The prestigious award will be presented at the Research, Innovation & Science for Engineered Fabrics (RISE) Conference, which takes place from 25-28 January 2016, at Le Meridien Hotel in New Orleans.

“RISE is designed for technology scouts focused on new developments that are beyond the research phase and have the potential to be integrated rapidly into an attendee’s commercial products. We focus on the D side of R&D,” said INDA President Dave Rousse.

Presenting innovations

INDA will consider various categories, such as raw materials, roll goods, converting, packaging, active ingredients, binders, additives and end products for nominations. Products should exhibit one of more of the following characteristics: creativity, novelty of approach, uniqueness and technical sophistication. The submission deadline is 30 October.

The 2015 award went to a three-way collaboration between Fitesa, Braskem and NatureWorks for a new nonwoven material – Fitesa 100 Percent Biobased Spunbond – made entirely from plant-based materials for the hygiene and personal care markets.

Finalists will present their innovations to attendees at RISE who will select the winner, which will be announced on 28 January.

Innovation and science

RISE offers two and a half days of game-changing research, innovation and science. The event focuses on what’s to come in engineered materials with leading-edge speakers, product displays and the award presentation.

The RISE Durable Product Award is given annually to a durable nonwoven product chosen for its innovative use of nonwoven fabric and/or technology that is commercially sold and used in the consumer or industrial marketplace.

Other RISE event highlights include RISE Dine-Around, where attendees dine in small groups with their selected speaker of choice; networking opportunities to connect with other attendees; and product exhibits with two evening receptions.

www.inda.org