INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, is seeking nominations from companies of innovative nonwoven products and technologies for its 5th annual Research, Innovation & Science for Engineered Fabrics (RISE) Durable Product Award at the RISE conference, to be held from January 25 to 28, 2016, at Le Meridien Hotel in New Orleans.

RISE offers two and a half days of game-changing research, innovation, and science. The event focuses on future of engineered materials with leading-edge speakers, product displays and the award presentation.

The RISE Durable Product Award is given annually to a durable nonwoven product chosen for its innovative use of nonwoven fabric and/or technology that is commercially sold and used in the consumer or industrial marketplace.

INDA will consider various categories such as raw materials, roll goods, converting, packaging, active ingredients, binders, additives and end products for nominations. Products should exhibit one of more of the following characteristics: creativity, novelty of approach, uniqueness and technical sophistication. The submission deadline is October 30, 2015. Nominations are being accepted online at INDA’s website, according to a press release.

INDA president Dave Rousse said, “RISE is designed for technology scouts focused on new developments that are beyond the research phase and have the potential to be integrated rapidly into an attendee’s commercial products.”

INDA serves hundreds of member companies in the nonwovens/engineered fabrics industry in global commerce. Since 1968, INDA events have helped members connect, learn, innovate, and develop their businesses. (GK)