From the Sector

The German Federation of Reinforced Plastics (AVK) is calling for entries for the prestigious AVK Innovation Award 2026. The association is looking for outstanding innovations in the field of fiber-reinforced plastics (FRP) / composites in the following categories:

• Innovative products/components or applications 
• Innovative procedures/processes 
• Research and science 

The aim of the AVK Innovation Award is to promote forward-looking products, components, and applications made from FRP, as well as innovative manufacturing methods and processes. Another focus is on recognizing excellent scientific work from universities, colleges, and research institutes.

Sustainability plays a central role in all categories. Awards are given not only to the innovations themselves, but also to the companies and institutions behind them. In this way, the AVK aims to highlight the performance, innovative strength, and future viability of the entire composites industry.

The submissions are evaluated by a high-caliber jury of proven experts from the composites industry.

The deadline for submitting application documents is March 27, 2026. Further details and evaluation criteria can be found online.

The award ceremony will take place on October 20, 2026, as part of the JEC Forum DACH in Cologne (October 20-21, 2026).

Members of the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) can look back on 2025 as a year marked by notable technological advances and continued progress in global trade, despite an uncertain and volatile market.

“Our members have been very active over the past 12 months and this has resulted in new technologies for the production of technical fibres and fabrics, the introduction of AI and machine learning into process control systems and significant advances in materials testing,” says BTMA CEO Jason Kent. “There’s real excitement about what can be achieved in 2026 as we look ahead to upcoming exhibitions such as JEC Composites in Paris in March and Techtextil in Frankfurt in April.”

Composites momentum
Cygnet Texkimp, for example, has been nominated for a 2026 JEC Innovation Award for its collaboration with McLaren Automotive on the ART rapid tape-deposition system. Capable of depositing dry fibre tapes at up to 2.5 metres per second with exceptional precision, ART reduces scrap, shortens cycle times and delivers structural improvements already being realised across McLaren’s composite-intensive vehicle platforms.

Cygnet is the world’s largest independent manufacturer of prepreg production machinery, alongside a broad portfolio of handling and converting systems for the composites industry. 

In addition, the company is licensed to design and build the DEECOM® composite recycling system developed by fellow BTMA member Longworth Sustainable Recycling Technologies. DEECOM® is a zero-emission, low-carbon pressolysis solution that uses pressure and steam to reclaim fibres and resin polymers from production waste and end-of-life composites.

Other BTMA members supporting the composites sector include Emerson & Renwick, which applies deep expertise in print, forming, vacuum and coating technologies to carbon fibre processing, while Airbond is a pioneer in pneumatic yarn splicing for high-value carbon and aramid fibres. Slack & Parr meanwhile supplies high-accuracy gear metering pumps across the manmade fibre market, where they process a wide range of polymers and fibres with uniformity and consistency.

Gel spinning
Further resource savings in high-end fibre processing have been realised by Fibre Extrusion Technology through the introduction of a new process for manufacturing ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The company’s patented solvent extraction system exploits supercritical carbon dioxide. 

“Current UHMWPE systems are huge in scale and extremely complex,” says FET R&D Manager Jonny Hunter. “That makes the supply chain inflexible and limits new product development. These disadvantages have been addressed in our new FET-500 series lab and small-scale gel spinning system.”

Quality assurance
Alongside materials innovation, BTMA members are also reshaping quality assurance via digitalisation and data-driven manufacturing. Shelton Vision has significantly advanced automated fabric inspection with the latest generation of its WebSpector system. Using patent-pending image processing techniques, WebSpector now enables reliable real-time defect detection on complex patterned fabrics, including those subject to distortion, shear or stretch during processing.

Building on its leadership in plain fabric inspection, the Shelton system now adapts to intricate designs such as camouflage and delivers clean, stable images that allow full fault detection at high running speeds. While automotive interiors and one-piece woven airbags remain key applications, WebSpector systems are increasingly being supplied to producers of performance wear, fashion, denim, outdoor upholstery, mattress ticking, window dressings and even carbon fibre composites.

Continuous colour
A comparable shift from intermittent checks to continuous monitoring is taking place in colour management through the work of C-Tex. Traditionally reliant on periodic swatches, mills can now apply laboratory-level colour measurement directly in production. 

“What we are doing is taking a lab capability and putting it into production,” says Managing Director Rob Ricketts. Working with Shelton, C-Tex has combined inline defect detection with continuous colour variation analysis, enabling both parameters to be assessed simultaneously.

Importantly, this data is now shared across supply chains. When fabrics reach garment, automotive or furniture manufacturers, downstream users know exactly what they are receiving and whether it meets their requirements. 

“This visibility is a big breakthrough,” says Ricketts. “It’s well established in automotive, but now it’s coming to textiles too.”

Intuitive testing
Advanced testing remains another cornerstone of BTMA innovation. James Heal has long supplied advanced textile testing systems and its latest Performance Testing collection focuses on speed, simplicity and intuitive operation for parameters such as airflow and water resiliency. Water repellency testing has similarly been improved with the TruRain system which dramatically reduces wastewater and energy consumption.

During 2025, the company also introduced the new Martindale Motion.
The new nine-station instrument with individual lifting heads now offers the flexibility to run each station independently for carrying out different textile tests simultaneously. Once set up, the Martindale Motion can be left running with the sample holders automatically lifting at the required evaluation points, freeing up the operator’s time to do other work without the need to return until the abrasion or pilling test is fully completed, including overnight.

Colour accuracy is addressed by the VeriVide DigiEye system which provides non-contact colour measurement and digital imaging, enabling objective data capture and rapid sharing across organisations. Recent developments include 100% LED illumination, integrated dust filtration, software-controlled lighting geometry and automated image capture, improving both precision and efficiency.

Tactility challenge
The tactile sensation experienced when touching and manipulating fabric is meanwhile a critical aspect of textile evaluation, but to date has been very subjective. One of the biggest challenges faced by designers and manufacturers is in describing and sharing information about fabric aesthetics before manufacturing, or without the costly and time-consuming process of transporting physical samples.

These limitations are being overcome with the new Sentire fabric handle tester from Roaches International.

“No two people will describe how a fabric feels in the same way and the lack of a common language to describe fabric tactility poses communication challenges across the complex global fashion and textile supply chain,” says Roaches International MD Sean O’Neill. “The Sentire has been developed to allow our customers to objectively measure qualities such as softness, smoothness, drape and stiffness and market response during 2025 has been extremely positive.”

Convergence
Bringing these developments together, Jason Kent sees a clear strategic direction emerging. 

“Across the BTMA we’re seeing a convergence of advanced machinery, intelligent software and rigorous testing,” he says. “Our members are responding to today’s challenges around efficiency, sustainability and quality, while laying the foundations for a more transparent, data-driven and resilient textile manufacturing sector. Despite market uncertainty, there is genuine confidence about what lies ahead for British textile machinery and its global customers.”

Against a backdrop of rapidly evolving environmental legislation, the EDANA Sustainability & Policy Forum 2025 concluded the past week in Brussels, marking a step forward in the dialogue between the nonwovens industry and European policymakers. Held from 9-10 December at the historic Residence Palace, the two-day event successfully brought together business leaders, sustainability experts, and EU officials to address the dual challenges of circularity and industrial competitiveness. 

Designed to foster strategic alignment, the Forum moved beyond standard information-sharing to encourage deep, cross-sector debate. With the European regulatory landscape shifting—spanning chemicals, product design, waste, and climate due diligence—the event provided a timely platform for the industry to move from reactive responses to collective reflection. 

The Forum’s primary objective was to facilitate high-level exchange free from day-to-day regulatory pressures. 

“From EDANA’s side, the primary goal of the Sustainability & Policy Forum is to create a dedicated space where industry, policymakers, experts and stakeholders can step back from day-to-day regulatory pressure and engage in more strategic, forward-looking discussions,” said Murat Dogru, General Manager of EDANA. “The level of participation, the diversity of viewpoints and the quality of exchanges — particularly around regulation, circularity and the evolving policy landscape during our dedicated advocacy workshops — confirmed the relevance of the Forum as a platform for constructive debate and co-development”. 

The Forum opened with a powerful keynote address by Sandrine Dixson-Declève, Co-Founder & Chair of the Systems Transformation Hub. Addressing the theme "Social & Environmental Tipping Points," she challenged attendees to unpack the reality of today's geopolitical situation and identified the "elephants in the room" regarding current sustainability strategies. Her presentation underscored the urgent need to "hack humanity and values back into our policy and economic activities" to navigate the systemic challenges of the 21st century. 

Following the keynote, the conversation turned to the practicalities of business leadership under regulatory pressure. Ulrika Kolsrud, President & CEO of Essity, led a pivotal session on "Sustainability priorities in the age of simplification and competitiveness". Joined by Murat Dogru, Kolsrud explored how the European industry can maintain its ambitious sustainability goals while simplifying regulations to foster investment and innovation. The session highlighted that while sustainability expectations are rising globally, legislation must remain proportionate to ensure the continued competitiveness of essential European industries. 

The programme featured intensive sessions tackling the industry's operational challenges, featuring a diverse roster of experts: 

Moving beyond compliance was a key theme. Krishna Manda (Lenzing) and Anna-Stina Reuter (Sphera) discussed how sustainability reporting can drive business value and resilience. They were joined by Pia Hildén (Suominen), who encouraged companies to use the CSRD as a strategic tool rather than a mere obligation, and Ralf Weis (Freudenberg Performance Materials), who highlighted the importance of providing clear, relevant data to customers in the durable nonwovens market. 

A panel featuring Lutz Walter (Textile ETP), Mireille Kong - Van Rekum (Indorama Ventures), and Christian-Yves Crépet (PETCORE Europe) debated the intersection of textiles and nonwovens. Their consensus was clear: circularity in Europe cannot be achieved in silos and requires shared infrastructure and aligned policy frameworks. 

The afternoon sessions explored specific technical frontiers. Dominic Byrne (Plastics Europe) and Thorsten Bies (Schlegel und Partner) examined the future of chemical recycling policy and technology. Meanwhile, Tatiana Dias, PhD (DuPont), addressed the healthcare sector, advocating for the legal recognition of mass balance methodologies to unlock circularity in medical packaging 

Day 1 concluded with an exclusive networking dinner at the prestigious Musée BELvue. Surrounded by Belgium’s rich history and elegant architecture, participants utilized the evening to unwind and connect, reinforcing the relationships that are vital for cross-industry collaboration.

The second day shifted focus directly to advocacy and policy implementation. Hugo Maria Schally, a former EU official, provided an insider’s perspective on the "EU Toolbox," explaining how product policies are drafted within DG ENV and how the industry can engage effectively without compromising safety or performance. 

A highlight of the event was the interactive EU Advocacy Workshop. Attendees split into smaller groups to dissect EDANA’s current policy files, fostering an open exchange on issues ranging from the Waste Framework Directive to the Single-Use Plastics Directive. 

One participant noted the value of this hands-on approach: 
"The advocacy workshop was an eye-opener. Instead of just listening to updates, we were able to actively debate the implications of the legislation with peers. It clarified exactly where the industry needs to present a united front to be heard in Brussels." 

In a move to bridge the gap between legislation and industry, the Forum concluded with a visit to the European Commission at the Conference Centre Albert Borschette. Participants engaged directly with Commission representatives, including Vincenzo Gente (DG Environment) on the Waste Framework Directive and Ewa Malz (DG Environment) on environmental policy simplification. 

Reflecting on the visit, another attendee shared: 
"Walking into the Commission and hearing directly from the people drafting the Green Deal policies was invaluable. It demystified the process and showed us that there is a genuine willingness to listen to technical realities if we present them with credible data." 

The EDANA Sustainability & Policy Forum 2025 has set a clear trajectory for the coming year. As the industry faces the release of new legislative packages from the Commission, EDANA remains committed to helping members anticipate developments and align on credible, science-based approaches to climate and circularity.

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, has released the North American Nonwovens Industry Demand & Forecast, 2024–2029, the thirteenth edition of its authoritative market intelligence series. The report provides detailed demand data from 2019–2024 and forecasts through 2029, incorporating the most recent tariff changes enacted by the current administration and their expected impacts on nonwoven market dynamics.

Redesigned to better support strategic planning and investment decisions, the report offers a reliable, accurate view of demand across all North American nonwoven end-use markets. Forecasts are built from robust analyses of key market drivers and trends, presenting the industry’s growth potential in dollar value, units, and volume (square meters and tonnage).

“This report provides insights on nonwoven demand across the short-life and long-life market segments,” said Tony Fragnito, President & CEO of INDA. “The intelligence included here is critical for business leaders responsible for asset management, operational planning, and long-term strategy.”

“The nonwovens industry is constantly evolving and innovating, and the innovation trend continues with new and more sustainable products being developed,” said Mark Snider, INDA’s Chief Market & Research Analyst. “This report will help guide both current participants and new investors as they navigate emerging opportunities.”

Key components of the report include:

• Economic and population drivers shaping market growth in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada over the next five years
• Demand analysis for Disposable, Filtration, Wipes, Medical, and other applications
• Long-life durable sectors including Transportation, Building & Construction, Furnishings, Geotextiles & Agro Textiles, and Apparel
• Key demand model drivers and historical market disruptors, including the COVID-19 pandemic
• A summary of historical patterns and future trends influencing the nonwovens sector

The new Demand & Forecast report complements INDA’s North American Nonwoven Supply Report (released May 2025), which provides capacity, production, and trade flow data. Together, the Supply and Demand reports offer a complete view of the market—past, present, and future—and serve as essential tools for business leaders seeking a comprehensive understanding of industry performance and trajectory.

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announces the hiring of Rachael Davis as the new Publisher / Chief Content Officer for INDA Media, effective January 5, 2026. Davis will provide strategic leadership for the International Fiber Journal and International Filtration News, guiding the publications into their next phase of growth, engagement, and industry impact.

Davis brings a strong blend of technical expertise, editorial leadership, and deep knowledge of the fibers, textiles, and nonwovens sectors. Before joining INDA, she served as Executive Editor for Textile World, Textile World Asia, and Textiles Panamericanos within the Textile Industries Media Group, LLC. A graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology, she holds a Bachelors of Applied Science in Polymer and Textile Chemistry and began her career working directly in the textile industry before transitioning into publishing. Over the past two and a half decades, she has advanced through a variety of editorial roles, earning a reputation for clarity, accuracy, and thoughtful industry reporting.

“We are thrilled to welcome Rachael to INDA,” said Tony Fragnito, INDA President & CEO. “Her combination of technical understanding, editorial excellence, and industry insight makes her the ideal leader to guide INDA Media’s publications into their next chapter. As INDA expands its global collaboration as a founding member of GNA, and the industry continues to innovate and evolve, Rachael’s vision and experience will help us build on the strong publishing foundation already in place.”

Davis shared her enthusiasm for the opportunity: “I am very excited to take this next step in my career, and I am honored to join INDA and lead two publications that play such an important role in connecting and informing the global nonwovens and filtration communities. I will miss my colleagues at Textile World, but I’m excited to leverage my experience and help grow these INDA titles, deepen their technical and market coverage, and serve readers who rely on trusted, authoritative content.”

“Rachael has a broad range of textile knowledge and editorial skill and has been a significant member of the TIMG / Textile World team. Not only has Rachael written great stories about the US textile industry, but also has assisted TIMG to adapt to the many changes in print and electronic business media over the past 25 years. Everyone at TIMG and Textile World wishes her success and fulfilment in her new role — and I know INDA will offer numerous opportunities for Rachael to fully utilize her many talents,” said Jim Borneman, Editor in Chief, Owner, Textile Industries Media Group, LLC.

INDA extends its sincere appreciation to Caryn Smith, Principal at Driven by Design, whose leadership as Publisher / Chief Content Officer has strengthened the design, structure, and content of INDA Media’s publications. INDA thanks her for her leadership and commitment to affecting a smooth transition.  The association wishes her, and her firm, continued success. 

Participants can now register online for the 38th International Cotton Conference Bremen, which will be held on 25-27 March 2026 at the Haus der Bürgerschaft parliament building on market square. 

The comprehensive range of topics covering the entire value chain will provide practical expertise, address current developments, answer key industry questions, and provide new impetus for the future.  
 
Speakers will report on the current world market situation, trade flows, and production and processing statistics. Regulatory conditions, on textile recycling or the circular economy for instance, have a significant impact on the cotton industry and will therefore also feature on the agenda. Hot topics will include new developments and innovations relating to our core topics of production, quality assessment and cotton processing. Other focal points will include the circular economy and cotton recycling.  

Highlight: Modern agriculture on focus 
A special highlight will be a keynote speech on modern agriculture. There will also be further fascinating presentations exploring the topic of cotton breeding and cultivation, as well as new potential and opportunities for increased efficiency in processing. Not least because of increasing competition from synthetic fibres on the market. 

Appropriately, there will also be an exclusive session together with the Discover Natural Fibres Initiative (DNFI) on the subject of ‘Regulations in the EU and worldwide’, which will look at the latest political situation, for example under the Green Deal. There will also be further parallel sessions expanding on the conference topics, along with an exhibition of selected posters.   

With additional events and meetings throughout Cotton Week, the International Cotton Conference combines in-depth expertise with direct practical relevance. It is aimed at scientists from the respective fields, cotton traders, textile producers, textile machine manufacturers, the textile processing industry, textile retailers and NGOs involved in textiles. 

The general meeting of AVK –Industrial Association for Reinforced Plastics has re-elected its executive board as part of its regular elections.

Gerhard Lettl (C. F. Maier) and Michael Polotzki (Menzolit) retired from the Executive Board. Both were honored for their many years of outstanding commitment to the work of the Executive Board, the management of various working groups and seminars and, in the case of Mr. Lettl, for his leadership of the AVK Innovation Award jury. As a special recognition, the AVK presented the new AVK Honorary Award for the first time, which honors the great personal commitment of both men.

Nicole Stöß (Polynt) and Ralph Breiltgens (Kunststoffverarbeitung Reich) were newly elected to the Executive Board.

At the constituent board meeting on the same day, the board positions were confirmed: 
Dr. Michael Effing (AMAC) remains Chairman of the Board, Dirk Punke (BÜFA) was con-firmed as Deputy Chairman. Prof. Jens Ridzewski (Applus+IMA) continues to hold the office of Treasurer.

The Executive Board will commence its new term of office on 1 January 2026 and remain in office for three years.

“With the new management team, we are focusing on continuity and fresh impetus at the same time,” emphasises Dr Elmar Witten, Managing Director of AVK. “I would like to thank Mr. Lettl and Mr. Polotzki for their many years of service and look forward to continuing to work with the newly elected committee to actively shape the future of the composite ma-terials industry.”

106 brands, 16 locations, more than 70 events and around 10,000 registered visitors: interior design days cologne celebrated its premiere from 26 to 29 October 2025. The new, decentralised format brought interior design right into the city and combined brand presentations with inspiring talks, curated tours and a variety of networking highlights. The positive feedback from exhibitors and the public shows: idd cologne became the stage for exclusive interior design concepts in the residential, hospitality and contract business segments and transformed Cologne into a lively meeting point of the interiors community. 

"Urban-only": interior design staged in a new way 
With its "urban-only" concept, idd cologne relied on a new form of brand staging: the creative collections, interior design ideas and design trends were presented at authentic and architecturally special locations throughout the Cologne urban area. 

Central venues were the Design Post Köln – an official Koelnmesse cooperation partner as of this year –, the listed monument Stoff-Pavillon Moeller and the machwerkhaus köln, a centre for design and urban production. The concept was supplemented by numerous showrooms, creative locations, flagship stores and pop-up formats of the local design scene. In total, 106 brands from the premium range joined at 16 locations to form a unique city tour through the diverse world of interiors – from classic living through hospitality to contract solutions. Embedded in the architecture and atmosphere of Cologne, a total experience arose that presented interior design there where people live, work and design. 

Event highlights of the premiere 
The event programme of idd cologne was distinguished by depth of content and a high level of experience quality. In total, the event offered more than 70 events that combined design, architecture and urban life in an inspiring way. The spectrum extended from lectures and panel talks to sociable networking formats – the spirit of idd cologne was tangible throughout the city. 

The Urban Design Walks proved to be real crowd-pullers. The six tours led to central venues of idd cologne and made it possible to directly experience current design trends. In the Architonic Talks, leading minds from architecture and design provided forward-looking insights into themes like longevity, emotional spatial impact, brand identity and material properties. Also a special highlight was the idd cologne Aperitivo in the Stoff-Pavillon Moeller, which promoted an exchange and networking within the design community in a relaxed atmosphere. 

The future of idd cologne 
idd cologne 2025 was an important step in the continuing development of the trade fair portfolio in the furniture and interior design segment of the Cologne location. With the change to the urban format, idd cologne implemented important impulses and wishes of the industry. At the same time, it became evident how dynamic the current market situation is: forms of use, target groups and expectations are changing rapidly and call for flexible trade fair concepts. In a close exchange with the furniture industry, experience values, feedback and perspectives will now be evaluated by partners, exhibitors and visitors. Taking other market and economic situation development factors into account, this provides the foundation for the continuing development of idd cologne in future.  

idd cologne in figures 
A total of 106 premium brands participated in idd cologne 2025 at 16 locations throughout the Cologne urban area. More than 70 individual events took place. According to the figures for registrations, including the last day of the fair, around 10,000 visitors registered for interior design days cologne. 

Over 100 Italian companies are exhibiting at ITMA ASIA + CITME Singapore 2025, taking place from October 28 to 31. With an area of around 4,000 square meters, Italy ranks among the top exhibiting Countries, as in previous editions. 53 Italian exhibitors will show their innovations within the National Sector Groups, organized by ACIMIT (Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers) and Italian Trade Agency.

ITMA ASIA + CITME show has always been the main showcase for textile machinery manufacturers in Asia, which absorbs 50% of global exports for a value of 8.8 billion euro in 2024. The main world market for textile machinery are China and India, importing textile machines for a total value of 4.3 billion euro.

For Italian manufacturers as well, the Asian market is the top foreign destination. In 2024, Italian exports to Asia amounted to 664 million euro, while in the first six months of 2025 Italian sales to this geographical area grew at 1% rate on the same 2024 period, reaching a value of 317 million euro. China, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh are the main Asian destinations for Made in Italy machinery.

ACIMIT President Marco Salvadè says: “ITMA ASIA+CITME Singapore is a further occasion for Italian textile machinery manufacturers to display its updated technological supply. The choice of Singapore allows Italian exhibitors to engage with many Southeast Asian markets, which are becoming increasingly important manufacturing hubs.”

"Despite geopolitical uncertainties, the significant presence of Italian exhibitors in Singapore confirms the vitality of the Italian textile machinery sector. " confirms Salvadè. " Italian manufacturers at ITMA ASIA+CITME Singapore will show a wide range of advanced solutions, covering the entire textile value chain. Visitors will see digitalization tools that can improve process efficiency and connectivity, automation systems for smarter production and innovations able to reduce environmental impact. In addition, there will be a strong focus on sustainable technologies, with machinery designed to optimize energy and water use, while ensuring high - quality results. Italian manufacturers are committed to combining tradition in textile knowledge with cutting - edge innovation."

On his side, Giorgio Calveri, Director of ITA Singapore, states: "With 8 6 % of its 2.1-billion-euro production exported, Italy’s textile machinery industry confirms its strong international orientation, with Asia as its main market. ITMA Asia + CITME 2025 in Singapore is a strategic opportunity to strengthen Italy’s presence in this key region. With 100 exhibitors coordinated by ACIMIT and supported by ITA, Italy stands as a trusted partner for advanced, sustainable, and competitive technologies."

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announced the three finalists for the 2025 Hygienix Innovation Award™. These absorbent hygiene products will be presented at Hygienix™, the premier event for absorbent hygiene professionals, taking place November 17–20 at the Omni Orlando ChampionsGate, ChampionsGate, Florida. The 2025 Hygienix Innovation Award™ will be announced on Thursday, November 20th at 10:40 am.

The Award Finalists
Confitex Technology – Washable Nonwoven Sanitary Pads
Making single-use reusable:As regulators, retailers and consumers move toward a greener future, a new category of washable AHPs is creating opportunities for the nonwoven industry. Confitex Technology has created and patented world’s first washable nonwoven sanitary pads designed for sustainability and scalability without the need for SAPs. Confitex Technology is leading Innovator and Private Label supplier. Their purpose is to transform the lives of millions and reduce the Earth’s landfill by creating the ultimate reusable AHPs.

Dukane – Curved Leg Elastic (CLE)
Dukane’s Curved Leg Elastic (CLE) technology redefines how elastic strands are attached in hygiene product manufacturing. By enabling ultrasonic bonding of curved elastics without any hotmelt adhesive, CLE eliminates material waste, simplifies construction, and enhances product performance. For the first time, manufacturers can seamlessly integrate curved and straight elastic strands within the same lamination using ultrasonic technology alone—a breakthrough previously thought possible only with adhesives or complex multilayer designs. CLE represents a new standard in sustainable, high-precision elastic attachment.

ZymoChem – BAYSE™
ZymoChem is a biotechnology leader revolutionizing sustainable chemical production. The company’s breakthrough product, BAYSE™, is the world’s first scalable, bio-based, microplastic-free, and biodegradable Super Absorbent Polymer.

Designed as a drop-in replacement for fossil-based SAPs, BAYSE offers a significantly lower carbon footprint while matching the performance of conventional materials and enabling seamless integration into existing manufacturing processes.  As featured earlier this year on CNBC’s “Clean Start,” this decarbonized solution is dramatically advancing the sustainability outlook for the hygiene industry.

Last year, HIRO Technologies, Inc. received the 2024 Award with its World’s First MycoDigestable Diapers—a breakthrough featuring plastic-eating mushrooms that combined excellent absorbency with sustainable, natural materials.

“Hygienix Innovation Award finalists represent the future of absorbent hygiene,” said Matt O’Sickey, PhD, INDA’s Director of Education & 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.”

Event Highlights at Hygienix™ 2025
Beyond the Innovation Award, Hygienix 2025 will deliver a powerful program of learning, networking, and collaboration, including:

• Two Evenings of Exhibits & Receptions – Engage with leading suppliers and solution providers shaping the future of absorbent hygiene.
• Workshops: Three workshops Monday afternoon covering absorbent hygiene systems, advances in menstrual care, and a deep dive into baby, infant, and toddler care.
• Women in Nonwovens (WiN) Luncheon – Fostering mentorship, leadership, and collaboration across the industry.
• Lightning Talks – Fast-paced 5-minute presentations spotlighting exhibitor innovations.
• Lunch Around with Olivia Ahn, MD, Co-Founder of Planera – Hear her inspiring start-up journey firsthand.
• Welcome Reception – Kick off the event with the ever-popular Welcome Reception in a relaxed, informal atmosphere Monday evening.

Featured Conference Sessions
Attendees will gain insights and strategies from sessions tackling the industry’s biggest opportunities and challenges:

• The Illusion vs. Reality of Absorbent Hygiene Products Entrepreneurship – Overcoming Start-Up Hurdles (and Panel Discussion)
• Economic Realities: Profit, Pressure, and Possibility
• Panel Discussion: Servicing the Shift – Private Label as a Growth Engine
• Finding Growth: Paws & Planet
• Disruption Ahead: Misinformation, Regulation, and Testing in Absorbent Hygiene
• Designed with the Consumer in Mind
• Absorbent Hygiene Construction with Non-Traditional Inputs
• Flushable by Design
• Sustainable by Design