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Fitesa bags INDA's RISE award for plant-based nonwoven

07 Mar '15

2 min read

Fitesa Simpsonville, a leader in the nonwoven fabrics industry, specializing in providing innovative fabrics for the hygiene, medical, and industrial markets, has bagged the Research, Innovation & Science for Engineered Fabrics Conference (RISE) 2015 Durable Product Award, for a new nonwoven material made entirely from plant-based materials for the hygiene and personal care markets, by INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry.

Fitesa 100 percent Biobased Spunbond, the new nonwoven material, was selected for the prestigious award from three other finalists based on votes from attendees and other INDA members at RISE Conference, which was held from February 9 to 12, 2015 in Miami, Florida.

The fabric’s core bicomponent configuration contains two bio-based polymers and features extreme softness and robust strength. The spunbond material offers a sustainable alternative to customers in such diverse applications as agriculture and landscaping, industrial wipes, as well as disposable soft goods, INDA reported in a press release.

Ray Dunleavy, Fitesa marketing, strategy, and business development director said, “We are pleased to be recognized by INDA for our collaboration with Braskem, a Brasilian petrochemical company, and NatureWorks, a US company that manufactures polymers, to develop a product that highlights and supports Fitesa’s commitment to performance and sustainability by replacing traditional petrochemical based materials with renewable products made from plants.”

Braskem and NatureWorks were motivated to launch the Fitesa product by increased consumer interest in green and sustainable product options, growing demand for products produced with renewable resources, sustainability initiatives by large consumer product companies, and pricing volatility of petrochemical-based polymers.

Since 1968, INDA events have helped members connect, learn, innovate, and develop their businesses. INDA educational courses, market data, test methods, consultancy, and issue advocacy help members succeed by providing them the information they need to better plan and execute their business strategies.

The RISE Durable Product Award is presented to a durable nonwoven product chosen for their innovative use of nonwoven fabric and/or technology that is commercially sold and used in the consumer or industrial marketplace. (GK)

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India