INDA Announces 2025 Hygienix Innovation Award™ Finalists

Three trailblazing absorbent hygiene innovations compete for top honors at Hygienix™ 2025

INDA reveals the finalists for the 2025 Hygienix Innovation Award™, highlighting pioneering solutions in sustainable hygiene products.

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, proudly announces the three finalists for the 2025 Hygienix Innovation Award™, honoring groundbreaking advancements in absorbent hygiene products. The finalists will showcase their innovations at Hygienix™, the leading event for professionals in the absorbent hygiene sector, scheduled for November 17–20 at the Omni Orlando ChampionsGate in ChampionsGate, Florida.

These finalists will present their solutions to hundreds of industry experts, with the winner of the 2025 Hygienix Innovation Award™ set to be revealed on Thursday, November 20 at 10:40 am.

Meet the Finalists

Confitex Technology – Washable Nonwoven Sanitary Pads
Confitex Technology is pioneering sustainability in hygiene products by introducing the world’s first washable nonwoven sanitary pads. These reusable absorbent hygiene products (AHPs) are designed without SAPs, offering both scalability and eco-friendliness. As a leading innovator and private label supplier, Confitex Technology aims to improve millions of lives while reducing landfill waste through sustainable solutions.

Dukane – Curved Leg Elastic (CLE)
Dukane’s CLE technology revolutionizes the attachment of elastic strands in hygiene products. By enabling ultrasonic bonding of curved elastics without hotmelt adhesives, CLE reduces material waste, simplifies product construction, and enhances performance. This innovation allows manufacturers to integrate curved and straight elastic strands within the same lamination using only ultrasonic technology—a feat previously achievable only with adhesives or complex multilayer designs. CLE sets a new benchmark for precision and sustainability in elastic attachment.

ZymoChem – BAYSE™
ZymoChem is transforming chemical production with BAYSE™, the world’s first scalable, bio-based, microplastic-free, and biodegradable Super Absorbent Polymer. Serving as a drop-in replacement for fossil-based SAPs, BAYSE offers comparable performance with a significantly lower carbon footprint and seamless compatibility with existing manufacturing processes. Featured earlier this year on CNBC's "Clean Start," BAYSE is advancing sustainability across the hygiene industry.

Last year’s award winner, HIRO Technologies, Inc., was recognized for its MycoDigestable Diapers, a revolutionary product that combined biodegradable materials and exceptional absorbency using plastic-eating mushrooms.

“Hygienix Innovation Award finalists represent the future of absorbent hygiene,” said Matt O’Sickey, PhD, INDA’s Director of Education & Technical Affairs. “These companies are setting new standards by meeting consumer needs, sustainability goals, and performance expectations. Their work showcases the innovation driving our industry forward.”

Hygienix™ 2025 Event Highlights
Beyond the Innovation Award, Hygienix 2025 will feature a comprehensive program of learning, networking, and collaboration:

Exhibits & Receptions: Two evenings connecting attendees with leading suppliers and solution providers shaping the industry.
Workshops: Three sessions on Monday afternoon covering absorbent hygiene systems, menstrual care advances, and baby, infant, and toddler care.
Women in Nonwovens (WiN) Luncheon: Promoting mentorship, leadership, and collaboration within the industry.
Lightning Talks: Quick, 5-minute presentations highlighting exhibitor innovations.
Lunch Around with Olivia Ahn, MD: Insight into her start-up journey as Co-Founder of Planera.
Welcome Reception: A relaxed, informal event to kick off Monday evening.

Featured Conference Sessions
Attendees will gain insights on major industry opportunities and challenges, including:

Entrepreneurship in Absorbent Hygiene: Illusion vs. Reality (Panel Discussion)
Economic Realities: Profit, Pressure, and Possibility
Servicing the Shift: Private Label as a Growth Engine (Panel)
Finding Growth: Paws & Planet
Disruption Ahead: Misinformation, Regulation, and Testing
Consumer-Focused Product Design
Absorbent Hygiene Construction Using Non-Traditional Inputs
Flushable by Design
Sustainable by Design

For registration, exhibit space, or sponsorship opportunities, visit hygienix.org.