INDA Unveils Conference Program for Hygienix™ 2026

Global Absorbent Hygiene Event to Take Place November 16–19 in Houston, Texas

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, has released the conference program for Hygienix™ 2026, which will take place from Nov. 16–19 at the Hyatt Regency Houston in Houston, Texas.

The event will bring together industry leaders, technical experts, researchers and innovators to discuss developments across the absorbent hygiene and personal care markets. Areas of focus include sustainability, regulatory developments, changing consumer needs and next-generation product technologies.

The complete conference program is available at hygienix.org.

Conference Program

The conference agenda will cover developments in absorbent hygiene products, materials, manufacturing and consumer care.

Key topics include:

Global energy, economic and market trends influencing raw material costs, supply chains, product affordability and business strategy.
Emerging consumer expectations, adult incontinence solutions, product insecurity and opportunities to improve comfort, dignity and access.
Advances in absorbent cores, superabsorbent materials, polymers, nonwovens, adhesives, fluid management, skin health and next-generation product design.
Sustainability, biodegradability, manufacturing efficiency and end-of-life considerations influencing material and product innovation.
Evolving regulatory, legislative, reimbursement and industry standards affecting absorbent hygiene manufacturers and suppliers.

Pre-Conference Workshops

On Monday, Nov. 16, Hygienix™ 2026 will host three interactive pre-conference workshops:

"Inside the Absorbent Core: A Hands-On Systems Approach to Fluid Control" presented by Jim Robinson, Principal, Absorbent Hygiene Insights, LLC.
"Inside Sustainable Hygiene: A Hands-On Reality Check for Materials, Claims, End-of-Life, and U.S. Compliance" presented by Heidi Beatty, Chief Executive Officer, Crown Abbey, LLC.
"Inside the Diaper Market: Hands-On Benchmarking, Performance, and Trends" presented by Natalia Richer, Director of Business Development, and Irene Richer, Director of Laboratory Operations, Diaper Testing International.

Networking Opportunities

The event will include several networking activities designed to connect attendees with industry leaders and solution providers.

These include:

Lunch Around, an extended networking lunch with limited seating.
Lightning Talks, featuring five-minute exhibitor presentations on technologies, products and capabilities.
Evening Receptions and Exhibits, providing opportunities to engage with suppliers serving the absorbent hygiene and personal care markets.
Welcome Reception, an opening-night gathering for conference participants.

Lifetime Service Awards

Carl Cucuzza and Pricie Hanna, recipients of the 2025 and 2026 Lifetime Service Award, respectively, will be recognized during a presentation on Tuesday, Nov. 17, at 4:15 p.m.

The Lifetime Service Award honours individuals who have provided longstanding service to the absorbent hygiene and personal care industry and contributed to its growth and advancement.

Hygienix Innovation Award™

The Hygienix Innovation Award™ will recognise an innovative technology advancing the absorbent hygiene and personal care industry.

Finalists will present their technologies on Tuesday, Nov. 17, and the winner will be announced during the closing session on Thursday, Nov. 19.

Nominations for the 2026 Hygienix Innovation Award™ will close on Sept. 14.

The 2025 Hygienix Innovation Award™ was presented to Confitex Technology Ltd. for its Washable Nonwoven Sanitary Pad, developed as a sustainable and scalable solution without the use of superabsorbent polymers.