WOW International conference to address role of post-pandemic wipes

The shift from “clean” to “safe” in the world of wipes will be among the key topics thought-leading speakers will address at the in-person event. The information-packed programme will tackle timely topics to support decision making on the following key themes: Circular and Sustainable Wipes, Supply Chain Challenges in Wipes, Nonwoven Substrates for More Sustainable Wipes, Trends in the Wipes Market and Among Consumers, Disinfection Concerns and New Technologies, Sustainable Wipe Packaging Trends and Developments in Flushability Issues.   

Last year’s COVID-impacted event drew 475 professionals from around the world to attend in Atlanta, and INDA is anticipating another enthusiastic industry response for its 16^th conference edition that is exclusively focused on the wipes sector, INDA said in a press release.

Speakers will focus on the future of the $17 billion wipes sector amid changing consumer trends, supply chain complexities, sustainable packaging demands, and medical disinfection challenges among other thought-stimulating sessions.

Some of the presentations from which industry participants will learn include:

• Lifestyle Shifts and the World of Wipes: Meeting the Changing Consumer Demand to Secure Growth – Liying Quian, research analyst, Euromonitor International, will explore personal and beauty care trends based on consumer surveys that could shape wipes’ long-term performance
• The Supply Chain – Import Pressures Versus Domestic Manufacturing – Jacob Smith, director, supply chain and customer care, health, hygiene, and specialties division, North America, Berry Global, will share his expertise and experience on how COVID-19 has impacted domestic production and international sourcing of wipes
• Packaging Sustainability:  A Global Perspective – David Clark, vice president of sustainability, Amcor, will look at how consumer brands, retailers and others are responding to consumer demand for more sustainable packaging and discuss progress and risks in the US and other countries
• How Sustainable are You Willing to Be? New Technology to Support Use of Recycled Fiber Sources – Richard Knowlson, principal, RPK Consulting, will tackle the question of how new manufacturing technology can help produce more sustainable nonwoven substrates in today’s price-sensitive environment
• Dead Turtle Logos – What We Know So Far in the EU – Heidi Beatty, chief executive officer, Crown Abbey, LLC, will share the latest learnings on the European Union’s Single Use Plastic Directive and the impact of the plastic-free packaging logos on consumer attitudes
• Challenges and Pitfalls of Scaling Up a Waste Cleaning Wipes Collection and Recycle System – Sergio Barbarino, research fellow, fabric and home care open innovation, Procter & Gamble Distribution Company Europe, will look at cleaning wipes’ potential to be recycled and become a convenient pioneering experimental platform
• Case Study: Surface Disinfection Incompatibility with Medical Devices Creates Potential Patient Risks – Caroline Etland, Ph.D., RN. CNS, ACHPN, associate professor, Hahn School of Nursing, BINR, University of San Diego, will share real examples of the issues healthcare facilities face with surface disinfection incompatibility that make cleaning and disinfection a major challenge

In addition to the dynamic conference programme, WOW 2022 also features two nights of tabletop displays and receptions; the presentation of the World of Wipes Innovation Award and the INDA Lifetime Technical Achievement Award and 11 hours of face-to-face engagement during a welcome reception, first-time attendee mentorship programme, and breakfast connections. The event kicks off with the WIPES Academy, a 1.5-day value-added training opportunity on June 27-28.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RR)