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The Renaissance Nashville Hotel   |   Nashville, Tennessee   |   November 18-21, 2024

Conference Schedule

Monday, November 18

HYGIENIX™ PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP: Fundamentals of Absorption Systems and Opportunities in Adult Incontinence

11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Moderator: Jim Robinson, Principal, Absorbent Hygiene Insights, LLC

This unique workshop will provide attendees an overall view of the basic concepts of absorption systems used in disposable hygiene products, focusing on the components and interaction of the absorption system: SAP, Fluff, Adhesives, and Acquisition Layers. Attendees will have the opportunity to evaluate SAP absorption for different SAP’s, identify the presence of adhesives, and deconstruct and examine several hygiene products including infant, adult, and feminine hygiene products to increase their understanding of these systems. • Take away new knowledge of the key raw materials used in absorbent hygiene cores for baby, adult and period products. • Understand how hygiene cores interact to provide efficient fluid management • Apply product concepts to develop new hygiene solutions • Attend and gain a preliminary understanding of ideas and concepts used for absorbent cores in the consumer hygiene product space. You’ll discover the benefits and role of individual core components used to help provide efficient dry management of human fluids. • Learn the functions of fluff pulp, super absorbent polymer (SAP), acquisition and distribution layer (ADL) and adhesives from a material systems approach. • Review new testing concepts that provide insight into the fluid management of cores along with concepts from traditional fluff and SAP cores to fluffless concepts. Designed for professionals in the hygiene space or consumer hygiene products involved with: • Raw materials • Engineering • R&D • Technical sales and marketing • Manufacturing • Product development • Quality control Separate Fee Required

HYGIENIX™ PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP: Fundamentals of Absorption Systems and Opportunities in Adult Incontinence
Jim Robinson, Principal, Absorbent Hygiene Insights, LLC
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Networking

Coffee & Networking Break
1:00 pm - 1:15 pm

HYGIENIX™ PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP: Innovations in Menstrual Care

1:15 pm - 3:15 pm

Moderator: Heidi Beatty, Chief Executive Officer, Crown Abbey, LLC

This workshop will be a deep dive into Period Products, looking at the technologies as well as the change in attitudes that have driven the industry, to enable us develop better products for the future. Looking at this fascinating category from the eyes of Product Development, what can the past teach us about the future? Traditionally, it was challenging to innovate in a ‘silent’ category, when no one wanted to talk about period products. For the future, how can the latest fibers, formats and consumer trends all fit together to build a Product Roadmap for your brand? Which products being used today are an echo from previous generations? …what we refer to as the “Old-New.” Have we done enough to break down the taboos around Periods, and what more can we do? • Innovating in this changing category • Are companies doing enough to break the Historical Taboos around Periods? • Using past information to drive new Period Product launches for the future Separate Fee Required

HYGIENIX™ PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP: Innovations in Menstrual Care
Heidi Beatty, Chief Executive Officer, Crown Abbey, LLC
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Networking

Coffee & Networking Break
3:15 pm - 3:30 pm

HYGIENIX™ PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP: Baby and Infant Care Market Dynamics

3:30 pm - 5:30 pm

Moderator: Natalia Richer, Market Research & AHP Consultant, Diaper Testing International

Join the Diaper Testing International team for an exclusive workshop at Hygienix where we will unveil the latest data on major US baby diaper brands, focusing on their newest iterations and launches. Discover the innovative changes in diaper design from top brands and explore the latest trends shaping the industry. Gain insights into the US market as we delve into value, premium, and overnight products, examining their positioning and technical design. This workshop will equip you with a deep understanding of the US baby diaper market, covering key aspects of marketing, technology, and performance. Don't miss this opportunity to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving diaper industry. Separate Fee Required

HYGIENIX™ PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP: Baby and Infant Care Market Dynamics
Natalia Richer, Market Research & AHP Consultant, Diaper Testing International
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Welcome Reception

6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Tuesday, November 19

Networking

Breakfast Connections
8:00 am - 9:00 am

Start your day with a continental breakfast each morning before the conference and engage face-to-face connections with your customers, business prospects and peers. INDA’s staff can help make any introductions you need – just ask us.

Welcome

9:00 am - 9:15 am

Moderator: Tony Fragnito, President, INDA

The Sun Never Sets on the Hygiene World

9:15 am - 10:45 am

Moderator: Nick Carter, Head of Innovation, Gottlieb Binder GmbH & Co. KG

Shifting Sands in the Global Economy for Absorbent Hygiene Products
Pricie Hanna, Managing Partner, Price Hanna Consultants LLC
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Latest Development of Disposable Hygiene Products Industry in China
Ashley Wang, Deputy Executive Chief Editor of Tissue Paper & Disposable Products Magazine and China National Pulp and Paper Research Institute Co., Ltd., China National Household Paper Industry Association (CNHPIA)
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The Intersection of Nonwovens, Sustainability and the Environment: An African Perspective
Raymond Chimhandamba, Director, Handas Consulting
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Networking

Coffee & Networking Break
10:45 am - 11:15 am

Whats Keeping Us Up at Night

11:15 am - 12:00 pm

Moderator: Kyra Dorsey, Ph.D., Principal, Glory Group LLC

Business Not as Usual – The Impact of Reusables on the Absorbent Hygiene Market
Matt O'Sickey, Ph.D., Director of Education & Technical Affairs, INDA
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How to Balance Consumer Perception vs Technical Data in Product Development
Robin Beck, CEO, Mfg2Retail Fractional
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Lunch

Lunch (On Your Own)
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Lunch Around

12:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Take advantage of this extra networking opportunity to enhance your conference experience over lunch at one of Nashville’s amazing downtown restaurants. Expand your network and get to know your fellow attendees over the lunch break. Lunch Around opportunities will be available to registered HYGIENIX attendees on Tuesday, November 19 and Wednesday, November 20. Space is limited; please register in advance. Details regarding your table will be available onsite at the registration desk. $75/person.

Lunch Around: Amrita Saigal, Founder & CEO, Kudos
Amrita Saigal, Founder & CEO, Kudos
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Networking

Coffee & Networking Break
1:30 pm - 2:00 pm

The Four Rs in AHP Design: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle & Recover

2:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Moderator: DeeAnn Nelson, Ph.D., Senior Innovation Manager, Front-End Nonwovens Innovation, Avgol Nonwovens

Capitalizing on Capabilities to Support the Shifting Hygiene Industry
Matt Kocian, Product Manager Director, Magnera
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Efficient Material Utilization in Hygienic Incontinence Articles
Chris Nelson, Business Development Manager, Curt G. Joa, Inc.
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Synergy of Components - Upstream Advancements Offering Downstream Sustainability Opportunities
Nick Carter, Head of Innovation, Gottlieb Binder GmbH & Co. KG
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Networking

Coffee & Networking Break
3:30 pm - 4:00 pm

2024 HYGIENIX Innovation Award™ Presentations

4:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Hygienix Innovation AwardThe Hygienix Innovation Award® recognizes and rewards innovation that utilizes nonwoven fabric or technology in a way that expands the usage of nonwovens.


Moderator: Eva Welsh, Evolon Market Manager - North America, Freudenberg Performance Materials

Cleanic Naturals Hemp – Sanitary Pads (Day & Night), Pantyliners
Timothy Odenwald, Business Development Director, the Americas, HARPER HYGIENICS S.A.
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Hazel High & Dry Briefs
Steven Cruz, Co-Founder & CEO, Hazel
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World’s First MycoDigestable Diapers
Miki Agrawal, Founder, Chief Creative Officer, HIRO Technologies, Inc.
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Lightning Talks

4:30 pm - 5:00 pm

Lightning Talks are open to ALL registered attendees.

Fibertex Nonwovens A/S
Jonathan Layer, Director of Commercial Business Development and Marketing, Fibertex Nonwovens
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SGN Saudi German Nonwovens
Nigel Gautry, Director - Global Marketing & Sales, SGN Saudi German Nonwovens
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Dukane IAS LLC
Shivani Singh, Marketing Manager, Dukane IAS LLC
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DryRise
Hannah Cardon, Founder, DryRise
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International Paper
Charles Miller, Ph.D., Global Technical Director - Helix Fiber, International Paper
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ZymoChem, Inc.
Harshal Chokhawala, Ph.D., CEO & Founder, ZymoChem, Inc.
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Tabletop & Reception

Tabletop Displays and Reception
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Wednesday, November 20

Networking

Breakfast Connections
8:00 am - 9:00 am

Its Not a Stretch to Have a Fully Sustainable Product

9:00 am - 10:30 am

Moderator: Ashish Chatterjee, Principal, INNOVATEGRN

From Farm to Fiber: Developing Elastane with 70% Renewable Content
Jean Hegedus, Director of Sustainability, The LYCRA Company
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Shifting to Sustainability: Natural Fibers in Diapers and the Rise of Eco Brands
Richard Knowlson, Principal, RPK Consulting
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Connecting Consumer Insights with AHPs: Designing Elastics & Naturality
Marcel Gruendken, Ph.D, Senior Manager EMEA, MD&TS, R&D and Regulatory Affairs, Kuraray Europe GmbH
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Networking

Coffee & Networking Break
10:30 am - 11:00 am

Treatment Advancements & the True Cost of Incontinence

11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Moderator: Jim Robinson, Principal, Absorbent Hygiene Insights, LLC

Medical and Pharmaceutical Advancements for Incontinence
Diane Newman, DNP, Adjunct Professor Of Urology In Surgery, University Of Pennsylvania, Division Of Urology
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The High Cost of Adult Incontinence
Andrew Stocking, Ph.D., CEO, Principle Business Enterprises
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Lunch

12:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Lunch Around

12:00 pm - 2:00 pm

See description and registration information on Tuesday’s schedule.

Lunch Around: Eric Ricciardi, President, HIRO Technologies, Inc.
Eric Ricciardi, President, HIRO Technologies, Inc.
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Networking

Coffee & Networking Break
1:30 pm - 2:00 pm

Weve Got Skin in This Game

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Moderator: Pavan Maheswaram, Ph.D., Market & Product Development Manager - Fibers, Americhem, Inc.

Unlock Optimal Health: The Female Microbiome is the Key to Well-Being
Kristin Neumann, M.D., CEO, MyMicrobiome GmbH
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Functional Substrates to Preserve Skin Microbiome
Carmine Cimini, Chief Technology & Sustainability Officer, Texol S.R.L.
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Networking

Coffee & Networking Break
3:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Theres an App for That

3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Moderator: Heidi Beatty, Chief Executive Officer, Crown Abbey, LLC

Using Nonwoven Period Care Products and an AI-backed Mobile Application to Diagnose Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
Justyna Strzeszynska, Founder & CEO, Joii Ltd.
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There’s an App for That! The New World of Incontinence Tech
Rachel Braun Scherl, Managing Partner, Entrepreneur, SPARK Solutions For Growth
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Lightning Talks

4:30 pm - 5:00 pm

Lightning Talks are open to ALL registered attendees.

Confitex Technology Ltd.
Frantisek Riha-Scott, Founder & Design Director, Confitex Technology
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Good360
Tom Davis, Senior Director of Corporate Development, Good360
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Luwa America, Inc.
Saravanan Palani, B.E., MBA, General Manager & Director of Sales, Luwa America Inc.
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Lygos, Inc.
Sean Christiansen, Sr. Director of Business Development, Lygos, Inc.
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Welspun
Kuldeep Bhise, Assistant General Manager, Welspun Advanced Textiles
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Tabletop & Reception

Tabletop Displays and Reception
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Thursday, November 21

Networking

Breakfast Connections
8:00 am - 9:00 am

Sustainable Solutions: Innovations in Bio-Based SAP

9:00 am - 11:00 am

Moderator: Matt O'Sickey, Ph.D., Director of Education & Technical Affairs, INDA

Exploring the Performance of Polyaspartic Acid Superabsorbents in Hygiene Products
Jim Robinson, Principal, Absorbent Hygiene Insights, LLC
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Comprehensive Sustainability in Hygiene Products: Exploring Biodegradable Alternatives and Circular Economy
David Choi, Vice President - Marketing, SK Leaveo
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The Final Frontier: A Bio-Based Source for Super Absorbents
Louis Chapdelaine, Director of Consumer Products Development, ZymoChem
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A Revolution in Evolution: Superabsorbents’ Continual Makeover and Breakthrough into the Biodegradable and Biofriendly Space
Jim Wooten, Director of Technical Account Management, Stockhausen Superabsorber LLC
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2024 HYGIENIX Innovation Award™ Announcement

11:00 am - 11:15 am

Moderator: Tony Fragnito, President, INDA

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