INDA has opened the nomination process for industry professionals to submit hygiene product and technology innovations that use nonwoven fabrics in novel, technically sophisticated, uniquely creative and expansive ways for its first-ever Hygienix Innovation Award.

Formerly the Visionary Award, the prestigious honor will be presented at Hygienix 2016, Oct. 24-27 at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Universal Studios, in Orlando, FL. Nominations can be submitted online by July 29 to www.inda.org/events/hygienix16.

INDA is seeking submissions of new (since Oct. 2014) commercially available disposable and durable hygiene products, end product components, fabrication techniques, or use of a nonwoven technology during manufacturing. Specific categories that will be considered for the award include feminine hygiene products, diapers, incontinence products, raw materials, equipment technology, reusable products or technologies, and composites or laminates that use nonwovens.

Finalists will present their innovations to attendees at Hygienix, the premier event for the absorbent hygiene and personal care markets. The winner will be announced on Oct. 27.

Last year’s Visionary Award was presented to Sienabena, LLC for BabyBackups, a diaper extender made of superabsorbent materials that adheres to an existing diaper to contain diaper explosions.

The 2015 inaugural event in St. Petersburg, FL, drew more than 600 industry professionals to advance their businesses. Presentations of new products, the educational program, and scheduled events foster face-to-face interactions designed to provide attendees with valuable market intelligence and product insights that advance their business.

“Hygienix 2016 promises to again be a must-attend event for the entire supply chain of absorbent hygiene and personal care products,” says Dave Rousse, INDA president. “The Hygienix Innovation Award is an important element of the conference intended to recognize and therefore stimulate excellence in product innovation.”

Keynote speaker Bruce Lavash, research fellow, Vic Mills Society, The Procter & Gamble Company, will speak on Consumer Research Insights & Adventures. Other Hygienix highlights will include educational sessions covering: Product End-of Life Options for Disposables; Trends and Market Data; Haptics as a Competitive Advantage; Materials and Technical Advancements; Incontinence Absorbency; Smart Materials; and Printing: High Speed Options for Nonwovens.

The event also will feature Dining with Thought Leaders, where attendees dine in small groups with their selected speaker of choice; networking opportunities to connect with other attendees; and tabletop displays with two evening receptions.

For information on the Hygienix Innovation Award nomination, contact Linda Gowen, [email protected], 919-459-3720. For registration information on Hygienix 2016, visit http://www.inda.org/events/hygienix16.