INDA’s 4^th annual RISE 2013 Conference brought together technology seekers in the global nonwovens and engineered fabrics value chain for discussions about the latest technical innovations, and how they can be applied to help create value-added, more competitive products.

The conference took place from 30 September – 3 October at the Grand Hyatt in Denver, Colorado, welcoming more than 200 attendees, including a diverse group of marketing and technical executives, business development leaders and technical scouts.

“This year’s RISE conference delivered outstanding content and connection opportunities for all attendees. Both are key elements of INDA’s mission to provide thought leadership in innovation and technology to help members be successful. We are delighted with all the positive feedback we have received and the continued growth in attendance,” commented INDA president Dave Rousse.

Highlights of RISE 2013

Topics and innovations discussed during presentations and sessions at the RISE 2013 Conference included:

• 3D Printing and how this technology is changing manufacturing and the expanding opportunities it affords the engineered fabrics industry.
• Phase Change Materials for nonwovens and how they can be used to control the microclimate in bedding and apparel products.
• Protecting Intellectual Property under the new America Invents Act and how to develop an action plan for nonwoven companies.
• Using IP Literature to identify product focus areas and potential opportunities in the marketplace.
• New cost-effective RFID tagging technology for hygiene applications and how it can improve the performance of adult incontinence products.
• Microfluidic-Fabric Interfacial Technology for Biofluid Manipulation offers a highly efficient new method to transport biofluids and improve fabric performance.
• A Nanofibre Technology Panel Discussion highlighted the next generation applications for nanofibres, the impact of high volume, low cost nanofibre production, the current state of nanofibre production and the health and safety of nanofibres and nanotubes.
• Dine with Industry Thought Leaders provided an opportunity for attendees to meet and dine with key industry executives in a roundtable format to discuss innovation, game changing technologies, and the latest trends and requirements in the medical, automotive and construction markets.

RISE Durable Product Award

This year’s RISE Durable Product Award was awarded to RTI International for their NLITe Nanofibre Light Improvement Technology.

NLITe is an innovative, energy saving technology platform for the lighting industry using nonwovens. This technology can be applied to any lighting fixture to create 20% more light while using 0% more energy.

The other two nominees were Bonar’s Colback Profloor nonwoven backing, designed to improve tuftability for carpet producers, and Dell Seven/GMX’s ThermalDrain patented synthetic board for below grade waterproofing, an alternative to fiberglass.

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