The excitement is building as the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry (INDA) reveals the exceptional contenders for the upcoming RISE Innovation Award. Set to take place during the highly anticipated Research, Innovation and Science for Engineered Fabrics (RISE) Conference, the finalists are geared up to showcase their groundbreaking product innovations on September 26th.
Scheduled from September 26th to 27th, the RISE Conference will unfold at the prestigious North Carolina State University in Raleigh, North Carolina. The event serves as a platform to celebrate the most cutting-edge advancements in the nonwoven fabrics sector, fostering collaboration and technological progression.
Exceptional Finalists
The finalists for the RISE Innovation Award have sparked considerable excitement within the industry:
1. Curt G. Joa’s Electronic Size Change Unit: A pioneering technology designed for adult pant flexibility, enabling the processing of an extensive array of insert and chassis sizes at remarkable speeds. This innovation also embraces sustainability, contributing to more eco-friendly product outcomes.
2. Fiberpartner’s BicoBio: A trailblazing bicomponent fiber with a core-sheath configuration, meticulously crafted from low carbon footprint materials. Notably, it is engineered to biodegrade in environments where conventional plastics persist, such as landfills and oceans. The incorporation of biobased PE from sugar cane and GRS-certified recycled PET further underscores its eco-conscious composition.
3. Reifenhäuser Reicofil’s RF5 XHL: Elevating softness and drapability, the RF5 XHL is engineered to produce extraordinarily soft and supple nonwovens. Specifically designed for applications in the hygiene sector, this innovation places emphasis on a delicate touch combined with low basis weight and high thickness. Notably, it promotes resource efficiency and environmentally-friendly production practices.
4. TiHive’s SAPMonit: Revolutionizing diaper manufacturing, SAPMonit introduces lightning-speed inline inspection of superabsorbent weight and distribution. This advanced technology optimizes resource utilization, identifies imperfections, and expedites research and development processes. The integration of see-through cameras, high-speed vision algorithms, and secure cloud connectivity solidify its position at the forefront of innovation.
Promoting Innovation
Matt O’Sickey, INDA’s Director of Education and Technical Affairs, emphasized the pivotal role of the RISE Conference in propelling innovation and technical achievements within the nonwoven fabrics industry. O’Sickey stated, “RISE has been the proverbial crystal ball that gives me insight into technologies I or my competition will be using tomorrow.” He acknowledged the event’s significance in cultivating a robust pipeline of multi-generational technologies and products, providing a competitive edge to participants.
As anticipation builds for the RISE Conference, the industry eagerly awaits the unveiling of these groundbreaking innovations and the potential they hold for shaping the future of nonwoven fabrics.