New concepts, commercial development and added-value were the emerging themes from the presentations given to delegates over the two day Conference on Nonwovens for High-performance Applications in Cannes, France on 5-6 March.

 

The first ever NHPA gave participants the opportunity to meet and discuss many areas of the emerging high-performance end of the nonwovens industry.

 

17 speakers presented papers examining how they have made the change from commodity to high-performance nonwovens, how technology is creating new markets with new processes, materials and machinery and how the search for new high-performance applications are shaping these developments.

 

There were over 70 attendees from Asia, North America and Africa as well as Europe. Initial feedback from delegates was highly positive, as a participant from Freudenberg Vliesstoffe, Germany commented, “The conference was really good and showed a lot of new and interesting technologies. In addition it was a great chance to meet and discuss with colleagues from all different kinds of nonwoven related companies”.

 

François-Xavier Delatte from Duflot Industrie observed “Technical nonwovens are going to play a significant part in new innovative smart materials for many applications, and this new conference will play a role in this commercial development”.

 

Another delegate noted “The conference was very valuable from the content of the papers presented and in terms of business links as most symposia are usually for commodities applications for the hygiene industry. It’s helpful to exchange ideas and promote opportunities for high tech nonwovens applications” 

 

Marc Levillain of JX Nippon ANCI SAS France added, “It was a very productive event where most of us learnt something. We hope it will be continued as it fulfills a real demand.”

 

“The event as a whole proved a very good showcase for the business to promote and demonstrate its innovative product design and commercialisation capabilities” said David Hill of Technical Absorbents, UK.

 

One of the exhibitors at the conference, Omnova Solutions of France, also said, “The conference was both enjoyable and, professionally, valuable. Thanks to all concerned for the event”.