Nonwovens association INDA has announced the three finalists for the 2025 Hygienix Innovation Award.

The companies involved will present their new products at Hygienix, the premier event for absorbent hygiene professionals, taking place from November 17-20 at the Omni Orlando ChampionsGate in Florida.

The first finalist is Confitex Technology for its development of washable nonwoven sanitary pads. As regulators, retailers and consumers move towards a greener future, a new category of washable absorbent hygiene products is creating opportunities for the nonwovens industry. Confitex has created and patented the world’s first washable nonwoven sanitary pads designed for scalability without the need for SAPs (superabsorbent polymers).

A second contender is Dukane for its  curved leg elastic (CLE) technology which redefines how elastic strands are attached in hygiene product manufacturing. By enabling the ultrasonic bonding of curved elastics without any hotmelt adhesive, CLE eliminates material waste, simplifies construction and enhances product performance. For the first time, manufacturers can seamlessly integrate curved and straight elastic strands within the same lamination using ultrasonic technology alone.

The third finalist is  ZymoChem for the development of Bayse, the world’s first scalable, bio-based, microplastic-free and biodegradable superabsorbent polymer.

Designed as a drop-in replacement for fossil-based SAPs, Bayse offers a significantly lower carbon footprint while matching the performance of conventional materials and enabling seamless integration into existing manufacturing processes. 

Last year, Hiro Technologies received the 2024 Award with its world-first ‘mycodigestable’ diapers, featuring plastic-eating mushrooms and combining excellent absorbency with sustainable, natural materials.

“Hygienix Innovation Award finalists represent the future of absorbent hygiene,” says Matt O’Sickey, INDA’s director of education and technical affairs. “These companies are pushing boundaries with solutions that address consumer needs, sustainability goals and performance demands. Their work highlights the innovative spirit that drives our industry forward.”

www.hygienix.org