#Nonwovens / Technical Textiles

2020-05-06

INDA reschedules World of Wipes® International Conference to August 24-27

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, has rescheduled the 14th edition of the World of Wipes® (WOW) International Conference to August 24-27 in response to updated guidance on phased reopenings in various states, consistent with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and a view of airline scheduling changes over the summer in response to the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

New Date to Align with Phased State Reopenings

Initially scheduled June 22-25, the WOW event in Minneapolis will still take place in Minneapolis at the same venue, but a full two months later than originally scheduled. “We have been carefully watching several metrics to guide our decision-making on this important event. With several states recently announcing their approaches to reopening in phases, it is clear in some states that the final phase will not be reached until late June or into July. Many airline schedules have been reduced to reflect this. We are now convinced that rescheduling this event a full two months later will coincide with the safe reopening of conferences and events, and with company travel policies that prevent employee travel until this late summer time frame,” said Dave Rousse, INDA President. “At the event, we want to ensure the safety of our attendees and will follow heightened hygienic practices with sanitizers and wipes readily available, increased spacing between conference seats, increased hotel cleaning of surfaces, and reception food served by wait staff, not buffet style.” Rousse also notes that the last week of August is the first time frame that does not conflict with other industry events as the calendar becomes quite crowded in September, October, and November.

WOW 2020 will connect senior-level wipes professionals during four value-packed days combining relevant technical and educational content with business engagement opportunities.

Session topics include: buyer demographics, sustainability, industrial and flushable wipes, substrates, preservatives, and single use plastics. Over 400 senior-leadership participants attended WOW in 2019. For the full conference agenda, visit: https://www.worldofwipes.org/conference.php

Event Highlights:

Three exceptional Finalists vie for the prestigious World of Wipes Innovation Award® that represent advancements that expand the use of nonwoven fabrics in creativity, novelty of approach, uniqueness, and technical sophistication in product and technology innovations within the entire wipes value chain. This year’s Finalists include:

Berk International, LLC: Food Fresh liners that can absorb accumulated moisture in sealed produce packages and reduce wilting and spoilage.

ITW Pro Brands: The DETEX® Metal Detectable Scouring Pad designed to be detected by metal detectors in most food production facilities to minimize the risk of foreign object contamination.

Lonza LLC: The NUGEN® NR Disinfectant Wipe designed to be a one-step no-rinse food contact surface disinfectant, that cleans and disinfects surfaces without detergent pre-clean or potable water-rinse requirements.

The winner will be announced Thurs., August 27th.

Preceding the conference, INDA’s WIPES Academy will be led by instructor Chris Plotz, Director of Education & Technical Affairs, INDA, August 24-25. The WIPES Academy is the first and only comprehensive wipes training for the entire wipes supply chain.

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.

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.

ANDRITZ sets focus on textile recycling and durable nonwoven production technologies at ITMA Asia 2025

International technology Group ANDRITZ will be presenting its innovative nonwovens production and textile solutions at ITMA ASIA + CITME 2025 in Singapore, from October 28 to 31, 2025 (Hall 2, D106). ANDRITZ will showcase its MMCF production plants, textile sorting and recycling, bast fiber processing, needlepunch, airlay, and life-cycle service technologies, with a focus on sustainable solutions. Discover how these innovations can grow your business opportunities and support a greener future.

OUTLOOK™ 2025: Charting a sustainable and innovative future for the Nonwovens Industry

EDANA concluded its flagship event, OUTLOOK™ 2025, last week, marking it as a major success and addressing the biggest questions facing the industry. The three-day conference highlighted the urgent need for a unified approach to sustainability, regulation, and innovation in the absorbent hygiene and wipes sectors.

Cinte Techtextil China proves to be dynamic international platform and launchpad for new market potential

After three days of facilitating meaningful exchange for numerous applications of technical textiles and nonwovens, Cinte Techtextil China 2025 concluded on 5 September at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre. Feedback across the fairground was highly positive, especially from first-time exhibitors and buyers who valued the platform’s capability to create new opportunities both in China and overseas markets.

“Action helps us change what we do!”

DAY 0 takes place deliberately before PERFORMANCE DAYS begins. It is conceived as a space for reflection, dialogue and active engagement — a moment to pause before the fair, rethink established systems and address sustainability not as a trend, but as a fundamental transformation challenge. Under the guiding metaphor “Turn the Tap Off”, DAY 0 focuses on root causes rather than symptoms, systemic change rather than isolated solutions, and collective responsibility rather than individual silos.

Pets in fashion: functional and sustainable textiles find new market at Intertextile Apparel

China’s pet economy is booming, especially amongst younger generations, and pet apparel – from designer outfits to functional garments – was a RMB 3.5 billion (over USD 500 million) market in 2024, growing more than 20% annually¹. To help exhibitors harness this trend, Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition 2026 will launch the Pet Boutique, presenting a range of innovative, sustainable materials that prioritise both functionality and comfort for pets.

VAUDE eliminates PFAS from all products

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are now detectable worldwide – in drinking water, soil and the human body. These so-called “forever chemicals” are considered hazardous to health and potentially carcinogenic, as they do not break down and remain in the environment permanently. Despite these risks, PFAS are still used in a wide range of products. More than 15 years ago, VAUDE made a strategic decision to gradually eliminate PFAS from all product categories.

Lenzing AG to become majority owner of TreeToTextile AB and accelerates industrialization of new fibers

The Lenzing Group is taking another strategic milestone by acquiring a controlling majority in the Swedish innovation company TreeToTextile AB. This step strengthens Lenzing’s position as a leading provider of sustainable, wood‑based specialty fibers and expands its innovation pipeline with a highly scalable, patent‑protected technology platform. The transaction is executed through the issuance of new shares.