INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, has wrapped up its 10^th annual World of Wipes (WOW) International Conference that took place last week, with attendees and board members giving the programme content, speaker presentations and networking high praise.

This year’s conference held at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Chicago attracted more than 400 registrants to discuss business in wipes, and receive information from over 25 valuable presentations, and interact during receptions, breaks, and organized dinners.

Strong growth and innovation

According to organisers, the turnout demonstrated the strength of the nonwovens wipe sector. “The attendance surpassed all prior WOW Conferences held during an IDEA year, which was just five weeks earlier,” said INDA President Dave Rousse.

“The strong growth and innovation in the wipes industry continues with no signs of abatement.  We’re seeing wipes with extreme creativity in usage and design, as well as elegant inline converting with multifunctional packaging and enhanced performance.”

Feedback

Attendees reported that they valued the new connections they made with participants who were unique in their interest of wipes.

According to INDA, WOW participants were engaged and attentive, gaining valuable insights in the global wipes business spanning all facets of the value chain, including flushability, manufacturing, packaging, standards, consumer awareness, equipment, and market trends.

Programme and atmosphere

Kicking off with an indoor and outdoor welcome reception sponsored by Kimberly-Clark Professional, the atmosphere throughout WOW encouraged face-to-face interactions.

Participants connected directly with hundreds of wipes professionals during receptions, tabletop displays, networking breaks, and optional opportunities for a Speed Networking luncheon and Dinner with an Industry Thought Leader, which participants said presented an “amazing opportunity for networking”.

Preceding the conference, INDA’s Wipes Academy was presented by Rob Johnson, PE, Principal, Smith, Johnson & Associates. The Academy is the first and only comprehensive wipes training for the entire wipes supply chain, organisers explain.

World of Wipes Innovation Award

Tec Laboratories’ Tecnu Bites & Stings Medicated Itch and Pain Relief Wipes was the recipient of this year’s World of Wipes Innovation Award. 

The annual award recognizes the product that most expands the use of nonwovens and demonstrates creativity, novelty, uniqueness, and technical sophistication within the entire nonwoven wipes value chain. Other finalists were: Kleenex Facial Cleansing Wipes from Kimberly-Clark Corporation and Keyser Cleaning Wipes from Kyser Musical Products.

Speaker highlights

Joe Quinn, Senior Director, Public Affairs and Government Relations of Walmart Stores, gave the keynote address entitled Walmart’s US Manufacturing Initiative to a standing-room only audience. His presentation focused on how the world’s largest retailer is supporting US manufacturing by working with companies to manufacture onshore. 

INDA’s Rousse presented on Flushability Opportunities and Challenges. He provided an update on the progress being made through collaboration, and perspectives on the threats to its flushable wipes sector, including lawsuits, legislative and regulatory activity, and global standards development.

Packaging Insights and Ideas featured presentations that were particularly timely and relevant. These included: Scott Hetherton, of HFM Packaging, on label bonds for peel and reseal packaging; Martin Johnson, of Nypro, on connecting to the Internet for reordering; and Stacy Fields, DOW Packaging and Specialty Plastics, on recyclable flexible packaging for wipes.

www.inda.org