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The 2011 Research, Innovation & Science for Engineered Fabrics (RISE) Conference was held Oct. 3–6 in Raleigh, N.C., attended by product managers, technical salespeople, product engineers, purchasing managers, research engineers and executives from both the durable and disposable segments of the nonwovens industry. The conference is sponsored by INDA, Association for the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry.
Among the highlights of the conference was the presentation of the inaugural RISE Durable Product Award to Aptra Elements, from RKW U.S. The award recognizes a durable nonwoven product using nonwoven fabric and/or technology that is commercially sold in the consumer or industrial marketplace. During the competition, five finalists made presentations, and attendees voted for the award winner. Aptra Elements is a metallic, highly reflective, breathable air barrier membrane made of waterproof, UV-stabilized polypropylene and nonwoven. The material maintains strength and flexibility without metal surface rub-off or oxidation, and has multiple applications in the building, architecture, construction, marine, tent and upholstery industries.
The other finalists for the RISE Durable Product Award: UltraTouch Denim Insulation, from Bonded Logic; Soft Binding Sole, from Intermedius; PIG Grippy Mat, from New Pig Corp.; and Norafin Komanda, from Norafin (Americas) Inc.
The tenth annual INDA Award for Lifetime Technical Achievement was presented to industry veteran Mike Putnam of PGI, who was instrumental in developing continuous filament APEX technology at Chicopee/PGI, and the INDA Lifetime Service Award was given to Morris T. Collins Jr. of RKW US Inc.