INDA, the association of the nonwoven fabrics industry, has announced that nominations are open for the 2024 World of Wipes Innovation Award. This award recognises a product or technology in the wipes sector that creatively uses nonwovens. The award will be presented at the World of Wipes (WOW) International Conference, to be held from June 17-20, at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis.

Nominations will be accepted online through April 15. Nominees will be selected from a range of products and technologies that have been commercially available two years prior to WOW 2024. Products and technologies may include end product components, fabrication techniques, or end-products that use a nonwoven technology. Award categories include dry or wet wipes, institutional or industrial wipes, raw materials, and equipment. Three finalists will present their innovations to industry leaders attending WOW on June 18. The winner will be announced on June 20, INDA said in a press release.

The 2023 World of Wipes Innovation Award was presented to Indorama Ventures and Polymateria for their nonwoven wipe using biotransformation technology. This innovative 100 per cent polypropylene spunlace wipe utilises advanced biotransformation technology, meeting the BSI PAS 9017 specification. The wipe is compatible with mechanical recycling, however, in the event it becomes fugitive, and exposed to heat, sunlight, air and moisture, will transform into a harmless, bioavailable wax at its end-of-life, returning safely to nature without leaving behind microplastics or toxins. This polypropylene wipe represents a significant leap towards eco-friendly, sustainable nonwoven hygiene products.