World of Wipes 2026 Brings Global Industry Together as Rockline Industries Wins Innovation Award
Four-day conference highlights innovation, sustainability, technical advancements and business collaboration across the global wipes and nonwovens industry.
The World of Wipes® (WOW) International Conference concluded after four days of technical sessions, exhibitions and networking activities, bringing together stakeholders from across the global wipes and nonwovens industry. Held from June 29 to July 2, 2026, at the Grand Hyatt Nashville in Tennessee, the event focused on innovation, sustainability, manufacturing technologies and market developments.
Rockline Industries Wins 2026 World of Wipes Innovation Award
The 2026 World of Wipes Innovation Award® was presented to Rockline Industries for its First Defense™ Fentanyl Detection Wipe.
Developed in collaboration with Visual Detection Systems, the single-use presumptive test detects trace amounts of fentanyl through a visible colour change. The wipe incorporates specialised indicators bound to viscose fibres using a starch-based system to improve usability and reliability in field conditions.
The product has been tested with pharmaceutical and street-grade fentanyl as well as other opioids and is designed for use by law enforcement agencies, first responders, military personnel, airports, schools and correctional facilities.
Doug Cole, Vice President – Global Product Development, Rockline Industries, said:
“Rockline is honored to receive the 2026 World of Wipes Innovation Award for the First Defense Fentanyl Detection Wipe. This recognition reflects the innovation, passion, and dedication of our team to develop a first-of-its-kind solution that helps protect first responders, EMS, law enforcement, and others with a convenient, single-use product that performs effectively in real-world environments.”
The other finalists recognised for innovation and market potential were:
- The Clorox Company for Clorox™ Refreshables™
- Lenzing Fibers, Inc. for Lenzing™ DualWipe
Nominations for the 2027 World of Wipes Innovation Award® will open on August 7, 2026.
Lifetime Technical Achievement Awards Presented
INDA presented its 2026 Lifetime Technical Achievement Awards to Tom Daugherty and Carey Hobbs in recognition of their contributions to nonwoven technologies, business innovation and industry development.
Thomas Daugherty, Associate Director, Procter & Gamble, and Deputy / Operations Director, The Nonwovens Institute (retired), said:
“It has been a great privilege to spend nearly 45 years collaborating with so many talented individuals in this industry to improve the lives of consumers worldwide. I am truly humbled to receive the INDA Lifetime Technical Achievement Award. My deepest thanks to my colleagues at P&G, partners across the supply sector, The Nonwovens Institute at NC State, the INDA community, and my wife and family for their amazing partnership. Here’s to the next generation of innovation!”
Carey Hobbs, President, Hobbs Bonded Fibers (retired), said:
“I was shocked to learn that I’m receiving this Lifetime Achievement Award. I have devoted my professional career to making cars quieter, making jackets warmer, defending our country, and helping families enjoy quilting. This honor humbles me and lets me know that my career has positively impacted people’s lives.”
Industry Participants Share Event Experience
Participants highlighted networking opportunities, technical presentations and business engagement during the conference.
Nigel Gautry, Corporate Marketing and Sales Director, Saudi German Co. for Nonwoven Products, said:
“WOW brought together an excellent mix of people, ideas, and commercial opportunity. The quality of the presentations was very strong, but what stood out most was the value of the conversations — connecting with customers, suppliers, and industry leaders in a setting that was both highly engaging and commercially meaningful. The organization of the event was excellent, and the INDA team created a professional, welcoming environment that made it easy to engage, exchange ideas, and strengthen relationships across the wipes and nonwovens industry.”
Elizabeth Huth-Helreigel, Business Development Director, Soane Materials, said:
“WOW provided a fantastic experience and a valuable opportunity to share Soane Materials’ technology platform with leaders across the wipes industry. The presentations offered meaningful insight into where the market is headed, and the networking breaks created high-value conversations around innovation and new business opportunities.”
Robert Langill, Senior Director Sales, Precision Concepts / Comar, said:
“WOW was a great experience from the moment I arrived. Within the first hour, I was already connecting with industry colleagues, customers, and partners for meaningful conversations about current business trends and future opportunities. The quality of the networking made it clear very quickly that WOW brings the right people together in one place.”
Michael Lynch, Director – North America, IMA Tissue & Nonwoven, said:
“Participation in WOW26 was an energetic and highly productive event that made it possible to consolidate relationships with existing customers, develop new business opportunities and gather strategic indications on the evolution of the North American wet wipes market. The networking was excellent, and the conversations we had with customers, partners, and industry leaders create valuable opportunities."
Conference Sessions Focused on Industry Developments
The conference programme included presentations and panel discussions covering:
- Consumer trends, market growth and wipes innovation
- Standards, regulations, labelling and policy developments
- Sustainable substrates and flushable material design
- Manufacturing, converting and product performance
- Packaging sustainability and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
- Formulation, preservation and product development
The event also opened with the Wipes Development Course, conducted on June 29–30 by Heidi Beatty, CEO of Crown Abbey. The 12-session programme covered wipes development from concept through commercialisation, including materials selection, formulation and packaging.
INDA announced that the next World of Wipes® Conference will be held June 7–10, 2027, in Indianapolis, Indiana.