INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, has announced the three finalists that will present unique and innovative material science solutions as they compete for the prestigious RISE Innovation Award during the ninth edition of the Research, Innovation & Science for Engineered Fabrics Conference, (RISE) from 24-25 September 2019 at North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC.

The award recognises novel innovations within and on the periphery of the nonwovens industry that creatively use next-level science and engineering principles to solve material challenges and expand the usage of nonwovens and engineered fabrics.

Meet the finalists

Hand washing and gel dispensers clean hands, but as soon as a person touches a door, they risk becoming contaminated from a previous door user. Surfaceskins, antibacterial door push pads and pull handles, are engineered by Nonwovens Innovation & Research Institute (NIRI) to kill deposited germs and bacteria in the vital seconds between one user and the next passing through the door, thus helping prevent the spread of some of the germs and bacteria associated with healthcare associated infections (HAIs).

The RF5 Technology is said to deliver the most productive, reliable, and efficient line technology Reifenhäuser has ever engineered. RF5’s intelligent production line is designed to reduce hard pieces by 90%; increase output up to 1,200 m/min; streamline maintenance time; reduce energy consumption; improve quality and productivity; and increase uniformity, strength, and softness of engineered materials.

The use of traditional permanent synthetic materials for abdominal wall hernia repair can create short- and long-term complications for patient health. The Remodelling Compound Hernia Patch by Shanghai Pine & Power Biotech is an electrospun nanoscale patch designed to mimic more costly absorbable biological grafts. The new cost-effective patch serves as a growth medium for new cells, ultimately biodegrading, and has been shown to reduce the rate of postoperative complications and recurrence of hernias matching the performance of absorbable biological grafts.

Expanding use of nonwovens

RISE conference attendees – professionals in the nonwoven/engineered fabrics industry, who are charged with finding “what’s new” to help advance their businesses – will vote for the recipient of the 2019 RISE Innovation Award, on 24 September. The winner will be named the following day.

The three finalists were selected by technical experts on INDA’s Technical Advisory Board. The 25-member board of technical professionals is represented by companies such as Absorbent Hygiene Insights, Berry Global, Cotton Incorporated, Crown Abbey, Freudenberg, Performance Materials, Lenzing Fibers, Natureworks, Nice-Pak Products, Nonwovens by Design, North Carolina State University, Poccia Consulting, Suominen, and The Procter & Gamble Company, among others.

In 2018, the RISE Innovation Award was presented to DiviDiaper for its product, DiviDiaper, designed to prevent and reduce urinary tract infections, catheter and associated infections, and pressure sores in infants and adults.

Conference programme

The conference programme will cover timely and relevant industry topics including: Sustainable Additives; Sustainable Polymers; Circular Innovation; Material Developments; and Market Data and Intelligence Trends.

“The RISE Conference recognises and promotes innovation across all nonwoven and engineered material sectors. Forward-thinking technology leaders will share invaluable information on new approaches and concepts to resolve material science challenges. For any technology scout or new product innovator, RISE is truly an event not to be missed,” said Dave Rousse, INDA’s President.

www.riseconf.net