INDA has announced that it will host the Research, Innovation & Science for Engineered Fabrics (RISE) conference on September 27-28, 2022, at the North Carolina State University. More than 20 industry experts will present their views on how material science innovations can create a more sustainable future for the nonwovens industry at the RISE conference.

Starting with responsible sourcing of nonwoven inputs to developing realistic end-of-life options and circularity opportunities, RISE will focus on rethinking, reusing and recycling nonwovens and engineered materials at the Talley Student Union in Raleigh. Co-organised by INDA and The Nonwovens Institute at North Carolina State University, registration is open and the full programme is available on the RISE website, INDA said in a press release.

Participants will learn what’s coming next with sessions on the following six themes: Towards a More Circular Industry; Advancement in Sustainable Inputs; Development in Natural Fibres; Sustainable Inputs: Fibres and Bio-fibres; Waste Not, Want Not, Sustainable Inputs from Waste Products; and Economic Insights and Market Intelligence. The 12th edition of RISE will bring together thought leaders in product development, materials science, and new technologies to connect and convene for the industry’s premier nonwovens science and technology conference.

Expert speakers will address the latest trends and innovations around circularity – an important component of sustainability strategies that aims to return a product into the supply chain, instead of the landfill, after users are done consuming it.

Bryan Haynes, senior technical director, global nonwovens, Kimberly-Clark will speak on ‘The Global Plastic Crisis: Who Will Be the Winners/Losers in The Marketplace?’.

Jason Locklin, director, University of Georgia, New Materials Institute and David Grewell, centre director, Center for Bioplastics and Biocomposites, will talk about ‘Sustainable Fibres – Developments and the Future.’

Olaf Isele, strategic product development director, Trace Femcare, will speak on the topic, ‘Hemp is Strong – Are You?’. Paul Latten, director of research and development and new business, Southeast Nonwovens, will speak on ‘Exploring Natural Fibres in Nonwovens.’

Heidi Beatty, chief executive officer, Crown Abbey, will speak about potential nonwoven applications of tree-free fibres made from microbial cellulose. Takashi Owada, general manager, Teijin Frontier USA, will explore more about ultra-fine fibres made from recycled materials.

The event also will feature the presentation of the RISE innovation award, a special opportunity to tour the Nonwovens Institute’s state-of-the-art facilities with advance registration required, and poster presentations by North Carolina State University graduate students.