The seventh edition of RISE – The Research, Innovation & Science for Engineered Fabrics Conference – has announced keynote speakers presenting innovations in global plastics extrusion, multifunctional fabric technologies, innovative apparel manufacturing, and disruptive engineered materials.

Registration is now open for the conference, which is organised by INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, and which takes place from 12-14 September at the Sheraton Raleigh Hotel, Raleigh, NC.

Keynote speakers

Bernd Kunze, Dr Ing, CEO, Reifenhäuser REICOFIL, will present a leading machine producer’s perspective for expanding conceptual planning with the latest predictive analytical techniques. Keith Hoover, V.P., Material Process & Color Innovation, Under Armour, will discuss the  global manufacturing landscape and new manufacturing models for apparel creation.

Yoel Fink, PhD, CEO, Advanced Functional Fabrics of America, and Director, Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, will present the leading edge multifunctional fibre devices that are extending the frontiers of fibre materials. Finally, Behnam Pourdeyhimi, PhD, Professor, North Carolina State University, and Director, The Nonwovens Institute, will present potentially disruptive material science technologies and key areas of materials research.

Key insights

Evolutionary thought will be at the forefront of RISE with forward-looking presentations on topics essential for today’s engineered fabrics industry technology scouts. Here are some of the key insights that will be shared:

• Christian Lenges, Business Development for BioMaterials in DuPont Industrial BioScience, will discuss examples of new biomaterials along with a series of applications that provide differentiated performance in engineered fabrics.
• Anke Domaske, Founder & Managing Director, Qmilk GmbH, will explain how Qmilk combines with viscose and cellulose for natural fibre authenticity, 100% renewable, antibacterial, with the smallest C02 footprint and zero waste.
• Hardy Sullivan, Vice President, Market Development, Crypton Inc., will explore a patented system that transports moisture away from the skin for quick dispersal for improved skin health and comfort.
• Ayyoub M. Momen, PhD, Research and Development Staff, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, will discuss the world’s first ultrasonic clothes dryer, which is said to demonstrate an improved drying technology with high-frequency mechanical vibrations instead of heat.

Innovative and stimulating

“The RISE conference embraces INDA’s mission to stimulate, recognise, and reward innovation in fibre technologies, material science, and engineered fabric solutions,” said Dave Rousse, INDA president.

“We are delighted to host these inspiring trailblazers at this year’s Conference and offer attendees the chance to have one-on-one conversations with technology innovators and business leaders. It is appropriate that the event is held in the acclaimed Research Triangle, as Raleigh is the named home to a broad range of high-tech companies and educational resources.”

A highlight at the RISE Conference will be the RISE Innovation Award. This Award will recognise innovation in areas within and on the periphery of the nonwovens industry. Products for consideration should use advanced science and engineering principles to deliver unique or intricate solutions to problems. Nominations for the Award are accepted until 22 May 2017.

www.inda.org