The theme for IDEA25 is “Nonwovens for a Healthier Planet” highlighting nonwoven advancements in sustainability. Abstracts are being accepted via the INDA website: https://www.inda.org/idea25-call-for-presentations/

Product developers, designers, engineers, technical scouts, and marketing professionals accountable for their product’s environmental impact will attend IDEA. Presentations will focus on responsible sourcing, innovations in sustainability, and end-of-life solutions for nonwovens and its related industries.

A few examples of topics for consideration are:

Responsible Sourcing

• Natural Fibers (Cotton, Hemp, Bamboo, Banana, Wood Pulp, Regenerated Cellulose, Wool, Fur, Chitin, Feathers)
• Polymers (Biopolymers, Regenerated and Recycled polymers, Unconventional and Alternatives to Traditional Polymers)
• Sustainable Chemistries (finishes, lubricants, adhesives, and additives)

Innovations In Sustainability

• Process Improvements with Sustainability Impact (reduced waste, reduced energy, reduced water consumption)
• Product Design Improvements with Sustainability Impact (lightweighting, designs for end-of-life, “good enough” design)

End-Of-Life Solutions

• End-of-Life or Next-Life Considerations (compostability, biodegradability, recycling, advanced recycling and circularity)
• Presenting is an opportunity for technical professionals to showcase pioneering research, innovative solutions, and expert insights with technology scouts.

Abstracts must be submitted via the INDA website by June 7, 2024: https://www.inda.org/idea25-call-for-presentations/

For questions about the submission process or categories, contact Deanna Lovell, dlovell@inda.org.

Posted: March 11, 2024

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

In 2022, IDEA® attracted 5,000 participants from across the global supply chain to engage with nonwovens & engineered materials senior-level leaders at the Miami Beach Convention Center. IDEA® 2022 was co-located with the second FiltXPO, North America’s only exhibition and conference dedicated exclusively to filtration and separation.

“We are moving IDEA away from an already-crowded 2024 event calendar to better serve the industry,” said Tony Fragnito, INDA president. “In 2025, this IDEA schedule, again co-located with FiltXPO, is much more desirable as other industry relevant events adjust schedules post-pandemic. INDA remains committed to a two-year cycle for IDEA, which will take place every other year in the spring.  IDEA 2027 will be held March 29 to April 1.”

“We are excited to return to Miami Beach to build upon our successful 2022 event.  The 2025 program will focus on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) innovation and practices within our industry,” he said. “We will continue to expand our workforce development programs and highlight award-winning innovation with the coveted IDEA Achievement Awards program.”

Exhibition and registration information including important show news, updates and information is available at www.ideashow.org

Posted: October 17, 2022

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

Both events were successfully held March 29-31 at the Miami Convention Center.

Industry participants at IDEA® 2022, the 21st edition of the world’s preeminent event for nonwovens and engineered fabric professionals, expressed their business confidence through the floor exhibits and the return to face-to-face business interaction. Scott Beir, executive officer, CFM Global, called IDEA® 2022 “an exceptional show.”

Bob Usher, technical director, US Fibers, added that his company made valuable business connections. According to Rolk Kammermann, head of Sales and Marketing, Innovative Swiss Made Nonwovens, “the size and scope of IDEA and FiltXPO have been excellent for us as both exhibitors and as visitors.”

Organized by INDA, IDEA® also featured five essential nonwovens training classes; market presentations from China, Asia, Europe, North America and South America; industry recognitions with the IDEA® Achievement Awards and the IDEA® Lifetime Achievement Awards; and a welcome reception celebration.

Also, organized by INDA, FiltXPO featured five panels of global leaders in filtration and separation for the first-ever “Summit for Global Change,” discussing societal challenges such as indoor air quality, environmental sustainability, pandemic readiness, clean water, and filtration standards. The event also featured a 1.5-day filter media training course, and sessions highlighting filter media market trends and filtration industry statistics.

In-Person Events Applauded

Exhibitors and attendees noted the welcome return to meeting face-to-face among industry senior leaders participating in the three-day event.

“While most professionals have now become accustomed to the greater flexibility working from home provides, and conducting Zoom or Team meetings, there’s no substitute to meeting face-to-face and in person,” INDA President Dave Rousse said. “The event attracted a high level of participation among key decision makers despite lingering travel restrictions, which is a testimonial to the show’s importance within the international nonwovens and engineered materials industry.”

A highlight of IDEA® was the announcement of the IDEA® Achievement Awards by INDA, in partnership with Nonwovens Industry magazine. Moderated by Rousse and Karen McIntyre, Editor, Nonwovens Industry the awards recognize the leading introductions in equipment, raw materials, short-life, long-life and nonwovens products, and sustainability, since the previous IDEA® Exposition in 2019.

In addition, INDA presented the IDEA® 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award to  Val Hollingsworth, board chair and CEO of Hollingsworth & Vose, and Nonwovens Industry presented the IDEA® Entrepreneur Achievement Award to Doug Brown, president of Biax-Fiberfilm/5K Fibres at the event.

IDEA® 2022 Achievement Awards winners

The following awards were presented on March 30:

• IDEA®  Equipment Achievement Award – Elastic Thread Anchoring (ETA) Sonotrode – Herrmann Ultrasonics, Inc.
  This easy-to-use closed-loop feedback manufacturing solution, where the fixation of the elastic threads is accomplished with ultrasonic energy, offers a wide process window, without the need for adhesives or tool changeovers, at processing speeds above 2,000 ft./min.
• IDEA®  Raw Material Achievement Award – ODOGard – Rem Brands, Inc. – A revolutionary advancement in odor elimination using molecular bonding to malodors. Malodors are permanently attached to the ODOGard® molecule, changing them permanently into non-odorous molecules.
• IDEA® Short-Life Product Achievement Award – LifeSavers Wipes – LifeSavers LLC – LifeSavers Wipes are personal hygiene wipes that change color if they detect abnormal health indicators in urine. A diabetic wipe is the launch product that will change color if there are abnormal levels of glucose in the urine. This innovative product assists with personal hygiene, acts as an early warning system, and serves as an instant glucose monitor.
• IDEA® Long-Life Product Achievement Award – Nanofiber Cabin Air Filter – MANN + HUMMEL GmbH – This hybrid media combines electret-based spunbond and a pure mechanical filtration layer of ultrafine polymer fibers, resulting in an outstanding separation of PM1 particles up to 95 percent, according to DIN EN ISO 16890. The technology enables filtration performance and efficiency to significantly improve air quality.
• IDEA®  Sustainability Advancement Award – Fiber-based Screw Caps – Glatfelter Corp. and Blue Ocean Closures – Blue Ocean Closures partnered with Glatfelter and ALPLA to develop an alternative to metal and plastic screw caps. The two companies have accelerated producing sustainable and environmentally-friendly packaging solutions. The companies optimized renewable and recyclable wood fibers and airlaid materials to create paper-based screw caps that are durable, strong, and water-resistant.
• IDEA®  Nonwoven Product Achievement Award – HYDRASPUN® Aquaflo – Sustainable Nonwoven Substrates – Suominen Corporation – Suominen’s latest moist tissue product, HYDRASPUN® Aquaflo achieves dry tissue dispersibility through a proprietary blend of 100 percent sustainable cellulosic materials, minimizing environmental impact. This flushable nonwoven has a premium hand feel, and passes dispersibility standards set by INDA (GD4) and the International Water Services Flushability Group (IWSFG.)

IDEA®, the Preeminent Event for the Nonwovens & Engineered Fabrics Industry, will next be held on its new 24-month schedule on April 23-25, 2024 in Miami Beach, Florida.

FiltXPO, North American’s only exhibition and conference dedicated exclusively to filtration and separation, will make its return on its new 18 month-schedule, October 10-12, 2023 at Navy Pier, Chicago, Illinois.

Posted: April 4, 2022

Source: INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

VICTORIA, British Columbia — March 16, 2022 — Bast Fibre Technologies Inc. (BFT), a manufacturer of premium natural fibers, announces that James Posa has been named president and CEO. BFT Co-founder and Former CEO Noel Hall, will now transition to executive chair focusing on the long-term strategic priorities for the company.

“Jim has exactly the right kind of experience, passion and skills to lead BFT for the next phase of our growth” Hall said. “This is the right time for Jim to assume the CEO role at BFT. The acquisition of FVT in Germany and most recently Lumberton Cellulose in North Carolina have greatly accelerated our move into large scale commercial production.”

Posa first joined BFT in September 2018 as a business development consultant and in April 2020, he was appointed to the role of president and general manager.  Before joining BFT, Posa held senior executive roles in a variety of nonwoven and textile companies from start-ups to global divisions of fortune 500 global companies. He was the executive vice president/general manager of Fiberweb Group (since acquired by Berry Plastics and Fitesa), vice president and general manager of Amoco Fabrics and Fibers, and CEO of Southern Weaving Company. Posa also sits on the board of the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry (INDA).

“I am excited to lead BFT into its next phase of growth, building the foremost natural fiber innovator and manufacturer for the global nonwoven and specialty textile markets,” said  Posa. “The world is urgently seeking solutions to plastics pollution and BFT’s tree-free and plastic-free, natural plant fibers will play a key role in the movement away from single use plastics.”

Jim Posa and the BFT Team will be showcasing their hemp and linen fibres at the upcoming nonwovens IDEA show in Miami Beach, Fla., March 28-31. BFT’s sero® hemp fibers have been announced as an IDEA Achievement Award finalist in the Raw Materials category.

Posted: March 17, 2022

Source: Bast Fibre Technologies Inc. (BFT)

Speakers with the latest knowledge will deliver important nonwoven market updates, demand forecasts and research findings on the industry in China, Asia, South America, North America and Europe.

The conference will explore how each region has responded to the pandemic challenges and supply chain issues with new innovations and solutions, providing IDEA®   attendees with vital insights for decision-making.

Program highlights include:

• Overview and Green Innovation Development of China’s Nonwovens Industry,  by Guimei Li, Vice President, China Nonwovens and Industrial Textiles Association (CNITA) on March 29
• South America – Land of Opportunity or Land of Turbulence? The Recent History and Trends That Are Shaping the South American Nonwovens Market, presented by Mariana Mynarski, Corporate Marketing Manager, Fitesa on March 29
• Asian Nonwovens Production and Market Update by Chan-Hyou Park, Chairman, Asia Nonwoven Fabrics Association (ANFA) on March 30
• Understanding the State of the North American Nonwovens Industry and a Market Gone Mad presented by Brad Kalil, INDA Director of Market Intelligence and Economic Insights on March 31
• An Overview of Key Issues Facing Nonwovens on Top of European Market Trends presented by Pierre Wiertz, General Manager, EDANA on March 31

IDEA® Award Presentations

Another conference highlight will be the presentation of the IDEA® 2022 Achievement Awards in partnership with Nonwovens Industry magazine, based on the results of online voting in six categories as well as the announcement of the first Sustainability Advancement Award on March 30.

IDEA® — the World’s Preeminent Event for the Nonwovens & Engineered Fabrics Industry — will feature several hundred exhibitors from a myriad of industry sectors and is expected to once again draw an audience of several thousand senior-level buyers and attendees from over 60 countries to the Miami Beach Convention Center. A welcome reception will be held to officially kick off the event on March 28.

IDEA®22 Essentials of Nonwovens Training Courses

Product developers, marketing managers, technical sales, support and other professionals can expand their industry-focused knowledge by attending the IDEA®22 Essentials of Nonwovens Training Courses.

This vital training program will provide an immersive dive into the latest nonwoven technologies, industry segments and more with courses on absorbent hygiene cores, making nonwovens, industrial wipes and consumer wipes.

A must-attend educational session on patent searching on March 31 will cover the latest major changes in patent searches on the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) website that has been updated to enhance user experience.

For registration information and details for the IDEA®22 Conference & Exhibition and Essentials of Nonwovens Training Courses, see https://www.ideashow.org/conference.php

Posted: March 14, 2022

Source: INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

Whether hydroentanglement, traditional needling or service: The product group Felting gives visitors comprehensive insights into the portfolio for the nonwovens industry. For spunlace customers, Groz-Beckert presents its HyTec® P jet strips, which are characterized by a significantly higher hardness compared with conventional jet strips and therefore also offer excellent scratch resistance.

In the area of traditional needling, the patented GEBECON® felting needle is one of Groz-Beckert’s highlight products. Thanks to its unique geometry, it offers optimized bending resistance with high flexibility. By using Augmented Reality, it can be viewed in detail at the booth.

Know-how protection and improved needle logistics are just two of the many benefits of the customer product that the Felting product group will highlight for customers at the booth. In addition, visitors can take a virtual tour through the technology facility in the Groz-Beckert Technology and Development Center (TEZ) in Albstadt, Germany. This way, they experience the staple fiber needle punch line (SVL) up close and learn how Groz-Beckert can assist in product development as well as product and process optimization.

At IDEA, the Groz-Beckert InLine card clothing series is the main focus of the product group Carding. Thanks to a new and patented production method, Groz-Beckert has developed a new range of metallic card clothing, which offers improved process reliability and increased up-time of the card for the nonwovens industry. At the same time, the new production method also reflects the corporate principles of environmentally-friendly and resource-saving production.

The card clothings are characterized by a controlled and very precise hardening of the teeth, a reduced rib height of 1.3 millimeters and  completely scale-free surfaces without burrs. An exhibit at the booth will highlight how this differs from conventional production methods. It shows an impressive comparison between the new Groz-Beckert InLine card clothing and the previous generation.

The SiroLock plus worker and doffer wire was developed as the first special geometry of the Groz-Beckert InLine card clothing series. In addition to the advantages of the Groz-Beckert InLine card clothings, the SiroLock plus impresses with a more effective fiber take-up, control and transfer. The functionality and operating principle behind the SiroLock plus can be experienced by IDEA visitors via Augmented Reality.

Posted: March 4, 2022

Source: Groz-Beckert KG

Whether exploring new designs or getting competitive quotes on current fabrics, Albarrie produces unique customized nonwoven needle punch textiles using advanced technology. Albarrie partners with organizations to innovate fabric solutions for product design by sharing their knowledge and passion for textiles and the environment. Albarrie has the ability to run low minimums, fabric trials and testing and produces quantities that fit specific needs.

Albarrie is a team of engineers, designers, fabricators, and technical support experts who envision a world where technical industrial fabrics are the solution to environmental issues. For over 40 years, Albarrie has been committed to needle punch nonwoven fabric innovation and has partnered with hundreds of companies to develop technical fabric solutions for the most demanding processes worldwide.

Albarrie’s Capabilities include:

Research & Development — Albarrie has an in-house team of scientists dedicated to developing unique textile solutions for demanding applications such as industrial air filtration, secondary oil containment, high-heat conveyance, and more.

Custom Needle Punch Felt Production — With several production lines available, Albarrie can produce technical felts from 6 to 120 ounces per square yard (oz/yd ), in narrow or wide width formats. Fiber blending, layering, and an assortment of finishing treatments such as heat setting, calendaring, singing are available.

Converting & Fabrication — Albarrie is fully capable of converting rolled goods for prefabrication requirements by OEM’s or producing finished goods for use within industrial processes.

Spiral Needle punch Production — Using an advanced Rontex spiral needle loom, Albarrie can produce seamless felt tubes in a wide array of fiber combinations. Coupled with various finishing techniques, these seamless felt tubes are applicable for conveyor roller covers, protective packaging, insulation, and gaskets.

Brand Name & High Heat Fibers — Albarrie uses the highest-quality fibers for their fabrics. Their fabric experts will advise you on fiber and fabric types to achieve best product performance.

Resin Impregnation — Albarrie’s unique process of resin impregnation ensures fibers are fully submerged and hardened for a durable product that withstands harsh environments. They turn soft fabric into hard boards.

Customer Service & Technical Support — A trusted team of inside and outside technical sales representatives are dedicated to supporting every aspect of their valued customer relationship, from product selection and design to order fulfillment. They also offer free pre-qualification lab testing to ensure our services are suitable for your application.

Albarrie’s other capabilities and product finishes include slitting, rewinding, die cutting, lamination, extrusion coating, welding, CNC machining, heat setting, singing, chemical treatment and more.

Posted March 1, 2022

Source: Albarrie

Specifically for the automotive sector, the company has developed a patent-pending new rigid underbody shield, based on a new construction of polyester nonwovens.

“Underbodies reduce the road noise coming from the tyres as well as optimising the aerodynamics of the region under the car,” explained Milliken’s Vice President of Nonwovens Jeff Stafford.

Many of these trim parts, he added, are molded into three-dimensional shapes to follow the geometry of the body section they cover, and are often made of a core layer of glass fibers bound by a thermoplastic binder.

“Glass fibers essentially provide the required stiffness but exposure to the fibers during the production of the parts and car assembly, can pose a health issue for those handling the material,” Stafford said. “Other underbodies are injection molded plastic parts but both of these solutions are heavier than the industry wants them to be. Our new underbody is significantly lighter, while retaining the stiffness and other functional properties required for this exterior vehicle component.”

Milliken’s entry into the nonwovens sector began with the opening of a first plant in Simpsonville, S.C., in 1989, and it now manufactures its nonwoven portfolio at two plants in the USA and a third in Mexico.

Strong relationships with automotive OEMs already established over Milliken & Company’s long history, and the accumulated know-how of 5,000+ patents worldwide, has seen Milliken’s nonwovens business develop a range of successful automotive trim materials based on proprietary fibre blends and composite layers, with tunable NVH performance and a weight reduction of up to 30 percent compared to competing products.

For interior surfaces, interfacial chemistries and engineered matrix properties have also delivered a variety of wear-resistant, longer lasting products, while a technology for dramatically reducing moisture absorption by up to six times has resulted in noticeably tougher products.

Separately, a range of enhanced flame retardant nonwovens forms part of the company’s Innovarest range of materials for the mattress industry, in addition to knits and laminates.

Flame resistance is a core competency of the company. All of its mattress products can be tuned and customized to make 16 CFR 1632 and 16 CFR 1633 compliance simple and straightforward.

“There are a lot of options we can offer the market when it comes to engineered materials for many different applications, and we’re looking forward to fruitful discussions with customers old and new in Miami,” Stafford concluded.

Posted March 1, 2022

Source: Milliken & Company

The company will highlight the latest work in biodegradation technology for polyolefin nonwoven fabrics at the Miami Beach event, showcasing its own range of component nonwoven fabric solutions. Together with its sister companies from Indorama Ventures Limited (‘IVL’) — who will be presenting biodegradation capable polyolefin and polyester fibers — Avgol will discuss with visitors how specific products can help businesses achieve their 2030 sustainability goals.

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to talk to regional customers, vendors and other industry leaders at the world’s preeminent event for nonwovens and engineered fabrics,” said Nick Carter, vice president of the Nonwoven Business Unit. “It is vitally important that we can engage with customers and gain additional insight into their own desired approaches to meeting sustainability objectives and show the synergy with our own technologies, logistics and production achievements.

“This is a fast-changing market right now, and with the impact of new legislation, raw material availability, evolving customer requirements and consumer interest, IDEA22 gives us the ideal opportunity to discuss these challenges in person,” he said. “We will present a holistic approach to sustainability with everything from our biodegradation technology and the use of more natural components, to introducing new materials with improved carbon footprint and recyclability.”

Working with its sister companies in IVL, Avgol has established its vision of innovating together for circular evolution. “At IDEA, we will not only be able to discuss our current and coming developments face-to-face, but will also outline our Innovation strategy addressing the degradation performance of our products, and the path forward for the industry in terms of the use of new bio-colorants, biosurfactants and other new technologies,” said Nick.

Visitors to booth #1404 will be able to speak with the Avgol experts about the latest developments in biodegradable solutions that can help deliver performance while also meeting their own sustainability objectives.

“We are looking forward to discussing the global challenge of eliminating incineration, chemical treatment, landfill, dumping and, in particular, fugitive material pollution from nonwoven products,” said Nick. “More importantly, we will demonstrate how we can meet these needs while continuing to deliver nonwoven fabric solutions with the performance and quality characteristics customers demand.”

Posted: March 1, 2022

Source: Avgol®, an Indorama Ventures Company

Industry professionals will have the opportunity to vote for the winners from the finalists and see award-winning achievements in person at IDEA® 2022, the World’s Preeminent Event for Nonwovens & Engineered Fabrics, March 28-31, at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

Presented by INDA, in partnership with Nonwovens Industry magazine, the awards recognize the leading introductions in equipment, raw materials, short-life, long-life and nonwovens products, and sustainability. To vote on the Nonwovens Industry website, visit: https://www.nonwovens-industry.com/idea-reg-achievement-awards

In addition, INDA will unveil the IDEA® 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award honoree and Nonwovens Industry will announce the IDEA® Entrepreneur Achievement Award recipient at the event.

All of the winners will be announced on March 30 at a ceremony at IDEA® from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. moderated by Dave Rousse, President, INDA and Karen, McIntyre, Editor, Nonwovens Industry.

Finalists Named

The INDA Technical Advisory Board, consisting of technical professionals from member companies, has narrowed the competition from more than 100 online nominations to the following 18 finalists selected for their leading innovations since the last IDEA show in 2019.

Now, the industry will have the chance to select their top choices from the three finalists in each of the following six categories through the online voting process:

• IDEA® Equipment Achievement Award
  • ESC-8 — Curt G. Joa Inc. — Imagine endless combinations of insert and chassis designs for adult incontinence production at the push of a button. With patent-pending ESC-8 Electronic Size Change Technology, JOA has addressed the need for automated product size change. The release of this industry-leading, first-of-a-kind technology gives customers the flexibility to configure endless insert and chassis combinations while maintaining higher production speeds and minimizing raw material usage. The ESC-8 can be integrated into new and existing machines.
  • Elastic Thread Anchoring (ETA) Sonotrode — Herrmann Ultrasonics Inc. — Elastics are an integral component to many hygiene products. Imagine a diaper or incontinence product that is reliable, adhesive-free and extremely soft. Herrmann Ultrasonics Elastic Thread Anchoring (ETA) Sonotrode technology provides just that, in an industry first, easy-to-use closed-loop feedback manufacturing solution. The fixation of the elastic threads is accomplished with ultrasonic energy that offers a wide process window, without the need for tool changeovers, at processing speeds above 2,000 ft/min.
  • Doffer Airlay Card — Technoplants S.r.l. — With airlaying suction and a doffing system like traditional roller cards, the Doffer Airlay Card makes it possible to produce carded webs with doffer in thicknesses from 10 to 1.500 gsm. With top and bottom suction, it can produce a partly carded and partly airlaid web. This card can comb, separate and make parallel all types of natural, synthetic and regenerated fibers for applications including hygiene, filtration, medical and gradient acquisition distribution layer (ADL).
• IDEA® Raw Material Achievement Award
  • sero premium hemp fiber — Bast Fibre Technologies Inc. — sero 100 percent premium hemp fibers are the result of years of the company’s top-to-bottom supply chain experience. BFT’s proprietary processing technology is employed to carefully clean, individualize, and soften bast fibers that meet stringent nonwoven technical standards and are plastic-free, tree-free, and compostable. sero fibers are a plug-and-play replacement for plastic fibers that run seamlessly on major nonwoven platforms without compromising production speeds, efficiency, or uniformity.
  • ODOGard — Rem Brands Inc. — Rem Brands Inc.’s patented ODOGard® technology is a revolutionary advancement in odor elimination. This next-generation odor elimination mechanism works by covalent molecular bonding to malodors. Malodors are permanently attached to the ODOGard molecule, changing them into non-odorous molecules forever. ODOGard can be impregnated into pulp fluff and other kinds of media. Whether  malodors come from the air or from hygiene products, ODOGard has it covered.
  • SharoWIPES — Sharon Laboratories — SharoWIPES by Sharon Laboratories, Israel, is a technological breakthrough from in-depth scientific research addressing industry needs for more “clean label, non-irritating, eco-friendly” consumer wet wipes. With their unique anti-biofilm mechanism, SharoWIPES offer dual protection from microbial contamination of both the wet wipe formula, as well as the non-woven fabric. SharoWIPES preservation systems deliver broad-spectrum protection at low levels contributing to wet wipe brand equity with free from, microbiome friendly, vegan and biodegradable claims.
• IDEA® Short-Life Product Achievement Award
  • MDP — Dermasteel, Ltd. — MDP presents a breakthrough approach to restoring the quality of life for men experiencing bladder leakage. MDP is a revolutionary nonwoven product for men coping with light urinary incontinence that is invisibly discreet, effective, comfortable, and reliable. It features Body ID Technology for customized adjustment, variable elasticity strapping, self-reflexive side panels for unimpeded breathability, form-fitting to the unique characteristics of each man’s anatomy, and the smallest carbon footprint of any comparable male incontinence option.
  • Organic 2.0 — Ellepot A/S — In young plant propagation, plastic products are used in large quantities. Ellepot’s new paper is a game-changer supporting plastic exit strategies. During six years in development, Ellepot and Ahlstrom-Munksjö partnered with OrganoClick, the developer of special binders using organocatalysis, a field of chemistry awarded the Nobel Prize in 2021. The product is approved for organic crops in Germany, the UK, Denmark, The Netherlands, Sweden and Canada and certified okay home compostable and biodegradable in soil.
  • LifeSavers Wipes — LifeSavers LLC — LifeSavers Wipes are personal hygiene wipes that change color if they detect abnormal health indicators in the urine. The launch product is a diabetic wipe, which will change color if there are abnormal levels of glucose in the urine. The wipes are therefore triple purposed as they assist with personal hygiene after urinating, act as an early warning system, and serve as an instant glucose monitor. UTI and kidney disease wipes are next in line.
• IDEA® Long-Life Product Achievement Award
  • Canopy Hero Pro — Canopy — Today’s reusable respirators are uncomfortable, limit communication, and can lose effectiveness after cleaning. Disposable options pose similar issues and generate waste. Canopy® has created a next-generation, reusable respirator for healthcare workers that’s comfortable, easy to clean, exceeds federal safety standards, has a transparent front to allow for improved communication, costs less than disposables, and can help save 7,200 tons of waste daily. Its patented, transparent, fully mechanical filter helps protect those who protect us.
  • Long-Life Cellulose-based Nonwovens for Higher Performance in Reusable Baby Diapers — Kelheim Fibres GmbH and Sumo Diapers — Innovation exemplified: the trend-setting Sumo Baby Cloth Diaper shows how needle-punched/thermobonded nonwovens find their way into reusable diapers, thanks to Kelheim Fibres’ specialty viscose fibers with adjusted cross-sections (trilobal and hollow). This technology pushes liquid management capabilities and the absorbency of washable hygiene products to new levels, creating a unique duality of high-performance and high-sustainability credentials, and opening up new fields of application.
  • Nanofiber Cabin Air Filter — MANN + HUMMEL GmbH — MANN+HUMMEL has developed a hybrid media by combining electret-based spunbond and a pure mechanical filtration layer of ultrafine polymer fibers. The result: an outstanding separation of PM1 particles up to 95 percent, according to DIN EN ISO 16890. This technology enables stable filtration performance and long-term efficiency over the whole filter lifetime. The nanofiber layer can be combined with any cabin air filter media of the MANN+HUMMEL range, improving air quality in a vehicle’s cabin significantly.
• IDEA® Sustainability Advancement Award
  • Pureflow8 – In Flight Material Separator — Diaper Recycling Technology Pte. Ltd. — New bolt-on additions to the company’s Generation 8 recycling platform guarantee increased performance in terms of material purity and work efficiency. While recovering up to 87 percent of diaper waste raw material’s financial investment, DRT pushes the boundaries further to meet sustainability targets and include active pulp scanning, fluidizing SAP re-gen technology, and gravimetric pulp refeed processes. DRT recognizes its teams and suppliers who have worked tremendously hard to complete this major milestone.
  • Fitesa® 100 Percent BioBased Bico — Fitesa — Fitesa S Bico 100 percent BioBased PE/PLA is a technically sophisticated plant-sourced nonwoven that has been successfully applied in innovative baby diapers as topsheet, backsheet, and front ear components to deliver classic spunbond strength with good abrasion resistance and converting performance. It is responsibly sourced, PE soft, and sustainable, leaving a negative carbon footprint by reducing environmental CO2. It represents the next generation of hygienic nonwovens designed to make work easier and life better.
  • Fiber-based Screw Caps — Glatfelter Corp. and Blue Ocean Closures — Finally, an alternative to metal and plastic screw caps! Blue Ocean Closures partnered with Glatfelter and ALPLA to accelerate and produce sustainable and environmentally-friendly packaging solutions. The companies optimized their use of renewable and recyclable wood fibers and airlaid materials by creating paper-based screw caps that are durable, strong, and water-resistant. The method of proprietary vacuum press forming allows for low production cost and high scalability.
• IDEA® Nonwoven Product Achievement Award
  • Sontara® Silk — Glatfelter Corp. — Sontara Silk perfectly fits facial contour, is luxurious on the skin, and has a minimal environmental impact. When infused with lotion, these masks have enhanced elasticity, conform closely to the skin, and have excellent adhesion. Sontara Silk has superior translucency and ensures even penetration of active ingredients onto the skin. Sontara Silk fabric is manufactured with premium fibers derived from natural raw material. These sustainable materials allow the product to be biodegradable and compostable.
  • HYDRASPUN® Aquaflo – Sustainable Nonwoven Substrates — Suominen Corp. — Suominen’s latest moist tissue product, HYDRASPUN® Aquaflo achieves dry tissue dispersibility through a proprietary blend of 100 percent sustainable cellulosic materials, minimizing environmental impact. This flushable nonwoven has a premium hand feel for a luxurious consumer experience. In addition, it passes dispersibility standards set by INDA (GD4) and the International Water Services Flushability Group (IWSFG.) HYDRASPUN® Aquaflo is produced in Europe and North America and represents multi-year development and market insights to deliver a personal care product ideal for today’s consumer.
  • LS SAF Nonwoven Fabrics — Technical Absorbents — Technical Absorbents developed a new grade of Low Shrink (LS) superabsorbent fiber (SAFTM) for use within a new range of nonwovens that are more resistant to shrinkage. The new LS SAFTM fiber and resulting fabrics were developed in response to demand from the medical industry for a superabsorbent nonwoven suitable for use in advanced wound pad dressings. The new fiber was engineered to be capable of withstanding the moisture used in the EtO sterilization process.

Moving forward after this year, the IDEA® Achievement Award will be presented every two years under the new cycle announced for the event with the subsequent IDEA® taking place April 23-25, 2024.

Posted: February 28, 2022

Source: INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry