WOW 2019 provided valuable programme content with the latest innovations and presentations. © INDA

INDA’s 13th annual World of Wipes (WOW) International Conference connected 390 participants from 19 countries to advance their wipes business in Atlanta, GA, last month.

The event provided valuable programme content with the latest innovations and presentations from industry leaders on issues, market trends, and statistical data to plan business strategies, as well as a 1.5-day WIPES Academy training course.

“World of Wipes was a great experience and a productive meeting for us,” said Howard J. Bochnek VP – Technology and Scientific Affairs, North American Infection Control and American Infection Control. “We are looking into the other upcoming INDA programs, and especially intend to be at WOW again next year.”

World of Wipes Innovation Award

Among the event highlights was the announcement of Danufil QR Fibres from Kelheim Fibres as the winner of this year’s World of Wipes Innovation Award. The innovative new fibre is a positively charged viscose fibre that does not bind to “quat” disinfectants, can be processed with all nonwoven technologies, and is fully biodegradable.

Held at the Westin Peachtree Plaza, in Atlanta, the event attracted 54 tabletop displays to connect and create commerce with meaningful relationships throughout the entire wipes supply chain.  “The strength and value of the World of Wipes event was clearly demonstrated at the tabletop display evenings when exhibitors and conference attendees continued their conversations well after the exhibition concluded—people were so engaged they didn’t want to leave,” said Dave Rousse, INDA President.

Programme content

Programme sessions included consumer trade and trends, sustainable & transparent formulations for home & personal care products, infection protection, material developments in wipes, sustainability challenges in single use plastics, and preservative developments.

Featured speaker Lisa Morden, Vice President, Safety and Sustainability, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, and Tracy A. Doucet, Senior Director, Research and Engineering, Kimberly-Cark Global Nonwovens, presented Wiping Responsibly, featuring insights into Kimberly-Clark’s methods to create a more circular model for a sustainable future.

Participants connected face-to-face with hundreds of wipes professionals during the Welcome Reception atop the 49th floor in The Commerce Club, with stunning views and live music, to connect with fellow industry professionals.

Preceding the conference, INDA’s Wipes Academy was conducted by instructor Rob Johnson, PE, Principal, Smith, Johnson & Associates. “This year’s programme content addressed the critical issues of our industry – economics, sustainability, and political issues facing wipes producers and marketers. WOW serves as the nexus for international wipes professionals to convene and connect,” said Mr Rousse.

INDA announced that WOW 2020 will be held from 22-25 June, at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, in Minneapolis, MN.

www.worldofwipes.org

Further reading

Kelheim Fibres wins WOW Innovation Award