INDA’s second biennial Converting and Bonding (CAB) Conference that took place from 6-8 May in Greenville, SC, has reportedly satisfied attendees by delving into topics such as technology advancements, converting treatments and techniques, as well as global trends in the nonwovens and engineered fabrics industries.

John Gearhart, Nonwoven Textile Solutions, LLC, and INDA’s CAB 2014 Conference Chairman, said: “This very successful conference brought together a diverse audience for the most recent information in converting, bonding and needlepunch technologies for the automotive and furnishings markets. The conference explored multiple solutions to very specific challenges, including handling automotive waste during the manufacturing process.”

Providing the latest information

The conference organised by the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry addressed market needs largely met by needlepunched fabrics with a focus on the automotive and furnishings market segments.

It gave attendees the latest information on government policies; recycling, repurposing, and reusing automotive waste; new nonwoven applications; and unique flame retardant processes and applications.

Some of the highlights of the conference included:

• Steven Yializis with Sigma Technologies presented the plasma self-assembly process for the functionalisation of synthetic textiles;
• David Roisum from Finishing Technologies shared solutions for winding nonwovens;
• Steven J. Grossman of Grossman, Tucker, Perreault & Pfleger, PLLC, reviewed the new US patent law;
• Jaime C. Grunlan from Texas A&M University showed attendees how anti-flammable nanocoatings can be used for textiles by using renewable and/or environmentally-benign materials.

Focus on critical technologies

Dave Rousse, INDA President, commented: “This event encompasses multiple market segments in the durables sector. It focuses on critical technologies and processes for the carded side of the engineered fabrics/nonwovens industry.”

“Attendees gained an increased awareness of market and business intelligence as well as regulatory updates. This event delivered knowledge and enabled business connections to help their organisations improve their sales and processes.”

Business networking opportunities

Other features of the conference included a Speed Networking luncheon in which attendees had a chance to meet 50 professional industry contacts in two hours.

The conference also included multiple business connection segments during evening receptions, tabletop displays and activities.

At the conference, Roland Zimmer, President/CEO, Zimmer America, said: “INDA provides excellent industry representation from manufacturers to machinery to suppliers to recycling. It’s very inclusive.”

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