INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, has announced the three finalists for the RISE Innovation Award ,to be announced during the 11th edition of the Research, Innovation and Science for Engineered Fabrics Conference, (RISE) to be held virtually from September 28-30, 2021. 

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

The three finalists, who will present their developments during the conference are:

-New York-based Canopy, the developer of a respirator that is fully mechanical, and non-electrostatic, with a filter designed for superior breathability while offering the wearer facial transparency. It features 5.5mm water column resistance at 85 litres per minute, two-way filtration, and a pleated filter that contains over 500 square centimetres of surface area. The patented Canopy respirator resists fluids and eliminates the fogging of eyeglasses.

-Johns Manville, for its latest Evalith 1000 Series glass mats which exploit Alpha Binder – a formaldehyde-free, non-toxic high bio-carbon content binder formulation. Alpha Binder eliminates monomer and polymer synthesis, uses a bio-degradable catalyst, and requires 70% less water in manufacturing. Energy consumption during manufacturing of the Evalith 1000 glass mats is consequently reduced by over 70% compared to alternative petroleum-based binders.

-Florida-based TiGuard, for a new protective fabric made from monolithic or hybrid impervious/moisture eliminating membranes, with a surface covered with microfibres. This multi-layer, scrim-supported, all-polyester nonwoven is intended specifically for chemical and microbial protective fabrics and garments. It is constructed of compatible heat sealable materials which lend themselves to the automated manufacture of garments without sewing.

RISE attendees will electronically vote for the winner of the award, with the winner announced on Thursday September 30th.

The 2020 RISE Innovation Award was presented to The Nonwovens Institute for its high efficiency spunbond filter.

“Our Virtual RISE conference promotes and rewards innovation across all nonwoven and engineered material sectors,” said INDA president Dave Rousse. “These finalists demonstrate new technology approaches and concepts that resolve our increasing material science challenges. For technology scouts and product developers challenged to find ‘what’s next and what’s new,’ RISE is a must-attend event.”

www.inda.org