INDEX17, the largest global meeting place for the nonwovens supply chain and their customers, launched today with an awards ceremony showcasing excellence in the nonwovens and related industries.

EDANA’s INDEX17 Awards are the highest accolade for excellence in the nonwovens industry and highlight the creativity and innovation demonstrated by businesses of all sizes and from all parts of the nonwovens supply chain. Winners for each category, together with summary comments from the judging panel were announced.

Nonwoven roll goods

Berry Plastics has been recognised for its Nuvisoft proprietary melt spun technology, which combines a unique filament profile geometry with a soft bond pattern for enhanced softness. Nuvisoft allows for enhanced coverage at lighter weights, lower air permeability, denser winding and facilitates improved printing.

Finished or composite products made from, or incorporating, nonwovens

Dreamweaver Gold 20 microns, from Glatfelter, is a nonwoven separator for ultra-safe lithium ion batteries. Dreamweaver Gold is said to provide outstanding safety and cycle life with low electrical impedance and high porosity in a uniform stable sheet.

Raw materials or components of special relevance to the nonwovens industry

A super absorbent polymer (SAP) made entirely from renewable resources, Spongel, developed by Magic, is said to offer the highest level of absorption and retention of liquids available for bio-based materials. Mainly a cellulose-based material, it is suitable for both food packaging and hygiene applications.

Innovation in machinery of special relevance to the nonwovens industry

GDM has been awarded for its Rear Wing Zero Waste. An upgrade for the baby diaper manufacturing line, the new kit saves on raw material usage and reduces size change time to zero. The all-new design includes linear motion technology for side shifting without replacing the mechanical cam and the possibility to automatically correct the rear wing position.

Sustainable product

Self Sufficient Relief Tents by Hassan Group won in the Sustainable product category. The product is the result of a social responsibility project aimed at providing eco-friendly nonwoven tent fabrics to improve living conditions in refugee camps. The fabrics provide comfort through improved heat and sound insulation, increased flame retardancy and enhanced breathability and anti-bacterial properties.

Sustainable process or management practice

 Suominen Corporation has been recognised for its Blind Hiring Recruitment Process. A pioneering recruitment process increases diversity in the workforce and ensures equal opportunities for applicants of all genders, ethnicities and ages. The initiative offers a proven method to prevent prejudice and nepotism in the recruitment process. 

Commitment to innovation

“The winners and nominees recognised here today are testament to the commitment to innovation in our industry, but also to the ability of creative developers in the whole nonwovens supply chain to meet the challenges of our times, from resource management to energy storage, relief help and social responsibility,” commented Pierre Wiertz, general manager of EDANA.

“These products and services provide a snapshot of how our industry is changing and developing – it is a privilege to witness first-hand the fruit of these efforts and know that the success of our sector is in safe hands.”

The winners were presented with their specially commissioned bronze sculpture and a diploma at the awards ceremony. The INDEX17 awards jury was comprised of a former senior nonwovens entrepreneur and manager, a representative of the nonwovens industry trade press, an international independent consultant and two top academic nonwovens R&D experts.

www.index17.org