This conference series was developed to highlight success stories in entering and expanding in the advanced nonwovens market. Detlev Käppel, from Tenowo GmbH, and Michael Effing, of Composites Germany, gave the keynote talks at the start of each morning of the two day event.

In keeping with the original theme of the conference, Detlev Käppel spoke about how they as a traditional German textiles company transformed into a 21st century leader in engineered nonwovens and technical textiles. Michael Effing spoke about how the composites market has created new opportunities for fibre”based reinforcements.

Nonwoven applications

Industry expert and conference chair Adrian Wilson communicated the findings from two major market studies on nonwovens. Other speakers discussed the use of nonwovens as automotive components for lightweighting and as substitutes for other materials; as flexible reinforcements for composites, and as highly”efficient filter media. Their potential in energy generation and storage, as second life carbon fibre components and as groundbreaking new medical devices and implants were also detailed.

On the technology front, the growing commercial adoption of nanofibre layers and coatings was a key theme, as were the expanding applications for both spunmelt and spunlaced nonwovens beyond their established use in the disposable hygiene and wipes mass markets. Attendees convened in Prague for the two day symposium.

Participation and feedback

“We were very impressed with the level of attendees, and the range of organisations at this event,” said conference chair Adrian Wilson. Participants declared the event a valuable and unique opportunity to co”locate different strands of the global industry together in one venue, organisers report.

Networking between speakers and delegates alike was easy during the conference, particularly in the exhibition area and during the conference reception at the end of the first day. Lively and extended discussion was enabled during the Q&A and forums at the end of each of the five sessions.

Examining market, product and technology intelligence for advanced nonwovens, the five sessions consisted of Performance nonwovens – why and how; Pioneering applications – pushing the limits of possibility; Game”changing technologies; Finding the right market from a wealth of applications; and New materials, new opportunities.

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