Vying for the prestigious prize are Advanced Absorbent Technologies’ Alyne Protective Underwear, Kimberly-Clark’s Huggies Little Snugglers Nano Preemie Diaper and Procter & Gamble’s Pampers Swaddler Preemie Diapers.

Each company uses nonwoven/engineered fabrics in a novel, technically sophisticated and uniquely creative and expansive way to make their products more comfortable for infants or adults wearing them, INDA reports. Selected by technical industry experts and members of INDA who serve on the Technical Advisory Board, the voting will next move to the attendees of Hygienix 2017 who will choose their favourite after seeing the products and hearing presentations on 7 November.

The awards presentation will take place on 9 November and the event will also feature recognition of the winners of the INDA Lifetime Technical Achievement Award and the INDA Lifetime Service Award.

Award finalists

Advanced Absorbent Technologies’ Alyne Protective Underwear manages fluid absorption in protective underwear differently by using multiple layers of different superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) that absorb at different rates, from quick absorption to complete absorption without bulkiness. The SAP layers are diamond quilted in a pocketed structure, sandwiched between layers of polypropylene spunbond and then ultrasonically bonded together. According to the company, this design can provide stability, excellent SAP absorbency management, thinness, dryness for more comfort and discretion that provides the wearer confidence through protection.

Kimberly-Clark’s Huggies Little Snugglers Nano Preemie Diaper are designed specifically for babies weighing less than two pounds. Each diaper is hand inspected to protect these fragile babies. To promote healthy growth and development, the product has gentle, specially-sized fasteners coupled with a narrow and flexible absorbent pad, providing a flexible fit so that baby can be comfortably and appropriately positioned. The soft, smooth liner and gentle leg gathers can keep baby dry without irritating fragile, underdeveloped skin.

Procter & Gamble Company’s Pampers Swaddler Preemie Diapers aim to ensure that the smallest babies can have the proper fit, tailored features and a soft touch. These diapers are specially designed for premature infants with NICU nurses around the world. The “right-sized” diapers include customizable features that enable minimal disruption to care. The new micro-preemie P-3 is a size smaller than the P-2 micro-preemie, sized to fit babies less than 800g and includes improvements to the contour fit core, absorbency, fastening and gentle flex cuff.

INDA Award presentations

Another event highlight will be the presentation of two INDA awards. The Lifetime Technical Achievement Award will be presented on 7 November, to an INDA Member who has been in the industry for 20 years and significantly contributed to the technical advancement, commercial success or growth of the industry through technical training of groups and individuals or authoring innovative technical publications and papers. It was presented posthumously in 2016 to nonwovens educator and consultant, Edward A. Vaughn, PhD.

The Lifetime Service Award will be presented on 8 November, to an INDA Member with a long-established record of service to the association and the industry as a whole for over 20 years. Last year’s recipient was Bob Dale, Vice President Capital Engineering Group, Berry Global Group, Inc.

Hygienix will provide attendees with opportunities to connect with more than 500 global business leaders shaping the industry, including many who work in technical roles. This year’s event features 24 presentations, two panel discussions and more than 15 hours of scheduled face-to-face informal breakfasts, coffee breaks and receptions, as well as tabletop displays.

www.inda.org