MOVERS & SHAKERS Absorbent Hygiene Professionals Advance Innovation and Sustainability at Hygienix™ in Nashville

INDA brought together hundreds of industry leaders to explore advancements in the absorbent hygiene and personal care markets during the 10th annual Hygienix™ event, held Nov. 18-21 at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel.

Driving Absorbent Hygiene Product Innovation: Consumer Desires, Market Dynamics & Sustainability Solutions was the theme, and key sessions included pricing strategies, global trade impacts, FemTech, adult care, period poverty, emerging pet care and wound care markets, environmental regulations on plastics and PFAS, and the impact of aging societies.

An event highlight was the presentation of the 2024 Hygienix Innovation Award® to HIRO Technologies, Inc . Their innovative World’s First MycoDigestable Diapers features plastic-eating mushrooms that combine excellent absorbency with natural materials. The team and an example of the decomposing diapers combined with the mushroom are pictured above.

The two other notable finalists were:

• Harper HYGIENICS S.A.’s Cleanic Naturals Hemp Sanitary Pads (Day & Night) and Pantyliners, an innovative femcare line made with regenerative hemp fibers from Bast Fibre Technologies.

• Hello Hazel, Inc.’s High & Dry Briefs, the first and only disposable briefs for leaks designed to look, fit, and feel like real underwear.

INDA and EDANA Release the Eighth Global Nonwoven Markets Report

NDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, and EDANA, the Voice of Nonwovens, announced the release of the Global Nonwoven Markets Report, A Comprehensive Survey and Outlook, 2023–2028, now available for purchase through both INDA’s and EDANA’s websites.

This latest edition offers a comprehensive analysis of global nonwoven macro drivers, supply and demand trends, and an expanded regional trade section. The report forecasts a steady growth in demand for nonwovens across key sectors over the next five years. Key insights from the report include:

• Production Growth: From 2013 to 2023, nonwoven production increased at an annual rate of 5.4%, with significant growth driven by the spunlaid and needlepunch processes.

• Regional Production: China led global production growth, contributing an additional 4.5 million tonnes from 2013 to 2023 – a remarkable 9.4% annual growth rate.

• End-Use Expansion: Wipes, medical, and transportation segments experienced the fastest expansion among nonwoven end-use applications.

“The global nonwovens industry is changing in a positive way with moves toward innovation and sustainable products,” said the report’s co-authors Jacques Prigneaux, Market Analysis & Economic Affairs Director at EDANA and Mark Snider, Chief Market and Industry Analyst at INDA.

Attendees gained insights and knowledge during three hands-on training sessions on Nov. 18, focused on fundamentals of absorption systems and opportunities in adult incontinence, innovations in menstrual care, and baby and infant care market dynamics.

Hygienix kicked off with a welcome reception that fostered networking. Attendees explored emerging trends and product innovations through Lightning Talks, connected with successful hygiene start-ups during Lunch Around sessions, and discovered the latest offerings at tabletop exhibits.

“Hygienix exemplifies INDA’s commitment to empowering companies in the absorbent hygiene and personal care markets to advance their businesses,” said INDA President Tony Fragnito.

Hygienix 2025 will be held Nov. 17-20 at Omni Amelia Island Resort, Fernandina Beach, Florida. www.hygienix.org

The report offers a detailed breakdown of regional demographics, production forecasts, technological advancements, and investment outlooks for North America, Greater Europe, Asia, and South America. It also includes an economic trade analysis, end-use segmentation, and insights into future industry trends.

“As strategic partners, INDA and EDANA are committed to sustained growth and innovation within the entire nonwovens supply chain. The Global Nonwoven Markets Report presents our collective best estimate on future demand, predicated on sound macro-economic analysis,” said INDA President Tony Fragnito. “It is an essential planning resource for strategic planning within the nonwovens supply chain.”

“The demand for reliable market information and forwardlooking data is a vital ingredient for a thriving business. This new report, developed by our two leading nonwovens industry associations, draws on decades of experience, close observation, and direct data collection from hundreds of companies,” stated EDANA General Manager Murat Dogru. “Created by the industry for the industry, it stands as an authoritative nonwovens data resource.” www.inda.org/global-nonwoven-markets-report; www.edana.org/ trainings/publications/statistics-nonwovens-report2023-2028