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RISE 2011 Focused on 21st Century Success Strategies

14 Oct '11

4 min read

Executives from both the durable and disposables segments of the nonwovens industry gathered last week in Raleigh, N.C. for the second annual Research, Innovation & Science for Engineered Fabrics (RISE) Conference, sponsored by INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry.

“Once again RISE succeeded in providing forward-thinking companies with the tools they need to compete in today's – and tomorrow's – business environment,” says INDA President Rory Holmes. “One of INDA's mandates is to provide our member companies with the information to advance progressive thinking in the global nonwovens and engineered fabrics industry and RISE addressed these needs for all of the attendees.”

As with all INDA events, networking among suppliers and customers was a key component of RISE, Holmes adds. “This conference facilitates the sharing of ideas and strategies that will drive our industry as a whole into the future. RISE is about the business as a whole moving forward together for the benefit of all individuals and companies.”

In attendance was Chris Anderson, EcoSynthetix, who commented that “innovation, inspiration and great networking best describe my experience at the RISE 2011 conference. This event is helping innovative companies like mine reach many key nonwoven industry leaders in just a few days.”

Tibor Duris with Preluna attended the RISE Conference for the first time and said, “There were many interesting contacts with experts from different countries and factories, many constructive discussions about concrete projects promising us new and interesting business relationships. Our conclusion from the conference: Added value and properties to nonwoven textiles is the name of the game!”

The audience for RISE ranged from product managers and technical sales and marketing executives to product engineers, purchasing managers and research engineers at both consumer and industrial products companies.

Among the highlights of the RISE Conference, which was held from October 3-6 at the Sheraton Raleigh Hotel in Raleigh, was the presentation of the inaugural RISE Durable Product Award to Aptra Elements, from RKW US. The RISE Durable Product Award recognizes a durable nonwoven product using nonwoven fabric and/or technology that is commercially sold and utilized in the consumer or industrial marketplace.

In the RISE Durable Product Award competition, five finalists made presentations and RISE attendees voted on the recipient of the 2011 Award. The winner, Aptra Elements, from RKW US, is a metallic, highly reflective, breathable, air barrier membrane made of waterproof, UV-stabilized polypropylene and nonwoven. The material maintains strength and flexibility without metal surface rub-off or oxidation and can be used for multiple uses within the building, architecture, construction, marine, tent and upholstery industries.

The other finalists were UltraTouch Denim Insulation, from Bonded Logic; Soft Binding Sole (SBS), from Intermedius; PIG Grippy Mat, from New Pig Corporation, and Norafin Komanda, from Norafin (Americas), Inc.

Also at RISE, the tenth annual INDA Award for Lifetime Technical Achievement was presented to industry veteran Mike Putnam, of PGI, who was instrumental in developing continuous filament APEX technology at Chicopee/PGI, and the coveted INDA Lifetime Service Award was given to Morris T. Collins, Jr., of RKW US, Inc.

INDA is the leading global association of the nonwoven fabrics industry. Since 1968, INDA has provided a variety of industry focused networking events to help members increase sales and market share. INDA is the nonwoven industry's premier source for market leading education, global forecasts, testing standards and trend reports which provides members the information and knowledge to better plan and execute their business. Through its on-the-ground efforts in Washington DC, INDA provides members a strong voice within government on topics that affect the nonwovens industry.

INDA