#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.

Cinte Techtextil China 2026: redefining business encounters for trending sub-sectors and cutting-edge technologies

The essence of a good trade fair is to create chance encounters to deliver tangible business value to its participants. Driven to stay ahead, Cinte Techtextil China is constantly seeking fresh strategies to keep the industry attuned to emerging trends, pinpointing high-potential segments for technical textiles and nonwovens. With a new zone and upgraded fringe events introduced, the last edition saw an impressive 17% increase in visiting numbers[1], and this year’s fair is set to leverage that success from 1 to 3 September at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre.

ENDURANCE Program: Driving operational sustainability at Magnera

As Magnera enters a new year, the company is reflecting on a key sustainability milestone from 2025: the launch of ENDURANCE, its global, employee-led initiative focused on waste reduction and sustainable innovation. Launched on Earth Day 2025, this initiative has generated more than 250 improvement submissions from team members across Magnera’s global operations, demonstrating strong engagement and shared accountability for sustainability across the organization.

Suominen launches three-year profitability improvement program and introduces new operating model and leadership team

Suominen is launching a three-year program to improve the company’s profitability. The Full Potential Program targets 10% EBITDA by 2028. Suominen is also introducing a new functional operating model, with a dedicated focus on customers and factories, designed to strengthen expertise and effectiveness.

Circulose restarts commercial-scale production at Ortviken plant in Sundsvall

Circulose today announced the restart of its commercial-scale production plant at Ortviken in Sundsvall, Sweden, marking a significant step in scaling next-generation materials for the global fashion industry. The company plans to resume production of CIRCULOSE®, a recycled pulp made entirely from discarded cotton textiles, in the fourth quarter of 2026.

VIATT 2026 to debut German Pavilion, strengthening European participation alongside key Asian textile hubs

Vietnam’s textile and garment sector continues to be a major contributor to the country’s economic growth, with export revenues expected to reach USD 46 billion in 2025, a 5.6% increase from 2024 . From 26 – 28 February, the Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles and Textile Technologies (VIATT) is set to contribute to economic growth opportunities by accelerating digital transformation and green transition across the entire textile value chain. The upcoming edition will respond to the rising demand for advanced technologies and sustainable materials with the introduction of the German Pavilion, alongside strong exhibitor participation from key Asian sectors, as well as several high-profile fringe events.

Sustainable, lightweight, and sound absorbing: Polyester-based front trunk solution for BEVs

As car manufacturers look to further reduce their carbon footprint, Autoneum has developed an innovative front trunk solution for battery electric vehicles (BEVs), made entirely from polyester-based textile. The Ultra-Silent Frunk offers significant weight reduction, improved acoustic and thermal insulation, and uses up to 70 percent recycled material, supporting sustainable and efficient vehicle design. Autoneum, global technology leader in acoustic and thermal management for vehicles, has already received orders for the new frunk from three major OEMs in Asia and Europe to be built in three BEV models. Series production for two BEVs has been underway in China and Germany since last year.