Keel Labs Wins 2025 RISE® Innovation Award for Kelsun® Fiber Innovation
Keel Labs wins the 2025 RISE® Innovation Award for pioneering seaweed-based Kelsun® fiber.
RISE® 2025 brought together innovators and researchers in Raleigh, showcasing sustainable nonwoven technologies, circular economy insights, and breakthrough materials like Kelsun® fiber by Keel Labs.
Leaders in innovation, technology, and business gathered in Raleigh, North Carolina, for the RISE® (Research, Innovation & Science for Engineered Fabrics) Conference, jointly organized by INDA and The Nonwovens Institute (NWI) at North Carolina State University. The two-day event, held on October 14–15 at the McKimmon Center, showcased pioneering technologies, advanced academic research, and forward-thinking discussions steering the sustainable evolution of nonwoven materials.
2025 RISE® Innovation Award
The RISE® Innovation Award celebrates scientific and engineering advancements that move nonwoven technology closer to commercial success. This year, Keel Labs received the prestigious 2025 RISE® Innovation Award for its Kelsun® fiber—a revolutionary achievement redefining sustainable performance.
Kelsun® Fiber by Keel Labs
Developed by Keel Labs, Kelsun® is the world’s first high-performance seaweed-based fiber, designed to be both plastic-free and tree-free. Combining exceptional softness, superior absorption, and inherent flame-resistant and antimicrobial qualities, Kelsun® stands out for its unparalleled biodegradability. Engineered to fit seamlessly within existing nonwoven production systems, this material delivers a fusion of sustainability and performance, setting a new benchmark for both consumer and industrial textile applications.
Finalists for the RISE® Innovation Award
The 2025 finalists represented exceptional advancements in innovation, sustainability, and real-world impact:
- EsterCycle by EsterCycle, LLC – A cost-efficient, low-emission chemical recycling process capable of safely handling biohazard-contaminated PPE and mixed polyester nonwovens, reintegrating materials into the production cycle.
- Fentanyl Detection Wipe by Rockline Industries – A color-changing wipe that detects trace fentanyl, offering first responders a fast, reliable, and safe solution for opioid identification.
In 2024, Hempitecture, Inc. earned the award for its PlantPanel™, a 100% biobased rigid insulation material delivering thermal and acoustic efficiency with sustainable performance.
RISE® 2025 Highlights
This year’s RISE program focused on the dual themes of innovation and sustainability, exploring topics such as bio-based materials, circular economy models, renewable carbon, green chemistry, advanced recycling, and microplastics reduction. Attendees also gained insights into the latest trade, tariff, and policy developments influencing the nonwoven sector.
Keynote Insights
Two keynote sessions headlined the conference:
- Dr. Lars Börger, CEO of nova-Institute GmbH, explored molecular design strategies accelerating circular and renewable innovation in material manufacturing.
- Dr. John Warner, CEO & CTO of The Technology Greenhouse, emphasized how renewable carbon economies can drive innovation, efficiency, and sustainability across nonwovens and textiles.
“RISE continues to spotlight the technologies that are redefining what’s possible in nonwovens,” said Matt O’Sickey, PhD, INDA’s Director of Education & Technical Affairs. “From renewable carbon and green chemistry to next-generation fibers and recycling innovations, this year’s conference showcased the kind of collaboration and creativity that will shape a more sustainable future for our industry.”
Graduate Research and Collaboration
More than 20 graduate researchers from top universities presented innovative, scalable technologies, sharing scientific insights and potential applications with global industry experts and investors.
Networking and Engagement
RISE® 2025 strengthened industry collaboration through multiple engagement initiatives, including:
- A charity golf tournament supporting student travel to INDA events
- Tabletop exhibitions showcasing new materials and process technologies
- A guided tour of NWI’s $65+ million pilot facilities and analytical laboratories
- A reception and poster showcase featuring over 30 student-led research projects
Looking Ahead to RISE® 2026
The next RISE® Conference will return to the McKimmon Center in Raleigh, NC, on August 25–26, 2026. The event promises another inspiring program of technological innovation, networking, and sustainability-focused discussions shaping the nonwoven industry’s future.