Edana, the leading global association and voice of the nonwovens and related industries, closed the two-day Nonwovens Innovation Academy spread over November 5 and 6, which was hosted by the University of Leeds (UK).

The 2015 edition of the Academy delivered a programme with contributions from both the academic world and from the nonwovens and related industries. With content that literally bridges both worlds, sessions covered new materials, emerging technologies, processing recycled carbon fibres, modelling and performance enhancement, edana said in a press release.

Starting with a visit of the Nonwovens Research Group’s facilities at the University of Leeds, one of Europe’s largest academic groups specialising in nonwovens science and technology, the Academy’s presentations began with a keynote speech: ‘From incremental to breakthrough innovation – moving nonwovens innovation forward’, by Dr Bryan Haynes, Director of Global Nonwovens Research & Engineering from the Kimberly-Clark Corporation.

“The 2015 edition of the NIA has delivered an outstanding opportunity for individuals to meet and exchange ideas and information. Attendants were inspired by the lab tour, the many papers, the product showcase and the fashion exhibition. With its mix of students, researchers and representatives from the industry, this event continues to promote the understanding and knowledge of the nonwovens science and technology, leading to new processes and applications” said Marines Lagemaat, scientific affairs director, Edana.

In addition to the papers presented during the Academy, delegates had the opportunity to visit a poster session showcasing academic projects and studies, and network during the breaks with their authors. The authors (students and researchers from a number of centres of excellence) were selected to present their latest work within the broad range of topics pertaining to the scope of the Academy, with awards given to Robabeh Zohreh Gharaei (Leeds University) and Tarun Kumar Agrawal (University of Lille/ENSAIT) for their outstanding presentation. (SH)