Hygienix 2025 brought together hundreds of industry leaders to explore advancements in the absorbent hygiene and personal care markets during the 11th annual Hygienix event, held November 17-20 in Orlando, Florida. INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announced Confitex Technology as the winner of the 2025 Hygienix™ Innovation Award for its groundbreaking Washable Nonwoven Sanitary Pads, recognizing exceptional innovation in absorbent hygiene materials, products, or technologies.

In addition to Confitex, other award finalists were Dukane for its Curved Leg Elastic (CLE) technology and ZymoChem for its BAYSE circular superabsorbents technology. were also recognized for their significant contributions to advancing performance, sustainability and consumer well-being in absorbent hygiene.

“The innovations presented this year demonstrate remarkable creativity and a clear focus on improving lives while advancing environmental stewardship,” says Tony Fragnito, INDA President & CEO. “The level of collaboration and innovation seen at Hygienix continues to raise the bar for our industry.”

The 2025 Hygienix™ Conference fostered meaningful connections through multiple networking formats, including:

• Women in Nonwovens (WiN) Luncheon – Encouraging mentorship, leadership, and collaboration among women in the industry.
• Lightning Talks – High-energy, five-minute presentations from exhibiting companies.
• Evening Receptions & Exhibits – Showcasing breakthrough technologies and supplier capabilities across absorbent hygiene.
• Lunch Around with Olivia Ahn, MD, Co-Founder, Planera – Sharing her start-up journey and sustainability vision.
• Welcome Reception – An informal kickoff Monday evening connecting industry peers and innovators.

The conference featured a comprehensive technical program and three Pre-Conference Workshops on absorption systems, menstrual care innovation, and baby and infant care market dynamics.

Throughout the week, attendees explored presentations and panel discussions on:

• Circularity and sustainable materials, including bio-based fibers, PFAS-free chemistries, and flushable packaging.
• Regulatory, testing, and consumer trends shaping product design and market growth.
• New applications such as pet care, eczema-friendly testing, and private label innovation.

Speakers represented a global cross-section of the value chain, including Absorbent Hygiene Insights, BAHP, Cycleology, Euromonitor International, Kuraray Europe, Lenzing AG, ProVerde Environmental, SmartSolve, Soane Materials, Trützschler Nonwovens, Woolchemy NZ, and many others.

This year’s event was well-received by all attendees, drawing global participation from brand owners, converters, material and equipment suppliers, and entrepreneurs committed to advancing performance and sustainability in absorbent hygiene.

“Hygienix continues to be the must-attend event for anyone driving innovation in the absorbent hygiene sector,” says Matt O’Sickey, PhD, INDA Director of Education & Technical Affairs. “From start-ups to multinationals, the insights and connections made here have a lasting impact on our industry’s progress.”