Advances in absorbent hygiene and personal care products that are more sustainable for a healthier future will be presented by industry-leading experts at Hygienix 2021. The expo for absorbent hygiene and personal care markets will be held from November 15-18, 2021, in Scottsdale, Arizona by INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry.

The programme will delve into such topics as New Options for a Responsible End-of-Life; Product and Process Innovation in Absorbent Hygiene Products (AHPs); Haptics: Four Approaches to Assessing Feel, and E-Hygiene Advancements. 

Notable Hygienix presenters include Susan Thoman, principal and managing director, Compost Manufacturing Alliance, will provide a Compost Industry Perspective on Compostable Product Development. Attendees will learn about issues related to composting hygiene and personal care products including labelling and other emerging legislation and material challenges, the company said in a media statement.

Nick Carter, vice-president of marketing, and DeeAnn Nelson, North America, research & development and innovation manager, Avgol Nonwovens will present Biotransformation Technology in Polyolefin Fibers and Nonwoven Fabrics, Focus on Fugitive Used Articles. This compelling talk will examine waste single-use articles in the environment, recycle-friendly, biologically-sourced colorants and other aspects of sustainability.

Behnam Pourdeyhimi, William A. Klopman distinguished professor and executive director, North Carolina State University, The Nonwovens Institute, will be joined by other leaders in Haptics Assessments in discussing the use of data and analysis to develop products that have the tactile feel consumer’s desire.

Olaf Isele, nonwovens consultant, Metaxi SimBioSys, will lead the intriguing session on Smart Sensors: Absorbent Hygiene Products on ‘Fire’ and ‘Siri.’ The innovative nonwovens expert, formerly of Procter & Gamble, will explore how modern absorbent hygiene products are becoming electronic information systems for tracking such developments as wellness of babies and incontinence among senior populations using smart devices. 

Other themes that will be spotlighted in sessions by top speakers are Absorbent Hygiene Products Market Stats, Trends and Policy Insights; Feminine Care: Challenges to the Status Quo; and New Approaches and Unmet Needs in Baby and Incontinence AHPs.

In addition to the in-person conference, the event will feature two nonwovens workshops, a welcome reception, opportunities for 60 tabletop displays with receptions, 30 presenters engaging in eight moderated panel discussions, and presentations for the Hygienix Innovation Award and the INDA Lifetime Service Award.