EDANA, the global association and voice of the nonwovens and related industries, held its Nonwovens Innovation Academy from November 5-6, 2015, at the University of Leeds (U.K.), one of Europe’s largest universities. The 2015 edition of the Academy delivered a program with contributions from both the academic world and from the nonwovens and related industries. Bridging both worlds, sessions covered new materials, emerging technologies, processing recycled carbon fibers, modelling and performance enhancement.

Starting with a visit of the Nonwovens Research Group’s facilities at the University of Leeds, one of Europe’s largest academic groups specialising in nonwovens science and technology, the Academy’s presentations began with a keynote speech: ‘From incremental to breakthrough innovation – moving nonwovens innovation forward,’ by Dr. Bryan Haynes, director of Global Nonwovens Research & Engineering from the Kimberly-Clark Corporation.

“The 2015 edition of the NIA has delivered an outstanding opportunity for individuals to meet and exchange ideas and information. Attendants were inspired by the lab tour, the many papers, the product showcase and the fashion exhibition. With its mix of students, researchers and representatives from the industry, this event continues to promote the understanding and knowledge of the nonwovens science and technology, leading to new processes and applications,” says Marines Lagemaat, scientific affairs director, EDANA.

In addition to the papers presented in person during the Academy, delegates had the opportunity to visit a poster session showcasing academic projects and studies, and network during the breaks with their authors. The authors (students and researchers from a number of centers of excellence) have been selected to present their latest work within the broad range of topics pertaining to the scope of the Academy, with awards given to Robabeh Zohreh Gharaei (Leeds University) and Tarun Kumar Agrawal (University of Lille/ENSAIT) for their outstanding presentation.