INDA has announced the programme for the World of Wipes (WOW) International Conference, from July 17-20, in Atlanta, Georgia. Key topics will include Plastics policy: closing the “intention-action” gap, sustainable manufacturing practices, what consumers think about sustainability and how they are driving cultural change, supply chain transparency, wipes advancements, flushability developments, and a special CEO panel sharing their organisations’ approach to inflation, supply chain challenges, and capacity/demand balance.

Among the leading organisations presenting at this year’s event are Berry Global, Birla Cellulose, Bringabouts, Bureau Veritas, Diamond Wipes, Freudenberg Performance Materials, Glatfelter, Goodwipes, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, National Cotton Council, Mango Consulting, Plastics Industry Association, Rockline Industries, Sharon Laboratories, and Trützschler Nonwovens. Program and speaker details are available on the WOW website.

Two new features at WOW this year are Lightning Talks and Lunch Around. Lightning Talks are an opportunity for tabletop exhibitors to highlight their innovations in “supersized elevator speeches” to WOW participants. Lightning Talks will take place before the tabletop exhibits open Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. The Lunch Around opportunity will connect participants and thought leaders from the wipes industry at select downtown Atlanta restaurants on Tuesday and Wednesday. Space is limited and is first-come, first-served, INDA said in a press release.

WOW kicks off with the WIPES Academy, a comprehensive course including elements of market research, materials, chemistry, converting, and regulatory filing. This course has been redeveloped to include all aspects of wipes development from concept to commercialisation. The WIPES Academy is led by Heidi Beatty, chief executive officer, and Paul Davies, Ph.D., consultant, Crown Abbey LLC. Beatty and Davies bring decades of practical experience to give participants real-world solutions for product development challenges and tools to improve processes.

Registrations and tabletop exhibit reservations are open with early registration discounts offered until June 5. Nominations will be accepted for the World of Wipes Innovation Award until May 5, 2023.