The seventh edition of Hygienix will display innovations in the hygiene and personal care markets. INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, will host Hygienix from November 15-18, 2021, in Scottsdale, Arizona. More than 300 participants have signed up for the forum.

INDA reports that more than 300 participants have signed up to attend the conference with participation expected to approach pre-pandemic levels in the 500 range. Among the conference highlights will be the selection of the Hygienix Innovation Award. The three finalists are all tapping into key trends that are driving growth in this segment, innovation and sustainability, with products that promote health and a healthy environment, INDA said in a press release.   

The INDA/EDANA global nonwovens markets report found that product innovation has been and will continue to be a driver in absorbent hygiene products, specifically the quest for discrete products that are thinner, quiet and odourless.

Chris Nelson, business development manager, will provide an overview of the new patent-pending expandable core wrap design that allows the core to expand within the containment wrap as the product is insulated, regardless of the blended fluff and Superabsorbent Polymer (SAP) ratio. The expandable wrap enables higher SAP cores, resulting in thinner, more absorbent hygiene products. Core materials stay contained within the wrap, reducing leakage risk, decreasing skin irritation, and improving skin health. The expandable core wrap design is available for product cores with and without channels.   

Vishal Bansal, vice president, innovation, will share how GlatPure Back Sheet from Glatfelter differs from most back sheets in today’s market that are made from plastic film and nonwovens such as Polyethylene (PE). Unlike materials that are comprised of fossil-fuel-based raw materials, the GlatPure back sheet is produced from natural fibres, resulting in the ability to be fully compostable and compliant with the European Single-Use Plastics Directive. This barrier sheet layer used in diaper, incontinence and feminine care products secures against leakage and provides reliable protection while remaining comfortable and discreet, according to INDA.

Kudos diapers from Kudos is also one of the award finalists.

After seeing the products and hearing the finalist’s presentations, Hygienix participants will vote for this year’s Hygienix Innovation Award winner. The winner will be announced by INDA president, Dave Rousse.

The Hygienix conference programme will focus on compelling topics including 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; 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.

The conference will also feature two nonwovens workshops, a welcome reception and opportunities for 60 tabletop displays with receptions.