Joe Quinn, Senior Director of Public Affairs and Government Relations, will share his perspective on Walmart’s US Manufacturing Initiative and discuss how the retailer is working with companies to on-shore manufacturing, grow sales of U.S.-made products, source locally and comply with INDA’s Code of Practice for labelling wipes.

WOW 2016 will be held at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers, opening with a reception on 7 June, followed by the conference, tabletop displays, and networking opportunities.

Quality content

The event attracts the largest number of wipes industry professionals from the entire wipes value chain. INDA is expecting a repeat performance to this year’s event that drew over 500 people to Atlanta and surpassed all prior WOW conferences.

“Walmart is the largest retailer of wipes and hearing its perspectives on the supply chain will be of great interest to our industry and members,” said INDA President Dave Rousse.

“We are expecting a large and positive response to the keynote presentation by Joe Quinn and the other valuable presentations throughout the entire Conference. This quality content enables WOW to continue to grow in importance to all participants in the wipes industry.” 

Programme

Another key presentation will be from Doug Petkus, Senior Vice President, Corporate Practice, Ketchum, on Crisis Management, a challenge for brand owners when an ingredient or preservative creates an issue in the consumer’s view.

Interest is expected to build around the programme that includes the latest in trends and statistics, flushability, disinfecting and industrial wipes, skin care/facial wipes, flavours and fragrances, and preferences of Millennial consumers. 

The educational content will be highlighted with panel programmes that address conflicting EPA and FDA requirements, and packaging from the manufacturing perspective.

World of Wipes Innovation Award

INDA is also calling for nominations for the prestigious World of Wipes Innovation Award, which recognizes and rewards product innovation within the entire wipes value chain that expands the use of nonwovens.

Products should demonstrate advancements in such areas as creativity, novelty of approach, uniqueness and technical sophistication. The 2015 award winner was Clorox ScrubSingles kitchen pads. Nominations are due by 4 April, organisers report.

www.inda.org