Industry innovators, technology scouts and business leaders in nonwovens and engineered materials came together for the RISE (Research, Innovation & Science for Engineered Fabrics) Conference, held October 1-2 in Raleigh, NC. Co-hosted by INDA and The Nonwovens Institute at North Carolina State University, the event delivered cutting-edge insights into sustainability, focusing on advanced recycling methods, bio-based materials, circular economy strategies, potential plastics regulations, and packaging solutions. Attendees explored a comprehensive range of technologies aimed at recapturing the inherent value of fibers, nonwovens and textiles. Breakthroughs in process technology and product design were showcased, emphasizing how manufacturers and consumers can achieve more with fewer resources. The event also spotlighted alternative, carbon-negative raw materials as a key innovation.

Hempitecture, Inc. won the RISE Innovation Award for their PlantPanel material. PlantPanel is a rigid continuous insulation material used in exterior above-ground applications. With an R Value of R3.25 per inch, PlantPanel adds to thermal and acoustic comfort and performance. Engineered with a density to resist compression and deflection, PlantPanel is used in split-insulation wall and roof assemblies with either a rain screen cladding or roofing material, depending on the application. With 100% biobased and recycled content, PlantPanel is a sustainable, low carbon continuous insulation solution that’s easy to install and safe to handle.

The RISE Innovation Award finalists included Ahlstrom for the Dual-Layer Filtration Media and Berry Global for their ENDURA rPP Spunbond & SMS.

TiHive won the 2023 RISE Innovation Award for their SAPMonit technology. TiHive’s innovation, SAPMonit – a technology breakthrough, inspects millions of diapers weekly. SAPMonit delivers lightning-speed inline inspection of superabsorbents’ weight and distribution, optimizes resources, detects flaws, and accelerates R&D. SAPMonit utilizes advanced see-through cameras, high-speed vision algorithms, and secure cloud integration, revolutionizing industry norms. SAPMonit has great potential for sustainability, cost reduction, and enhanced customer satisfaction.

Arnold Wilkie, president and owner, Hills, Inc., received the INDA Lifetime Technical Achievement Award. Wilkie has a distinguished career in advancing yarn, fiber and nonwoven technologies since 1970. Since 1988, he has been president and owner of Hills, Inc. where he has sustained their innovative culture. Wilkie has over 40 patents and applications covering yarns, bicomponent fibers, ultra-fine fibers, nanofibers, dissolvable filaments, meltblown nonwovens, and polymer processing innovations. He established Hills as a leading innovator in bicomponent fiber nonwovens and in the equipment to produce these materials. During Wilkie’s time leading Hills, their pilot capabilities have become well-known and highly regarded for enabling material innovations.

“I am extremely honored to receive this award, and to contribute to the nonwovens industry. Today’s nonwovens processes produce defect free fabrics at >5,000 SQ-Mt/Min. Multicomponent fibers produced from spin-packs with >35,000 Holes and having >1Million individually metered polymer streams have contributed to advanced commercial capabilities. Speaking with our neighbors in the high-tech Space Coast of Florida, I am proud to realize that the nonwovens industry has created a comparatively advanced technology.”

During Tuesday evening’s reception, posters from 30 graduate students representing top nonwoven, textile, and fiber programs, along with corporate presenters, were displayed—significantly more than in previous years. Students, their faculty advisors, and industry professionals shared their latest research, engaging with attendees to discuss key findings and future goals. “Many of the posters showcase technologies that are immediately ready for market implementation,” noted one attendee.

 RISE 2025 will take place in Raleigh, NC, October 14-15, 2025.