#Nonwovens

2025-09-09

INDA announces finalists for the 2025 RISE® Innovation Award

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, is pleased to announce the three finalists for the 2025 RISE® Innovation Award. A highlight of the RISE® (Research, Innovation & Science for Engineered Fabrics) Technology Conference, this award recognizes groundbreaking nonwoven-based innovations with the potential to advance the industry.

The 2025 RISE® Technology Conference will take place October 14–15 at the McKimmon Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC. Technology scouts, product developers, and business leaders from across the nonwovens value chain will gather to discover the latest research, connect with thought leaders, and see first-hand the technologies competing for the award.

The three finalists will present their groundbreaking technologies to conference participants on Tuesday afternoon, October 14. The winner of the 2025 RISE® Innovation Award will be announced on Wednesday afternoon, October 15.

Meet the 2025 Award Finalists

EsterCycle by EsterCycle

Hospitals and laboratories generate enormous amounts of PPE nonwoven plastic waste, most of which is incinerated. Polyethylene terephthalate is used extensively in nonwovens, and there is significant interest in using biobased polyesters such as polylactic acid and polyhydroxyalkanoates to reduce the footprint of these essential materials. EsterCycle is a low cost and emissions chemical recycling technology that can handle biohazard contamination and break down mixed polyester nonwovens for circulation back into the supply chain.

Kelsun® fiber by Keel Labs

Kelsun? fiber, developed by Keel Labs, is the world’s first high-performance seaweed-based fiber. Plastic-free and tree-free; the combined properties of Kelsun? allow it to outperform all other fibers without shedding harmful microplastics. This breakthrough material brings extreme softness, high absorptivity, inherent flame resistant and antimicrobial properties, in addition to unmatched biodegradability. Engineered to integrate into existing nonwoven manufacturing, Kelsun? fiber delivers a revolutionary material that combines performance with sustainability for next-generation consumer and industrial products.

Fentanyl Detection by Rockline Industries

Rockline Industries has developed a revolutionary fentanyl detection wipe that rapidly changes color from orangish to deep red upon contact with miniscule levels of fentanyl, enabling first responders, law enforcement, and others to identify the presence of toxic opioids safely. The wipe contains a novel formula with color indicators and a specific starch bound to viscose fibers, ensuring the reaction occurs on the wipe itself. Tested successfully with pharmaceutical and street-grade fentanyl and other dangerous opioids at various U.S. labs and police departments. The single-use sachet offers a convenient presumptive test with broad applications including military, airports, schools, and penitentiaries, with ongoing patent filings and potential for detecting other dangerous opioids.

The RISE® Innovation Award recognizes innovation in areas that use nonwovens or engineered fabrics in a way that is technically sophisticated, creative, unique, and feasible, and that demonstrates potential to positively impact the nonwovens industry.

2024 RISE® Innovation Award Winner

The 2024 RISE Innovation Award winner was PlantPanel™ X by Hempitecture Inc. PlantPanel X is a rigid continuous insulation material used in exterior above-ground applications. With an R Value of R3.25 per inch, PlantPanel adds to thermal and acoustic comfort and performance. Engineered with a density to resist compression and deflection, PlantPanel is used in split-insulation wall and roof assemblies with either a rain screen cladding or roofing material, depending on the application. With 100% biobased and recycled content, PlantPanel is a sustainable, low carbon continuous insulation solution that’s easy to install and safe to handle.

For more information or to register for the RISE® Technology Conference 2025, visit www.riseconf.net

Global Nonwovens Alliance unveils Inaugural Board, advancing collaboration and growth worldwide

The Global Nonwovens Alliance (GNA), a tax-exempt federation jointly founded by INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, and EDANA, the Voice of Nonwovens, announces the appointment of its founding Board of Directors. This group of leaders represents some of the most influential executives across the nonwovens value chain and reflects GNA’s mission to foster global collaboration, innovation, and growth in the industry.

EDANA warns of consequences of misclassification of PET spunbond imports

EDANA would like to remind its members and industry stakeholders of the legal requirement to comply with the EU rules on customs classification when importing nonwovens from third countries outside the EU. In this regard, it was recently discovered that there appears to be a high level of customs misclassification occurring in our industry. This could have dangerous and costly consequences for importers.

INDEX™ unveils the first selection of product presentations

A mosaic showcasing several speakers from the Exhibitor Product Presentations at INDEX™26 A comprehensive programme of company presentations will take place across the three days of the INDEX™26 exhibition at Geneva Palexpo, reflecting many aspects of the ongoing transition to sustainable materials through polymer and additives design, fibre engineering and new finishing chemistries.

RETECH showcases high-precision godets for high-performance fiber processing at Techtextil 2026

RETECH designs and manufactures godets and draw frames for heated, ambient and cooled processes, enabling precise heat treatment and consistently high yarn quality for a wide range of polymers and applications, with process temperatures of up to 400 °C for high-performance fibers. The company’s key competence lies in exact and stable temperature and speed control, individually adapted to the specific material and process requirements.

BW Converting expands Southeast Asian presence with new agency partnerships in Vietnam and Indonesia

BW Converting is strengthening its presence in Southeast Asia through new agency partnerships in Vietnam and Indonesia, reinforcing the company’s commitment to supporting textile manufacturers across the region. The expansion comes as BW Converting prepares to exhibit at SaigonTex 2026 (April 8–11, Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam) and INDO INTERTEX 2026 (April 15–18, Jakarta International Expo, Indonesia).