INDA Announces Four Finalists for 2026 Hygienix Innovation Award

Finalists to Present Absorbent Hygiene Innovations at Houston Event in November

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, has announced four finalists for the 2026 Hygienix Innovation Award™: Anabio Technologies, Confitex Technology, The LYCRA Company and Youth Crews. The finalists will present their innovations at Hygienix, scheduled for November 16–19 at the Hyatt Regency Houston, with the winner set to be announced on November 19 at 11:30 a.m.

Four Companies Selected for Hygienix Innovation Award

The award recognises innovations in absorbent hygiene products and related technologies. This year's finalists are presenting solutions covering menstrual care, reusable absorbent products, stretch fibres and diapers for older children with disabilities.

Anabio Technologies: Flushable Sanitary Pad

Anabio Technologies has developed a patented flushable sanitary pad featuring a multilayer structure designed to provide protection for 12 hours before dispersing when flushed.

According to the company, the product has been independently tested to meet IWSFG flushability requirements. It is designed for use with flush toilets, septic systems and pit latrines and can run on standard converting lines.

Confitex Technology: Washable Nonwoven Car Seat Protectors

Confitex Technology has extended its washable nonwoven absorbent hygiene product technology into the automotive sector with car seat protectors.

The company says the products are independently verified to absorb and retain 24 fl oz (700 ml) within a patented leak-resistant frame and maintain performance after more than 30 washes. Made entirely from nonwoven materials, the protectors represent an application of reusable absorbent products beyond traditional hygiene uses.

The LYCRA Company: LYCRA® ADAPTIV Fiber

The LYCRA Company has entered the absorbent hygiene category with LYCRA® ADAPTIV fiber, using technology originally developed for apparel applications.

The company describes the spandex polymer as designed to adapt to the wearer. Its stated benefits include all-day comfort, inclusive sizing, easier on-and-off wear and a second-skin fit in personal care products.

Youth Crews: Youth Crews Diapers

Youth Crews produces tab-style diapers for children with disabilities aged 4 to 17 who have outgrown baby diapers but do not fit adult products.

Sizes 9 through 12 are designed around the needs of older children, featuring a pulp-free core, leg gathers designed for sitting and a profile intended to fit under clothing. The company was founded by a father who was unable to find a suitable diaper for his daughter. Free samples are available through the company's website, youthcrews.com.

Confitex Technology Won the 2025 Award

Confitex Technology Ltd. received the 2025 Innovation Award for its washable nonwoven sanitary pad. The company described the product as the world's first designed to combine sustainability and scalability without superabsorbent polymers.

“Hygienix Innovation Award finalists represent the future of absorbent hygiene,” said 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.”

Hygienix 2026: Exhibitions, Workshops and Networking

The event, scheduled for November 16–19 at the Hyatt Regency Houston, will feature exhibitions, workshops and networking activities for absorbent hygiene professionals.

The programme includes:

Two evenings of exhibits and receptions featuring suppliers and solution providers.
Three workshops on Monday afternoon covering absorbent hygiene cores, sustainable hygiene and market intelligence for baby diapers.
A Women in Nonwovens luncheon focused on mentorship, leadership and collaboration.
Lightning Talks featuring five-minute presentations on exhibitor innovations.
A Lunch Around with Mike Carroll, founder and CEO of Intelligent Conversations, focusing on building predictable, scalable sales success through data, coaching and accountability.
A Monday evening welcome reception.

Conference to Address Materials, Sustainability and Market Trends

Hygienix 2026 conference sessions will cover business, product development, material innovation, policy and sustainability across the absorbent hygiene sector.

Topics include:

“Executive Outlook: The Global Forces Shaping Absorbent Hygiene”
“The Business Case for Better Adult Incontinence Solutions”
“Diaper Start-Ups — Myths vs. Reality” — panel discussion
“A Stronger Fabric for a Better Future: Addressing Product Insecurity Through Innovation, Policy and Partnership” — panel discussion
“Precompetitive Collaboration as an Innovation Strategy”
“Rethinking Absorbency: Bio-Based SAP for the Next Generation of Hygiene Cores”
“Designing Absorbency: Engineering Materials, Fluid Management and Product Performance”
“Materials That Do More: Moving Materials Beyond Traditional Roles”
“The Future of Hygiene Substrates: Innovations in Materials, Performance and Sustainability”
“The Evolving Rulebook: Policy, Standards and Product Requirements for AHP”

The programme will bring together industry participants to discuss absorbent hygiene products, material performance, sustainability and evolving product requirements.