INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, is excited to announce the three finalists for the 2025 Hygienix Innovation Award. These finalists, representing cutting-edge advancements in absorbent hygiene products (AHPs), will present their innovations at the Hygienix™ event, the leading gathering for absorbent hygiene professionals. The event will take place from November 17–20 at the Omni Orlando ChampionsGate in ChampionsGate, Florida.
The 2025 Hygienix Innovation Award will be revealed on Thursday, November 20th, at 10:40 am. Let’s take a closer look at the finalists and their contributions to the industry.
1. Confitex Technology – Washable Nonwoven Sanitary Pads
Confitex Technology is redefining sustainability in the absorbent hygiene space with the world’s first washable nonwoven sanitary pads. Designed to reduce landfill waste, these pads offer a reusable alternative to single-use products. By eliminating the need for superabsorbent polymers (SAPs), Confitex has created a solution that not only meets the growing demand for environmentally friendly products but also offers scalability for widespread adoption. Their mission is to transform hygiene practices while reducing the environmental footprint of the industry.
2. Dukane – Curved Leg Elastic (CLE)
Dukane’s Curved Leg Elastic (CLE) technology introduces a new way to attach elastic strands in hygiene product manufacturing. This innovation uses ultrasonic bonding instead of adhesives, eliminating material waste and simplifying the construction process. By enabling the seamless integration of curved and straight elastic strands, CLE sets a new standard in sustainable, high-precision elastic attachment. This technology improves product performance and offers a more efficient manufacturing solution for the absorbent hygiene sector.
3. ZymoChem – BAYSE™
ZymoChem is leading the way in sustainable chemical production with BAYSE™, the world’s first scalable, bio-based, microplastic-free, and biodegradable Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP). BAYSE™ serves as a drop-in replacement for traditional fossil-based SAPs, offering a significantly lower carbon footprint while maintaining performance. This breakthrough product is helping the hygiene industry move toward more sustainable practices by reducing reliance on petroleum-based materials.
Looking Back at Innovation
Last year, the Hygienix Innovation Award went to HIRO Technologies, Inc. for its MycoDigestible Diapers, which featured plastic-eating mushrooms to create a sustainable, absorbent hygiene product.
A Closer Look at Hygienix™ 2025
Hygienix 2025 will be packed with learning, networking, and collaboration opportunities. Attendees can look forward to two evenings of exhibits and receptions, interactive workshops on absorbent hygiene systems, advances in menstrual care, and a special luncheon for Women in Nonwovens (WiN). Featured conference sessions will tackle key topics such as the economics of the absorbent hygiene industry, private label growth, and the challenges surrounding regulation and misinformation.
Event Highlights Include:
Beyond the Innovation Award, Hygienix 2025 will deliver a powerful program of learning, networking, and collaboration, including:
- Two Evenings of Exhibits & Receptions – Engage with leading suppliers and solution providers shaping the future of absorbent hygiene.
- Workshops: Three workshops Monday afternoon covering absorbent hygiene systems, advances in menstrual care, and a deep dive into baby, infant, and toddler care.
- Women in Nonwovens (WiN) Luncheon – Fostering mentorship, leadership, and collaboration across the industry.
- Lightning Talks – Fast-paced 5-minute presentations spotlighting exhibitor innovations.
- Lunch Around with Olivia Ahn, MD, Co-Founder of Planera – Hear her inspiring start-up journey firsthand.
- Welcome Reception – Kick off the event with the ever-popular Welcome Reception in a relaxed, informal atmosphere Monday evening.
Featured Conference Sessions
Attendees will gain insights and strategies from sessions tackling the industry’s biggest opportunities and challenges:
- The Illusion vs. Reality of Absorbent Hygiene Products Entrepreneurship – Overcoming Start-Up Hurdles (and Panel Discussion)
- Economic Realities: Profit, Pressure, and Possibility
- Panel Discussion: Servicing the Shift – Private Label as a Growth Engine
- Finding Growth: Paws & Planet
- Disruption Ahead: Misinformation, Regulation, and Testing in Absorbent Hygiene
- Designed with the Consumer in Mind
- Absorbent Hygiene Construction with Non-Traditional Inputs
- Flushable by Design
- Sustainable by Design
Hygienix™ 2025 promises to be a pivotal event for those shaping the future of absorbent hygiene products. Register today to secure your spot and be part of the conversation that will drive industry progress.
For more information, visit hygienix.org.
