The upcoming Research, Innovation, and Science for Engineered Fabrics (RISE) conference will focus on the latest technologies for recyclability, sustainability, and efficiencies in the nonwoven fabric sector. This year’s event is slated for September 26–27, 2023 at the Talley Student Union, NC State University, Raleigh, North Carolina.

The conference is intended to shed light on innovative strategies to minimise nonwoven waste while maintaining high productivity and a low defect rate. It will also cover techniques for downgauging material without compromising on requisite properties. A key focus area will be energy conservation, and how businesses can cut costs while improving their environmental footprint, organiser INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, said.

Expert sessions on transforming discarded materials into new needlepunch fabrics will explore how recycling is carving out fresh opportunities in the nonwoven industry. Attendees will also be guided on improving business strategies based on insights gleaned from the conference.

Among the featured speakers are industry stalwarts like Tobias Wagner, manager, research and development at Reifenhauser REICOFIL GmbH and Co KG, who will discuss cost-efficient sustainability and softness. Johann-Philipp Dilo, CEO of Dilo GmbH, will elaborate on ‘micropunch’ needling—a green technology breakthrough for energy savings. Moreover, Lothar Kaierle, VP sales nonwovens at American Truetzschler, Inc will bridge the gap between needlepunching and recycling.

RISE has positioned itself at the vanguard of sustainable technologies and global innovations, with presentations from scientific leaders set to deliver thought-provoking research and intelligence. The conference will explore next-gen materials and applications that could influence both near and long-term product strategies. Furthermore, it promises transformative solutions that will help reconfigure supply chains and update legacy processes, added INDA.

The conference is designed for technology scouts, senior scientists, development engineers, product managers, and business developers. Attendees will gain insights into diverse areas including the future of nonwovens, advances in filter media, rPolymer demand, sustainable applications, and industry market statistics and data trends.

RISE 2023 will also be the stage for the RISE Innovation Award and the Lifetime Technical Achievement Award. Early registration with savings ends August 14, 2023, offering delegates an opportunity to be part of this event driving sustainable change in the engineered fabrics industry.

The conference is co-organised by the Nonwovens Institute and NC State University.