From the Sector

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.

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.”