Three finalists will present innovative solutions for the prestigious RISE Innovation Award during the seventh edition of Research, Innovation & Science for Engineered Fabrics Conference (RISE) that takes place from 12-14 September at the Sheraton Raleigh Hotel, in Raleigh, NC.

The award recognises innovation within and on the periphery of the nonwovens industry that uses advanced science and engineering principles to creatively solve challenges within the nonwovens and engineered fabrics industry.

“The RISE Conference embraces INDA’s mission to stimulate, and recognize innovation. Without doubt, there will be occasions in the programme when like-minded, forward-thinking technology professionals have a collective “Ahaa” moment as the potential impact of a new approach to a material science challenge is revealed. For Technology Scouts and New Product Innovators this will truly be an event not to be missed,” said Dave Rousse, INDA’s President.

The Finalists for the 2017 RISE Innovation Award include:

Club Coffee’s PurPod100 Compostable Pods

PurPod100 is the first certified 100% compostable pod for the Keurig single serve coffee format. Proven to break down in large-scale composting, the pod's mesh filter is a polylactic acid-based product. It is the first successful thermoformable PLA nonwoven filter application and its filtering delivers consumer satisfaction for many coffee brands, organisers report.

Mogul’s Madaline

Madaline microfilament fabrics fill the gap in nonwoven technologies for textile applications with advanced attributes for use in finishing, dyeing, printing, cutting and stitching. The long-lasting microfilament fabrics help reduce environmental impact and is manufactured without binders, solvents or PVC. The fabric properties are said to include thermal insulation, wind resistance, absorbency, quick-drying, breathability and UV protection with an inherent barrier against bacteria and dust mites.

Revolution Fibres’ Xantu.Layr

Revolution Fibres have developed Xantu.Layr, the first commercially available nanofibre interleaving veil used in carbon fibre reinforced composite materials. Produced using a proprietary production method, it is a nonwoven web consisting of kilometre long thermoplastic nanofibers. Xantu.Layr has been shown to improve the fracture toughness, strength after compression and fatigue resistance of composite laminates.

Selection process

Technical executives in the nonwoven/engineered fabrics industry who are charged with finding new technical ideas to help grow their businesses will vote for the recipient of the 2017 RISE Innovation Award, following presentations by each of the finalists on 13 September. The winner will be named on 14 September.

The finalists were selected by technical industry experts and members of the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, Technical Advisory Board. In 2016, the RISE Durable Product Award was presented to Suominen for Fibrella Lite, a nonwoven product for absorbent hygiene products.

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