World of Wipes® Conference 2026 Concludes with Innovation Awards and Industry Collaboration
Rockline Industries receives the 2026 World of Wipes Innovation Award as the conference highlights advancements in nonwovens, sustainability and product development
The World of Wipes® (WOW) International Conference concluded after bringing together the global wipes industry from June 29–July 2 at the Grand Hyatt Nashville in Tennessee. The four-day event featured expert-led presentations, exhibitions, networking opportunities and the presentation of the 2026 World of Wipes Innovation Award®.
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 First Defense™ Fentanyl Detection Wipe is a single-use presumptive test designed to rapidly detect trace fentanyl through a visible colour change. The wipe uses specialised indicators bound to viscose fibres with a starch-based system to improve field usability and reliability. It has been tested with pharmaceutical and street-grade fentanyl as well as other opioids and is intended for use by law enforcement, 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 with Clorox™ Refreshables™ and Lenzing Fibers, Inc. with Lenzing™ DualWipe.
Nominations for the 2027 World of Wipes Innovation Award® will open on August 7, 2026.
INDA Honours Industry Veterans
During the conference, INDA presented its 2026 Lifetime Technical Achievement Awards to Tom Daugherty and Carey Hobbs in recognition of their long-term 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 Leaders Share Conference Experience
Participants from across the wipes and nonwovens industry highlighted the conference as an opportunity to exchange ideas, discuss market developments and strengthen business relationships.
Comments were shared by:
- Nigel Gautry, Corporate Marketing and Sales Director, Saudi German Co. for Nonwoven Products
- Elizabeth Huth-Helreigel, Business Development Director, Soane Materials
- Robert Langill, Senior Director Sales, Precision Concepts / Comar
- Michael Lynch, Director – North America, IMA Tissue & Nonwoven
The speakers highlighted networking opportunities, customer engagement and discussions on future business and market developments during the event.
Programme Focused on Industry Trends
The conference programme featured presentations and panel discussions covering:
- Consumer trends, growth opportunities and innovations in wipes
- Standards, regulations, labelling and policy issues
- Sustainable substrates and flushable material design
- Manufacturing, converting and performance innovations
- Packaging sustainability and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) requirements
- Formulation, preservation and product development advances
The event also included the Wipes Development Course, held on June 29–30 and led by Heidi Beatty, CEO of Crown Abbey. The 12-session programme provided an overview of wipes development, from concept to commercialisation, including materials selection, formulation design and packaging considerations.
Next Edition Scheduled for 2027
INDA announced that the next World of Wipes® Conference will take place from June 7–10, 2027, in Indianapolis, Indiana.