The Teflon world economy and what could finally break it." Curr oversees global economics coverage for The Economist and has written some 30 cover stories on labour markets, public debt, the future of global commerce, and the risks of "homeland economics" and green protectionism. Drawing on discussions with top policymakers and executives, he will explore how global markets have absorbed successive crises—from geopolitical conflicts to AI-driven labour disruption—and what structural risks could still disrupt demand and capital investment.

Session 1 — Market Drivers in a Challenging Environment: Moderated by Jacques Prigneaux (Market Analysis & Economic Affairs Director, EDANA), this session examines the pivotal market drivers redefining the competitive landscape. Industry specialists Kaushik Mitra (Chemical Market Analytics by Dow Jones), Dr. Annika Trümpler (Schlegel und Partner), and Natalia Bezrebra (Euromonitor) will address shifting polyolefin supply, pricing downslides, post-crisis supply chains, and the strategic expansion of major Chinese hygiene manufacturers entering the European market. 

Session 2 — Global Product Safety Compliance Panel: Moderated by Luminita Barbu (Regulatory Affairs Director, EDANA), this high-level panel addresses the complex matrix of international consumer product safety regulations, compliance standards, and policy trends. Featuring legal and regulatory authorities—including Claudio Mereu and Natalie Konings, Partners at Bird & Bird—the discussion will highlight the practical implications of international initiatives such as the UN Principles for Consumer Product Safety, alongside regulatory divergence and convergence across the EU, US, and China. 

Day 2 Keynote — Future Retail Trends & Consumer Shifts: Renowned retail futurist Theresa Schleicher opens Day 2 with her keynote, "Next Growth: The Bigger Consumer Shifts on the Horizon." Widely regarded as one of Europe's leading retail futurists, Schleicher is a former Managing Director at Hirschen Group, an author of acclaimed retail trend studies, a retail start-up investor, and a strategic sparring partner for Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, the Zukunftsinstitut, and global giants like Procter & Gamble, L'Oréal, and Beiersdorf. Her session will uncover macro consumer trends, economic resilience, and emerging opportunities in absorbent hygiene. 

Session 3 — The Consumer Lens: Redefining Value in Absorbent Hygiene: Moderated by Murat Dogru, this senior leadership panel puts the consumer perspective at the centre of innovation. Featuring senior leaders including Sara Järup (Global Material Development Director at Essity), Matrice Jackson (Director, Global R&D at Kimberly-Clark Corporation), and Giulia Antonioli (Head of Communications, Reputation & Public Affairs, Baby Care Europe at Procter & Gamble), the panel examines how consumer expectations around sustainability, dignity, and transparency are redefining value across femcare, adult incontinence, and baby care. 

Session 4 — The Transition in Wipes & Interactive Q&A: Focusing on "Wipes: The Pros and Cons of Going Plastic-Free," this session brings together technical and public affairs experts—including Brieuc Lits (EDANA), Wolfgang Tenbusch (Albaad Deutschland), Sergio Rosales Calderon and Sebastien Monges (BCNonwovens), and Elisabeth Swennenhuis (Magnera Corporation)—to evaluate EU policy tools (SUPD, EMPCO, EPR schemes), Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), and the performance trade-offs of pulp versus viscose spunlace. The session concludes with a dedicated live Q&A and open floor discussion with the audience. 

Session 5 — Can Absorbent Hygiene Products Become Circular? Led by EDANA’s Sustainability Director, Rawaa Ammar, this forward-looking session explores actionable circularity for the nonwovens sector. Featuring insights from Jeff Stubbe, CEO of Woosh, the session shares real-world operational lessons on closing the diaper loop and demonstrating that circularity can operate as an economically viable business model rather than a small-scale trial. 
    
Exhibition, Business Meetings & Networking 
Beyond the conference hall, OUTLOOK™ 2026 provides extensive commercial and networking platforms: 

Tabletop Exhibition: A dedicated showcase featuring 20 innovative companies presenting advanced technologies, materials, and services.     

Private Meeting Rooms: Dedicated business spaces designed for private discussions and commercial partnerships. 
    
Evening Social Programme: Delegates will connect during the welcome cocktail at Hotel Miragem and an evening reception at the historic Valverde Sintra Palácio, set in the scenic hills of Sintra. 

OUTLOOK™ 2026 is built for decision-makers. Alongside the plenary sessions, the event hosts a curated tabletop exhibition of 20 innovators, dedicated private meeting rooms for commercial discussions, and structured networking. Delegates will also gather for an evening reception at the historic Valverde Sintra Palácio in the Sintra hills. 

More than 500 senior leaders across the value chain—raw material suppliers, machine builders, converters, brand owners, and retailers—will attend. You can track industry shifts from behind a desk, but you cannot replace being present when the sector evaluates itself and decides its course.

More information:
OUTLOOK™ Edana Product Safety Portugal Absorbent Hygiene
Source:

Edana

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World of Wipes® International Conference 2027 Graphic by INDA
18.08.2026

World of Wipes®: Call for Abstracts for the 2027 International Conference

Wipes industry professionals are invited to share their expertise, June 7-10 in Indianapolis: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, is now accepting abstracts for the 2027 World of Wipes® (WOW) International Conference, taking place June 7-10, 2027, in Indianapolis, IN.

Professionals from across the wipes supply chain are invited to submit abstracts highlighting new products, technologies, materials, market developments, research, and other insights shaping the future of the wipes industry. Abstracts are due January 22, 2027.

Prospective presenters should submit a concise abstract of one to two paragraphs describing their proposed presentation and its relevance to wipes, wipe manufacturing, or the broader wipes marketplace. Abstracts may be submitted online through the WOW website at https://www.worldofwipes.org/call-for-papers.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

Wipes industry professionals are invited to share their expertise, June 7-10 in Indianapolis: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, is now accepting abstracts for the 2027 World of Wipes® (WOW) International Conference, taking place June 7-10, 2027, in Indianapolis, IN.

Professionals from across the wipes supply chain are invited to submit abstracts highlighting new products, technologies, materials, market developments, research, and other insights shaping the future of the wipes industry. Abstracts are due January 22, 2027.

Prospective presenters should submit a concise abstract of one to two paragraphs describing their proposed presentation and its relevance to wipes, wipe manufacturing, or the broader wipes marketplace. Abstracts may be submitted online through the WOW website at https://www.worldofwipes.org/call-for-papers.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

  • Dry and Wet Wipes
  • End-Use Markets
  • Market Statistics and Data
  • Raw Materials and Fibers
  • Sustainability
  • Fabric Formation
  • Ingredients, Formulations, and Lotions
  • Flexible and Rigid Packaging
  • Machinery and Equipment
  • Flushability
  • Single-Use Plastics
  • Labeling and Regulations
  • Circular Economy

Presenting at WOW 2027 provides an opportunity to share expertise and innovation with an engaged audience of wipes professionals while building connections across the entire supply chain, from raw material and technology suppliers to converters, brands, and retailers. Presenters will contribute to the conversations, ideas, and developments shaping the future of the global wipes industry.

More information:
World of Wipes® International Conference INDA call for papers
Source:

INDA 

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Hygienix™ 2026 Conference Program Graphic (c) INDA
12.08.2026

INDA: Hygienix™ 2026 Conference Program

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announced that the conference program is now available for Hygienix™ 2026, the premier global event for the absorbent hygiene and personal care markets. Hygienix will take place Nov. 16–19 at the Hyatt Regency Houston in Houston, Texas.

Conference Program
The conference program will feature the future of absorbent hygiene products, materials, manufacturing, and consumer care. Key topics include:

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announced that the conference program is now available for Hygienix™ 2026, the premier global event for the absorbent hygiene and personal care markets. Hygienix will take place Nov. 16–19 at the Hyatt Regency Houston in Houston, Texas.

Conference Program
The conference program will feature the future of absorbent hygiene products, materials, manufacturing, and consumer care. Key topics include:

  • Global energy, economic, and market trends influencing raw material costs, supply chains, product affordability, and business strategy
  • Emerging consumer expectations, adult incontinence solutions, product insecurity, and opportunities to improve comfort, dignity, and access
  • Advances in absorbent cores, superabsorbent materials, polymers, nonwovens, adhesives, fluid management, skin health, and next-generation product design
  • Sustainability, biodegradability, manufacturing efficiency, and end-of-life considerations driving material and product innovation
  • Evolving regulatory, legislative, reimbursement, and industry standards affecting absorbent hygiene manufacturers and suppliers

Event Highlights
Pre-Conference Workshops – Monday, Nov. 16
Hygienix will offer three interactive pre-conference workshops:

  • “Inside the Absorbent Core: A Hands-On Systems Approach to Fluid Control” – Jim Robinson, Principal, Absorbent Hygiene Insights, LLC
  • “Inside Sustainable Hygiene: A Hands-On Reality Check for Materials, Claims, End-of-Life, and U.S. Compliance” – Heidi Beatty, Chief Executive Officer, Crown Abbey, LLC
  • “Inside the Diaper Market: Hands-On Benchmarking, Performance, and Trends” – Natalia Richer, Director of Business Development, and Irene Richer, Director of Laboratory Operations, Diaper Testing International

Networking Opportunities
Attendees will have multiple opportunities to build relationships, exchange ideas, and connect with absorbent hygiene industry leaders and solution providers, including:

  • Lunch Around – An extended networking lunch designed to encourage meaningful conversations with industry leaders; seating is limited
  • Lightning Talks – Five-minute exhibitor presentations highlighting new technologies, products, and capabilities
  • Evening Receptions and Exhibits – Opportunities to meet leading suppliers serving the absorbent hygiene and personal care markets
  • Welcome Reception – A lively opening-night event bringing attendees together to kick off Hygienix

Lifetime Service Awards
Carl Cucuzza and Pricie Hanna, the 2025 and 2026 Lifetime Service Award recipients, respectively, will be recognized during a presentation on Tuesday, Nov. 17, at 4:15 p.m.

The Lifetime Service Award recognizes individuals who have provided longstanding service to the absorbent hygiene and personal care industry and contributed to its growth and advancement.

Hygienix Innovation Award™
The Hygienix Innovation Award™ will recognize an innovative technology that is advancing the absorbent hygiene and personal care industry. Finalists will present their technologies on Tuesday, Nov. 17, and the winner will be announced during the closing session on Thursday, Nov. 19. Nominations for the 2026 Hygienix Innovation Award close Sept. 14.

The 2025 award recipient, Confitex Technology Ltd., was recognized for its Washable Nonwoven Sanitary Pad, designed to provide a sustainable and scalable solution without the use of superabsorbent polymers.

More information:
INDA Hygienix Hygienix™ Hygienix Innovation Award polymers
Source:

INDA

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Without the ability to spin recycled fibres into yarn, it is impossible to weave or knit new fabrics. Photo TMAS / AWOL
Without the ability to spin recycled fibres into yarn, it is impossible to weave or knit new fabrics.
20.07.2026

TMAS welcomes ReSpin as Swedish textile recycling accelerates

As the latest company to join TMAS – the Swedish Textile Machinery Association – ReSpin has this year established what is just the latest in a succession of Swedish innovations shaping the country into one of Europe’s most sophisticated ecosystems for circular textiles. 

In May this year, Holma Spinning Mill, located in Forsa just outside Hudiksvall, was granted SEK 77.3 million in funding through the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency to establish Sweden’s first industrial spinning line for recycled textile fibres. Holma Spinning Mill is part of Holma Förvaltning, which is co-owned by ReSpin. Sister company Holma Helsingland brings more than a century of experience in spinning, twisting, dyeing and yarn production.

RespinJenny
ReSpin, headquartered in Undersåker, in northern Sweden’s Jämtland, has developed and patented a new mechanical recycling technology called RespinJenny which transforms textile waste into new fibres suitable for yarn production. 

As the latest company to join TMAS – the Swedish Textile Machinery Association – ReSpin has this year established what is just the latest in a succession of Swedish innovations shaping the country into one of Europe’s most sophisticated ecosystems for circular textiles. 

In May this year, Holma Spinning Mill, located in Forsa just outside Hudiksvall, was granted SEK 77.3 million in funding through the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency to establish Sweden’s first industrial spinning line for recycled textile fibres. Holma Spinning Mill is part of Holma Förvaltning, which is co-owned by ReSpin. Sister company Holma Helsingland brings more than a century of experience in spinning, twisting, dyeing and yarn production.

RespinJenny
ReSpin, headquartered in Undersåker, in northern Sweden’s Jämtland, has developed and patented a new mechanical recycling technology called RespinJenny which transforms textile waste into new fibres suitable for yarn production. 

ReSpin was founded in 2020 by Åsa Strandberg, who has more than 30 years of experience in the textile industry and for the past 15 years has been on a mission to make textiles circular. After 17 years at H&M, she chose to leave the company when growing concerns about the environmental impact of the fashion industry grew too big to  be ignored. In 2010 she launched Saiboo, a company which has a focus on the B2B production of garments, selling them and then taking them back for reuse. 

With full control over materials and design, the difficult sorting problem was solved for Saiboo from the start, and driven by the desire to push the industry further, Åsa began collaborating with Mid Sweden University in Östersund on how to design for recycling.
Soon, however, a more fundamental problem became clear – there were no viable recycling methods available on the market. Chemical initiatives were emerging and mechanical recycling existed, but only at very low level.

“While many believed chemistry was the solution, I saw untapped potential in mechanical methods and a remark from a machine researcher that anything which can be done by hand can be done mechanically became the spark that confirmed this direction,” she explains. “I then initiated several research projects together with industry and academia, including the Universities of Borås, Linköping and Luleå, to further explore this idea.”

“RespinJenny uses no water or chemicals, has low energy consumption and is based on preserving as much fibre quality as possible from waste textiles,” adds TMAS Secretary General Therese Premler-Andersson. “It is designed to enable local, small scale and resource efficient recycling closer to where textile waste is generated. The the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency’s funding is an important step in scaling fibre-to-fibre recycling industrially and demonstrating that circular textile materials can be produced on a larger scale with low climate impact.

“Mechanical recycling alone is not enough to achieve textile-to-textile recycling – without the ability to spin recycled fibres into yarn, it is impossible to weave or knit new fabrics, which is why Holma Spinning Mill represents a key part of building a complete circular textile value chain.” 

Rather than focusing on a single breakthrough technology, Swedish companies, including TMAS members, have developed expertise across the entire value chain – from collection and automated sorting through to fibre-to-fibre recycling, testing, product development and policy research.

Underpinning this, has been strong collaboration between Swedish industry and academia.

“The University of Borås – and particularly its Swedish School of Textiles –has become one of Europe’s leading centres for circular textile research and Borås is also home to a number of other TMAS members, such as the ACG Group and Eton Systems, who are driving innovation through advanced automation and involved in many cooperative projects between industry and academia in Sweden,” Therese Premler-Andersson observes.

In conclusion, Åsa Strandberg stresses the great value in now being part of a network where knowledge, innovation and collaboration are central.

“TMAS brings together many of Sweden’s leading companies and experts, all playing an important role in shaping the future of textile production technology,” she says. “As ReSpin moves towards industrialisation, we see great value in joining TMAS, because the transition to circular textile systems requires cooperation across the entire value chain, and the association provides an important platform for that dialogue.”

More information:
Respin Oy TMAS
Source:

TMAS / AWOL

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Graphic: Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry
14.07.2026

Nominations Open for the 2027 IDEA® Achievement Awards

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, in collaboration with Nonwovens Industry Magazine, is now accepting nominations for the 2027 IDEA® Achievement Awards. 

The IDEA Achievement Awards recognize outstanding innovations, technical advancements, and leadership across the nonwovens and engineered materials industry. Industry professionals are invited to submit their company’s most innovative products, materials, equipment, and sustainability advancements—or nominate innovations on behalf of their clients—for consideration. 

Presented every three years in conjunction with IDEA®, the IDEA Achievement Awards honor breakthrough developments introduced since IDEA®25. Winners will be announced during IDEA®27, taking place March 23-25, 2027, at the Kansas City Convention Center in Kansas City, Missouri. 

Award categories include: 

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, in collaboration with Nonwovens Industry Magazine, is now accepting nominations for the 2027 IDEA® Achievement Awards. 

The IDEA Achievement Awards recognize outstanding innovations, technical advancements, and leadership across the nonwovens and engineered materials industry. Industry professionals are invited to submit their company’s most innovative products, materials, equipment, and sustainability advancements—or nominate innovations on behalf of their clients—for consideration. 

Presented every three years in conjunction with IDEA®, the IDEA Achievement Awards honor breakthrough developments introduced since IDEA®25. Winners will be announced during IDEA®27, taking place March 23-25, 2027, at the Kansas City Convention Center in Kansas City, Missouri. 

Award categories include: 

  • Raw Materials – Best new raw materials introduction 
  • Nonwoven Product – Best new nonwoven fabric introduction 
  • Short-Life – Best new short-life product introduction 
  • Long-Life – Best new durable product introduction  
  • Equipment – Best new equipment introduction 
  • Sustainability Advancement – Recognizing sustainability and/or circularity advancements in raw materials, nonwoven fabrics, processes and equipment, and end-use products 

Entries must be submitted by November 8, 2026. Finalists in each category will be selected by INDA’s Technical Advisory Board, with the top three entries in each category advancing to the final round. Industry professionals will then vote for the winners through the Nonwovens Industry website. The recipient of the Entrepreneur Award will be selected exclusively by Nonwovens Industry Magazine. 

The 2025 IDEA Achievement Award winners were: 

  • Equipment: Dilo Systems GmbH – MicroPunch 
  • Raw Materials: Woolchemy NZ Ltd. – neweFibre 
  • Short-Life Product: Egal Pads, Inc. – Pads on a Roll 
  • Long-Life Product: Magnera – Sontara EcoRE Bag 
  • Sustainability Advancement: Kindcloth – KINDCLOTH™ PURA HEALTH Insect Repellent – Water Dissolvable Wipes 
  • Nonwoven Product: Innovatec Microfibre Technology GmbH & Co. KG – InnovaWipe® Water Soluble Nonwoven 
  • Entrepreneur: Dude Products 

IDEA27 will feature hundreds of exhibitors showcasing the latest innovations in nonwoven and fiber technologies. The RISE® Conference will be held in conjunction with IDEA27 and will feature scalable, demonstrated solutions designed to address complex technical challenges and pressing societal needs, from sustainability and circularity to healthcare, energy, and advanced manufacturing. IDEA27 attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in expert-led nonwoven short courses designed to expand industry knowledge and technical expertise. 

More information:
IDEA INDA Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry IDEA Achievement Award
Source:

Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry 

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12.07.2026

NCTO Mourns the Passing of Sen. Lindsey Graham

The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), spanning the entire spectrum of U.S. textiles from fiber to finished sewn products, issued a statement mourning the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and expressing sincere condolences to his family, staff, and the people of South Carolina.

The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), spanning the entire spectrum of U.S. textiles from fiber to finished sewn products, issued a statement mourning the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and expressing sincere condolences to his family, staff, and the people of South Carolina.

“The U.S. textile industry is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, a dear friend and tireless advocate for our industry and workforce. To say this is a profound loss is an understatement. He was a personal friend to so many in our industry – walked through our plants, engaged with our workers – and never forgot where he came from. He was dubbed by many in Congress as the ‘textile Senator’ and he wore that label so very proudly and he earned every bit of it.  Just last week, he pushed to try to advance two amendments to ensure that U.S. government uniforms are fully made in America. His advocacy on behalf of U.S. manufacturing and workers was a top priority, simply because it was a core belief of his. We want to extend our profound condolences to Senator Graham’s family and his incredible staff – who were his family – and to all those who knew and loved him. He will be greatly missed.”

More information:
National Council of Textile Organizations Lindsey Graham NCTO
Source:

National Council of Textile Organizations

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