EDANA, the leading global association and voice of the nonwovens and related industries, has closed the Nonwovens Innovation Academy, which took place from 5-6 November by the University of Leeds (UK), one of Europe’s largest universities.

The 2015 edition of the Academy delivered a programme with contributions from both the academic world and from the nonwovens and related industries. With content that literally bridges both worlds, sessions covered new materials, emerging technologies, processing recycled carbon fibres, modelling and performance enhancement.

Exchange of ideas

Starting with a visit of the Nonwovens Research Group’s facilities at the University of Leeds, one of Europe’s largest academic groups specialising in nonwovens science and technology, the Academy’s presentations began with a keynote speech: From incremental to breakthrough innovation – moving nonwovens innovation forward, by Dr Bryan Haynes, Director of Global Nonwovens Research & Engineering from the Kimberly-Clark Corporation.

“The 2015 edition of the NIA has delivered an outstanding opportunity for individuals to meet and exchange ideas and information. Attendants were inspired by the lab tour, the many papers, the product showcase and the fashion exhibition,” said Marines Lagemaat, scientific affairs director, EDANA.

“With its mix of students, researchers and representatives from the industry, this event continues to promote the understanding and knowledge of the nonwovens science and technology, leading to new processes and applications.”

Positive feedback

The two day conference was attended by 120 participants, many of whom expressed their satisfaction with the event: A few quotes from some of the 120 participants attending the 2-days conference. “It is my fifth participation to the Nonwovens Innovation Academy and each time I appreciate the variety of topics presented,” said one of the attendees.

In addition to the papers presented in person during the Academy, delegates had the opportunity to visit a poster session showcasing academic projects and studies, and network during the breaks with their authors.

The authors (students and researchers from a number of centres of excellence) have been selected to present their latest work within the broad range of topics pertaining to the scope of the Academy, with awards given to Robabeh Zohreh Gharaei (Leeds University) and Tarun Kumar Agrawal (University of Lille/ENSAIT) for their outstanding presentation.

www.edana.org