INDA President David Rousse said the North American nonwovens industry is ‘strong, dynamic and constantly evolving’, speaking to hundreds of international industry leaders from across the consumer products value chain at the 2014 VISION Consumer Product Conference in Dallas, Texas.

In his state of the industry address at the annual event, he noted that nonwovens production has grown by more than 5% annually over the last five years versus 0.7 percent annual GDP growth in the US over the same period.

“INDA member companies are continuing to invest in new expansions and upgrades, and even in other players in the industry, resulting in consolidation,” Rousse said. “The nonwovens industry is poised to benefit from the GDP gains to come in 2014 in all of the major global economies. It is a strong and vibrant industry and will remain so for a long time.”

Game changers

Presented by INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, the event that took place from 27-30 January at The Westin Galleria drew attendees from across the value chain, including roll goods manufacturers, converters, raw material suppliers and end product manufacturers.

Some of the potential ‘game changers’ that could create market opportunities in 2014 include the impact of China’s growth, Healthcare Associated Infections (HAIs), shale fracking, millennial consumers, wiper rules and sustainability. 

C-level executives, senior leadership, plant management and executives working in consumer product sales, marketing, quality control, engineering and purchasing were among the 330 attendees of the conference, which featured networking, workshops, presentations and the Visionary Award ceremony.  

Rich programme

Jeff Fromm, Executive Vice President, Barkley, and Kit Yarrow, PhD, Golden Gate University, addressed the topic of using nonwoven diapers and wipes in their presentations. Other keynote speeches focused on the flushability of wipes, new materials, hygiene products and sustainability.

“The speaker line-up was absolutely first-class and the networking opportunities were outstanding,” said Todd Bassett, Chairman of the INDA Board. “A well-attended reception positioned the VISION Consumer Products Conference off to a strong start that continued throughout the three-day event.”

Beantown Bedding LLC, a Visionary Award finalist, said presenting their new Laundry-Free Linens, compostable bedding to attendees at the conference was a positive networking experience. “We made so many great connections at INDA’s VISION Consumer Products Conference,” said Joan Ripple and Kristen Lambert, owners of the Boston-based company.

INDA

The conference has been held for the 13^th year. The Association announced that the 2015 Vision Consumer Products Conference will be held from 9-12 February 2015 at the Hilton Miami Downtown in Miami, Florida.

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, serves hundreds of member companies in the nonwovens and engineered fabrics industry.

Since 1968, INDA events have helped members connect, learn, innovate and develop their businesses. INDA educational courses, market data, test methods, consultancy and issue advocacy help members succeed by providing them the information they need to better plan and execute their business strategies.

www.inda.org