US' INDA announces 2022 RISE Innovation Award finalists

The award recognises novel innovations within and on the periphery of the nonwovens industry that creatively use next-level science and engineering principles to solve material challenges and expand the usage of nonwovens and engineered fabrics.

The finalists for the award are Cat Litter Made from Recycled Nappies – DiaperRecycle, sero hemp fibres – Bast Fibre Technologies, Inc. and Biodegradable Diaper Components – Gottlieb Binder GmbH & Co. KG.

DiaperRecycle has developed technology to recycle used diapers into cat litter. The aim of the company is to make an environmental impact and decrease the climate changing emissions of diaper waste. They’re diverting used diapers (used in households and businesses such as elder care) from landfill, separating the plastic and fibre and making cat litter. The plastic is prepared for recycling by plastics recyclers. The cat litter product is made by DiaperRecycle from the super absorbent fibre of diapers; it’s highly absorbent and flushable.

Together, Avgol and Binder have taken on the challenge of disposable absorbent articles for the good of future generations and came up with sustainable diaper components. The technologies used are based on biotransformation technology, which makes it possible to achieve more sustainable products by supporting recycling and providing an alternative route for non-recyclable/fugitive waste management.

Bast Fibre Technologies’ sero hemp fibres offer the nonwoven industry an all-natural substitute for plastic fibres. From dedicated European and US-based production facilities, BFT transforms raw bast fibres into premium natural fibres for applications ranging from single-use and durable wipes to industrial applications. Suitable for minority or majority blends, sero hemp combines easily with standard nonwoven fibres to produce fabrics that meet the industry requirements for strength, uniformity, and processing efficiency.

RISE conference attendees, technology scouts and product developers in the nonwoven/engineered fabrics industry seeking new developments to advance their businesses, will electronically vote for the recipient of the 2022 RISE?Innovation Award. The winner will be announced on September 28, INDA said in a press release.

Technical experts on INDA’s technical advisory board selected three finalists from among 12 nominations.  The 22-member board of technical professionals is represented by companies such as Absorbent Hygiene Insights LLC, Attindas Hygiene Partners, Berry Global, Cotton Incorporated, Crown Abbey, LLC, The DAK Group, Fi-Tech, Inc. Freudenberg Performance Materials, Glatfelter Sontara Old Hickory, Inc., Lenzing Fibers, Inc., Natureworks LLC, Nice-Pak Products, Inc./PDI, Nonwovens by Design, Norafin (Americas) Inc., The Nonwovens Institute at North Carolina State University, Poccia Consulting, LLC, The Procter & Gamble Company, RKW North America, Inc., Rockline Industries, Smith, Johnson & Associates, Suominen Corporation, and Texas Tech University.

In 2021, the RISE Innovation Award was presented to Canopy for their Canopy Respirator.

“The RISE Conference recognises and promotes innovation across the nonwoven and engineered material industry. Technology leaders will share invaluable information on innovative new approaches and concepts to resolve material science challenges. For any technical leader, technology scout or new product innovator, RISE is an event not to be missed,” said Tony Fragnito, INDA’s president.

The conference programme will cover relevant and timely topics including: Creating a Circular Industry, Advancements in Sustainable Inputs in PLA, Developments in Natural Fibres I and II, Sustainable Inputs in Fibres and Biofibres, Sustainable Inputs from Waste Products, and Economic Insights and Market Intelligence.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RR)