Diana Heelis, public affairs consultant representing Kimberly-Clark, was awarded the EDANA Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her dedication to the industry, and contribution to the Association’s activities for more than 20 years. Heelis received the award during the EDANA Board of Governors in Brussels, Belgium.
 
Since first participating in the Association’s working groups in April 1991, Heelis has seen the growth of the EDANA staff, and representation of its member companies, with a nearly two-fold increase from 160 member companies and a largely European focus to more than 230 member companies with activities and representation of the nonwovens and related industries across the globe. Heelis has participated, and sometimes led, a total of 13 committees or working groups, helping to provide regulatory and communications support to the industry.
 
Representing Kimberly-Clark, Heelis has been a critical voice in representing nonwoven personal care products including baby diapers, feminine hygiene care products, wet wipes and incontinence products. During her tenure, industry guidelines covering the use and labeling of tampons have been launched and adopted as industry standards.
 
“EDANA is delighted to present Diana with this prestigious award for her continuous support,” says Pierre Wiertz, general manager of EDANA. “Diana’s long-term involvement in the Association’s product stewardship activities has helped to improve the awareness and understanding of the role nonwoven products play in our everyday lives, including the benefits they bring to people at every stage of their life.”
 
In receiving the award, Heelis said, “It is both a surprise and honor to receive this award. I have been proud to participate in activities for the last 23 years that have not only helped to provide our industry with support and a harmonized approach to topics, but also represent Kimberly-Clark and the products that we produce for customers across the globe.”