From the CEO Table of Contents
Letter from the CEO As I complete my first year as INDA’s President, I am increasingly optimistic about the future of the nonwovens industry and INDA’s evolving capabilities to foster global collaboration, innovation, and growth. During the peak of the COVID pandemic, INDA’s leadership had the foresight to undertake a facilitated review of the organization to position INDA for the future. This work resulted in a strategic vision summarized by 5 key objectives – Convene and Connect, Promoting Industry Relevance, Advocacy, Market Intelligence and Workforce Development. Since June 2022, my focus has been to recruit, restructure, and retool the INDA staff for the challenges of delivering these strategic objectives and supporting the evolving needs of a global community of nonwoven stakeholders. In the following pages, you will see examples of this evolution in programs, services, and resources to support this vision. For 2023, we have developed a theme of Relevance. INDA must be more relevant to our industry and members. We are achieving this by listening to and expanding the ranks of our membership and stakeholders as we evaluate programs, services, and priorities. We are focused on developing and disseminating relevant content distributed broadly and targeted to the right individuals. Some of these initiatives include: member sustainability success stories published on our website, a webinar series addressing a broad range of industry topics, responding to feedback from our community related to market intelligence offerings, and updating and expanding our workforce development materials and formats. We also realize we can not do this alone. INDA is actively expanding existing relationships with complementary organizations and seeking new partnerships to support our objectives, all for the benefit of the industry. As you review these materials I hope you are energized by the momentum and prospects of an INDA focused on supporting the industry and the needs of its members. Please feel free to reach out to any member of the team to discuss how INDA can support your organization or the industry at large. We exist to help you advance your business.
Letter from the CEO
1
About INDA
2
Convene & Connect
3-4
Drive Industry Relevance
5-6
Advocate for the Nonwovens Industry
7-8
Deliver Market Insights
9-10
Provide Workforce Development
11-12
Collaborate on a Global Scale
13
Meet the INDA Staff
14
INDA Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry 100 Crescent Green, Suite 115 Cary, North Carolina 27518 Phone: 919.459.3724 email: info@inda.org website: www.inda.org
Tony Fragnito Page 1
Learn more about INDA Membership inda.org/indamembers/ or membership@inda.org
About INDA About INDA Since 1968, INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, has served thousands of companies in the nonwovens/ engineered fabrics industry. INDA has helped the nonwovens industry and its members convene, connect, innovate, and develop their businesses. INDA’s events, educational courses, business intelligence, market insights, test methods, consultancy, and issue advocacy help members succeed by providing the information they need to better plan and execute their business strategies. INDA member companies represent the nonwovens value chain. From raw materials and roll goods producers, to machinery manufacturers and converters, to brand owners, INDA fosters industry and member success through various activities.
n Protecting markets that are important to the industry through focused product stewardship; n Advocating for industry sectors impacted by regulatory or consumer-driven issues; n Innovation & Technology through conference content, recognition awards, and industry reports; n Professional Development through in-person and online
Some of these activities include providing thought-leadership in:
courses from beginner to advanced, as well as market-focused training;
n Organizing industry expositions and events to connect with new and existing customers to advance participants’ businesses;
n Enhancing access to new markets through international activities.
About INDA Media Starting in 2022, INDA Media embarked on a mission to
1. Participation in INDA management and strategic discussions 2. Showcasing INDA in content, such as award winner profiles.
enhance industry value and relevance and reorganize for
3. Formalize barter agreements with INDA
efficiency. To this end we have contracted for professional
4. Showcase Tech Talks from INDA’s Matt O’Sickey
magazine management, added a business coordinator
5. Publish INDA event previews and post show wrap up articles
position, and are implementing game-changing software for sales and production management that will aid communication at all levels.
INDA Media continues to: n Remaining a publishing entity that is unbiased reporting fairly and fully n Heighten connections between INDA and INDA Media through:
n Broaden our reach, both authors and subscribers, across the globe (see graphic) n Expand our presence at both domestic and international conferences n Bring IFN and IFJ editorial content to the “next level” of excellence and interest
Looking ahead: n Content strategy to create “focused” sections that target core industry segments n Expand advertisers in core segments
Circulation by title
n Fully leverage new management software
100,000
n Expand international contributors
90,000
n Maintain editorial independence while supporting the mission of INDA
80,000 70,000 60,000 50,000
To learn more about INDA Media, advertising opportunities or to become a contributing author contact csmith@inda.org.
40,000 30,000 20,000 10,000 0
2020
2021
2022 IFN
2023 INDA Annual Report
2023
IFJ
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Convene & Connect
INDA Events Delivered Key Decision-Makers: 30% Sales/Marketing
44% SeniorLevel Leaders
INDA Events Encompassed the Entire Supply Chain: 13% Other
16% Converters/ End Product Manufacturers
8%
30%
21% Raw Material Suppliers
13% 16%
21%
22%
16%
44%
8% Other
12%
22% Nonwoven Producers/Suppliers
18%
16% Machinery Manufacturers
18% R&D
12% Brand Owners/ Brand Marketers
INDA engages the industry: nonwoven/engineered professionals use INDA services and events
for INDA events on-demand
for courses/ per month
3 committee meetings on average with 12 people each time
7,150
6,000+
360+
430+
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#1.
GR work with legislators:
touches per month
answering questions from industry
amongst senior staff per month
2023 INDA Annual Report
technical questions/ sourcing, etc
™ ™
World Class Events 6,000+ professionals connected for new business at INDA events. (IDEA, FiltXPO, WOW, RISE, and Hygienix) 33% of participants rate networking as the number one reason they attend INDA events. INDA Staff personally introduced Members to new business partners at INDA events. INDA members shaped and directed conference program content for WOW, RISE®, Hygienix™ and FiltXPO™.
INDA’s flagship nonwoven conference and exhibition features over 400 nonwoven and engineered material companies showcasing their technologies and innovations. IDEA regularly attracts more than 5,000 industry leaders for relationship building, project updates, and new business development. IDEA25 is scheduled for April 29-May 1, 2025 in Miami Beach, Florida. After 2025, IDEA will be held biennially starting in 2027.
This event focuses on the largest growing market segment in nonwovens— absorbent hygiene. Over 450 absorbent hygiene professionals from all functional areas will discover the future of absorbent hygiene, acquire new connections, and conduct business. The ninth edition of Hygienix is scheduled for November 13-16, 2023, New Orleans, Louisiana.
International Filtration/Separation Exhibition & Technical Conference
This annual event connects wipes professionals from across the supply chain to learn, network, and acquire new business. Senior-level leaders will gain insights into key wipes topics that affect their business. Over 400 professionals will convene for new partnerships and business at WOW 2023, July 17-20, Atlanta, Georgia.
The only North American exhibition and conference dedicated to filtration and separation features three days of technical program content highlighting the latest research and advancements. More than 130 filtration exhibitors willconnect their innovations, technologies, and services to 1,200 senior-level leaders. FiltXPO is held every eighteen months and the next edition is October 10-12, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois.
INDA is at the forefront of sustainability technologies and innovations with this annual, technical event. Technology scouts, scientists, development engineers, product managers, and business developers connect with technical advancements that can shape near- and long-term product strategies. More than 150 nonwoven professionals will convene at RISE 2023, September 26-27, Raleigh, North Carolina.
One of the most important elements of innovation is how unrelated thoughts or concepts can come together or collide to create a disruptive idea. I can’t think of a better venue to tap into the smartest people in the nonwovens industry as a catalyst to help drive innovation than an INDA event. Many times, talking with participants during breaks or exploring the tabletop displays I am always inspired and walk away with more ideas to pursue and potential new business opportunities. Plus, it is always great to catch up with old friends!! – Bryan Haynes, Senior Technical Director for Global Nonwovens, Kimberly-Clark Corporation 2023 INDA Annual Report
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Drive Industry Relevance WEBINARS: EXPLORING GLOBAL ISSUES New in 2023: INDA is organizing a series of webinars touching on key global issues for the nonwovens industry. A few of the webinars that have met with acclaim include: Trending issues in PFAS and chemical regulations Financial hedging skills to manage raw material costs Tips and tools for growing your business with exporting Federal Trade Commission’s Green Guides updates Maintaining business value during the M&A process Global consumer wipes trends and data Innovations for sustainable plastics management.
INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS: ISO INDA is active with international standards setting bodies such as ASTM, ANSI, and ISO. In every instance, INDA’s philosophy is to support, rather than inhibit, standards that
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promote innovation and fill current and future market needs. Recent activities include contributions to develop an updated ASTM 3502 standard for barrier facial coverings (facemasks) as well as coordinating industry input and response to develop an ISO standard for Flushable Products.
FLUSHABILITY IN ACTION INDA supports the nonwovens industry with consumer facing advocacy and educational efforts. When flushable wipes began receiving negative attention, INDA formed a coalition of INDA members to educate consumers, policymakers, and legislators. After almost 20 years of technical, governmental, and marketing efforts, INDA facilitated the creation of the Responsible Flushing Alliance to continue educating consumers and lawmakers. INDA joined the effort to help get the federal WIPPES Act introduced in Congress. This Act is designed to provide national labeling guidelines for wipes packaging supporting the entire wipes market.
2023 INDA Annual Report
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION INDA recognizes and honors outstanding product innovations and professional achievements with a full slate of awards. INDA’s awards’ program includes:
INDA CELEBRATES COMPANIES AND INDIVIDUALS 2023 World of Wipes Innovation Award® winner:
2022 IDEA® Nonwoven Product Achievement Award winner:
Indorama Ventures and Polymateria for their Nonwoven Wipes Using Biotransformation Technology
Suominen Corporation: HYDRASPUN® Aquaflo
2022 RISE® Innovation Award winner: DiaperRecycle for Cat Litter Made from Recycled Nappies
2022 Hygienix Innovation Award™ winner:
2022 IDEA® Sustainability Advancement Award winner: Glatfelter Corp. and Blue Ocean Closures: Fiber-based Screw Caps
2022 IDEA® Lifetime Achievement Award winner:
Egal Pads for Pads on a Roll™
Val Hollingsworth, Chairman, President and CEO, Hollingsworth & Vose Company
2022 IDEA® Equipment Achievement Award winner:
2023 INDA Lifetime Service Award winner:
Herrmann Ultrasonics, Inc.: Elastic Thread Anchoring (ETA) Sonotrode
Jan O’Regan, Principal, O’Regan Consulting
2022 IDEA® Raw Materials Achievement Award winner: Rem Brands, Inc: ODOGard
2022 IDEA® Short-Life Product Achievement Award winner:
2023 INDA Lifetime Technical Achievement Award winner: Seshadri Ramkumar, Ph.D., Professor, Texas Tech University
2023 INDA Lifetime Technical Achievement Award winner:
LifeSavers LLC: LifeSavers Wipes
Jim Robinson, Principal, Absorbent Hygiene Insights, LLC
2022 IDEA® Long-Life Product Achievement Award winner:
2023 INDA Lifetime Technical Achievement Award winner:
MANN + HUMMEL GmbH: Nanofiber Cabin Air Filter
Ed Thomas, President, Nonwoven Technology Associates, LLC
2023 INDA Annual Report
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Advocate for the Industry Trade and Tariffs INDA keeps members informed and answers questions on a variety of international trade and tariff issues.
Climate Disclosures INDA, along with the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), urged Congress to insist that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) re-work its proposed climate disclosures rule to make it more tailored, workable, and cost-effective for manufacturers.
Miscellaneous Tariff Bill INDA participated in a coalition advocating for passage of the Miscellaneous Tariff Bill (MTB), which we will strongly urge the U.S. Congress to renew in 2023.
PFAS Regulations INDA engaged in state-level PFAS regulation proposals and partnered with the American Chemistry Council to advocate for an extension to Maine’s PFAS regulations that were set to take effect in January 2023.
Flushability Labeling Legislation INDA led the way on wipes and disposables regulation in the United States (California, Washington state, Oregon, and Illinois) to ensure that new state-level labeling laws were written according to industry-supported language and to protect many categories of products from bans and restrictions. INDA helped secure the introduction of and advocated for congressional passage of a federal law to provide national guidelines for product labeling called the WIPPES Act.
EBITDA Standard INDA, NAM and the Coalition for America’s Interest urged Congress to act to reinstate the EBITDA standard for business interest deductions. INDA partnered with NAM on a letter to congressional leadership, with support from more than 400 companies and business organizations, urging for the repeal of the harmful research & development Amortization provision to ensure that the tax code continues to support innovation. The joint letter warns that failing to reverse the amortization requirement “will cost well-paying jobs and reduce future innovation-directed R&D.”
Make PPE in America INDA signed onto an effort led by the National Council of Textile Organizations asking for clarity from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regarding the implementation of the Make PPE in America Act.
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2023 INDA Annual Report
Advocacy Continues to Grow INDA engaged with regulators at the international, federal, state, and local levels. INDA continued to advance key trade and tariff positions and lead wipes-related legislation at the state and federal level. INDA also made significant advancements in its coalition engagement, working with over 30 allied organizations, NGOs, and trade associations to champion INDA member priorities.
International
Federal
State/Local
INDA was granted status last month as an accredited stakeholder with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), which, among other privileges, will allow representatives from the association to observe the formal ongoing negotiations of the UN Global Plastics Treaty. This new status allows INDA to share the technical expertise of the nonwovens industry with negotiators as well as propose various programs and discussion topics within the UN programs.
INDA co-led the introduction of federal wipes legislation that, if adopted, would provide significant relief for the industry. The federal WIPPES Act is designed to provide national guidelines in labeling for wipes packaging.
INDA’s government affairs staff has been very active monitoring and engaging regulators at the state and local levels to protect industry interests. INDA testified in five states and provided written comments in another 10 states on legislation impacting the industry ranging from flushability to PFAS, as well as other chemicals.
INDA is continuing a collaborative partnership with EDANA. Regular meetings are taking place to share information on what is happening within each organization. INDA is also developing a joint engagement and information-sharing plan with EDANA.
INDA also joined eight federal coalition efforts on issues concerning trade, taxation, and labor. These coalitions advocate for reforms and trade policies to allow for easing regulatory burdens on the industry. Many of these initiatives at INDA are new and will provide added value to members and the industry.
INDA, for the first time in recent memory, promoted model legislation at the state level to provide consistency for the industry and avoid a patchwork of state regulation. INDA also participated in several national organizations’ events, where state lawmakers convene, to discuss policy and joined five coalitions whose primary focus is state and local policy.
Government Relations work with legislators: touches per month
answering questions from industry
amongst senior staff per month
technical questions/ sourcing, etc
20
240
20
120
2023 INDA Annual Report
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Deliver Market Insights A Push for Actionable Market Intelligence: 2023 To reassess the needs and wants of its members, INDA conducted a member survey during the fourth quarter of 2022 and the first quarter of 2023. The results confirmed that members want actionable, current statistical information to allow them to make better business decisions. The INDA team is modifying its approach to market intelligence. INDA is changing its report formats and content for easier reading with concise data sets. The INDA staff presents at various industry events to supply critical market intelligence to the nonwovens industry and meets individually with members for customized consultations.
INDA’s Market Intelligence Program n In-depth reports for the global and North American nonwovens industry
Capacity - Production - Trade For Composites, Roll and Finished Goods
n Provide members with timely and accurate information n Changed the timing and provision of information n Several new reports are being added to meet demands n 1-hour consults available for members and non-members who purchase a report n Supports strategic business planning for various disposable and durable categories
2023 Reports n Market Pulse (Quarterly and free to members) n RISI Price Trends (Monthly and free to members) n The North American Nonwoven Materials Annual Study covers detailed nonwoven producers’ data. The Executive Summary is complimentary for all members with the full report available for members and non-members to purchase. Released: Mid-May 2023 n The North American Nonwovens Industry Outlook is released triennially and includes a detailed account of the North American supply and demand for all market sectors. Release date: Fourth quarter 2023
Planned Upcoming Reports n IMPACT/Durable Markets Report n South American Supply supplement n Middle East/Africa supplement n China Nonwovens Industry Report (annual)
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New Report: The North American Nonwoven Materials Annual Study. Details capacity, production, and operating rates for the nonwoven industry. Provides a benchmark for capacity and production, with an estimate of operating rates based on nameplate machine capacity. INDA achieved one of the highest response rates from the industry, contributing valuable information to the report.
2023 INDA Annual Report
INDA Is Expanding Its Focus n Durable Markets n Sustainable Trends n Government Initiatives n Granular Data Collection INDA is open to contract-supported research assignments. Contact publications@inda.org for more details.
INDA Shares Its Expertise INDA’s market intelligence team disseminates information at industry events around the world. Nonwoven and engineered material professionals receive accurate, actionable market trends and data to better plan their business strategies. The market intelligence team also meets with INDA members at industry events for personalized presentations. Some of these events include: n INDEX23 n The Textile Association (India) n CNITA (China Nonwovens Industrial Textiles Association) n FedTex n World of Wipes® n RISE® n Hygienix™
2023 INDA Annual Report
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Develop the Workforce PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT INDA’s workforce development program is designed to fill the needs of busy a nd over-scheduled professionals. The educational offerings range from introductory to advanced level. Many of these courses are in collaboration with and taught by the world-class team at The Nonwovens Institute at North Carolina State University. In addition to these technology-focused courses, INDA provides market segmentfocused workshops and courses continued
45%
6% Other 18% Sales/Marketing 31% Senior-Level Leaders
INDA develops professionals from the supply chain. Machinery Manufacturers
6%
Brand Owners/Brand Marketers
15%
Converters/End Product Manufacturers
18%
Raw Material Suppliers
21%
Other
27%
Nonwoven Producers/Suppliers
31%
45% R&D
31%
18% 6%
INDA developed the nonwoven workforce across all functional areas:
The Intermediate course helped me get a better picture of the industry, including different market segments and also the technologies that are used for producing nonwovens products. It helped me understand our customers and everyone along the value chain. It’s also a great place to network, to get to know other equally-minded people, and to learn a lot of the ins and outs of the industry. – Simon Liebentritt, Product & Business Development Manager, Lenzing Group Page 11
2023 INDA Annual Report
for absorbent hygiene, wipes, and filter media. Several of these courses are organized in conjunction with events such as the World of Wipes®, Hygienix™, FiltXPO™, or IDEA® to save travel, money, and time. INDA’s courses can be customized and brought to a company for team learning. Many of these courses are recorded for ondemand learning. INDA is expanding its online offerings to include small on-demand and micro-learning modules that allow professionals to grow their career at their own pace.
The Elementary Nonwovens Course is for professionals who are new to nonwovens or need a refresher course. Industry newcomers will learn about nonwovens in clear, concise language. In 1.5 days, participants will be able to identify processes, recognize manufacturing techniques, know the raw materials, and learn the terminology. This 1.5-day course is offered three times per year.
The Intermediate Nonwovens Course is designed for industry professionals with nonwovens experience or a technical background. This 3.5-day course gives participants an in-depth understanding of processes, technologies, chemistries, and raw materials as well as expanded business options for branded and private label products. This course is offered three times a year.
The Nonwovens Institute offers four advanced courses for experienced nonwoven professionals to further their knowledge and skills: Introduction to Spunbond & Meltblown Technology, Nonwoven Product Development & Innovation, Fiber & Filament Extrusion Fundamentals, and Nonwoven Fabric Property Development & Characterization. Each 3.5-day course is offered once a year.
The Absorbent Hygiene Course is an opportunity for industry professionals to gain a better understanding of how baby diapers, adult incontinence, and period care products are designed, how they function, and how their material components influence final design and costs. Participants will take away new skills, intelligence, and perspectives for their products. This 2.5-day course is offered once a year.
The Filter Media Course is designed for professionals wanting to learn more about the development, testing, and application of nonwovens in filtration. Participants will discover the physics of filtration, how nonwoven media is designed and used for air and liquids, the latest market trends, as well as unmet needs for filter media. This 1.5-day course is offered once a year.
In the WIPES Academy, participants will go behind the scenes to discover the essentials of bringing a new wet wipe to market. Wipes professionals will gain insights into nonwovens, lotions, packaging, key test methods, and when approvals are needed from the FDA or the EPA. In 1.5 days, participants will acquire new skills and insights for their next product. This course is offered once a year.
2023 INDA Annual Report
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Collaborate on a Global Scale 2023 PARTNERSHIPS
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2023 INDA Annual Report
Meet the INDA Staff EXECUTIVE OFFICE
Tony Fragnito, Johnnie Jean Dickens, President Executive Services
ACCOUNTING
Jodi Hong-Riccio, Sr. Accountant
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
MARKETING
Jenna Todd, Andreana Leach, Angelica Gonzalez, Software & Project Events / Registrar Administrative Administrator Office Assistant
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
Beki Nagel, Controller
MEMBERSHIP & INDUSTRY RELATIONS
Misty Ayers, Marketing Coordinator
Tina Branch, Marketing Creative Specialist
TECHNICAL & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Deanna Lovell, Events Coordinator Wes Fisher, Director of Government Affairs
Joe Tessari, Associate Director, Exhibit Sales
MARKET INTELLIGENCE
Mark Snider, Cindy Garcia, Chief Market & Sr. Research Analyst Industry Analyst 2023 INDA Annual Report
Matt O’Sickey, Director of Education & Technical Affairs
INDA MEDIA
Caryn Smith, Chief Content Officer/Publisher
Vickie Smead, Advertising Administrator Page 14
Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry 100 Crescent Green, Suite 115 Cary, North Carolina 27518 Phone: 919.459.3724 email: info@inda.org website: www.inda.org