Focus on Materials & Collaboration for a Sustainable Future
This year, the World of Wipes® lands at the Hyatt Regency in Minneapolis Minnesota on June 17-20 with a theme of Innovation & Sustainability. INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, and presenters of the WOW conference, announced in February that they are undertaking Sustainability as a primary focus for 2024. This strategic initiative, backed by resounding support from INDA’s leadership, is a direct response to feedback from association members affirming that sustainability remains one of the nonwovens industry’s highest priorities. Of course, the theme will be a major force in all of INDA events through the year, including WOW, and into 2025.
INDA’s sustainability endeavor will center around three core pillars crucial to the industry’s future: Responsible Sourcing, End-of-Life Solutions, and Innovations in Sustainability. These pillars are evident in the stellar line-up of sessions over the three-day event.
Launching Products
Starting off is the annual offering of the two-day WIPES Academy, led by instructors, Heidi Beatty, Chief Executive Officer, and Paul Davies, Ph.D., Consultant, both from Crown Abbey, LLC.
From wipes design and production to cost implications and packaging, the two-day WIPES Academy is centered on every facet of the multibillion dollar wipes product and marketing sector from raw materials, converting, wet and dry wipes to medical, industrial, and consumer wipes. The course is essential for technical and management professionals interested in learning the research, development, and manufacturing of wipes. Pre-registration is required, and a separate class fee applies.
Wow-ing Attendees
WOW brings top industry leaders to the stage to discuss steps towards true sustainability. Three noteworthy sessions are:
Wipevolution: Unveiling the 50-Year Journey from Arthur Julius’ Vision to Nice Pak’s Innovation – Transforming Wipes into a ‘Wow’ Experience. Presenter: John Iarocci, VP – R&D and Quality, Nice-Pak. “Join me as we delve into the origins, progression, and significant milestones that define the remarkable trajectory of wipes, transforming them from a mere solution into a ‘wow’ experience for consumers” says Iarocci.
Divergent Paths: Unraveling the Dynamics of Sustainability in Industrial/Institutional Versus Consumer Settings. Presenter: Jonathan Fast, Senior Staff Scientist, Ecolab. Within the EU Single Use Plastic Directive, wet wipes are included as one of the ten items of concern – however, industrial wipes are specifically exempted. This talk will explore how sustainability implementation may differ between consumer and industrial wipes, both in product design and customer expectations.
Navigating Sustainability in the Wipes Landscape: A Global Perspective on EPR Legislation, Retail Requirements, and Innovative Packaging Solutions. Presenter: Desmond VanHouten, Ph.D., Sr. Marketing Manager, Amcor. Desmond will help attendees understand the different avenues wipes producers are exploring to achieve their sustainability objectives (recycled content, mono material, down gauging, etc.), while continuing to provide economically viable solutions to consumers.
The sessions noted are just the beginning of a wonderful program for attendees. Details on other sessions can be found at www.worldofwipes.org.
