WOW Conference Held in Nashville

The World of Wipes (WOW) International Conference brought the global wipes industry together for four days of insights, innovation, and connections, June 29-July 2, at the Grand Hyatt Nashville, TN. WOW featured expert-led presentations, exhibits, and the presentation of the 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. In collaboration with Visual Detection Systems, Rockline developed the First Defense Fentanyl Detection Wipe, a single-use presumptive test that rapidly detects trace fentanyl through a visible color change. Featuring specialized indicators bound to viscose fibers with a starch-based system, the wipe improves field usability and reliability. Tested with pharmaceutical and street-grade fentanyl and other opioids, it is designed for law enforcement, first responders, military, airports, schools, and correctional facilities.

“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,” says Doug Cole, vice president – Global Product Development, Rockline Industries

Fellow finalists The Clorox Company, with Clorox Refreshables, and Lenzing Fibers, Inc., with the Lenzing DualWipe, were also honored for their innovation and market potential. Nominations for the 2027 World of Wipes Innovation Award will open August 7, 2026.

At WOW, INDA also honored Tom Daugherty and Carey Hobbs with Lifetime Technical Achievement Awards, recognizing their lasting contributions to the advancement of nonwoven technologies, business innovation and the continued growth of the industry.

“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!” – Thomas Daugherty, Associate Director, Procter & Gamble, and Deputy / Operations Director, The Nonwovens Institute (retired)

“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,” says Carey Hobbs, President, Hobbs Bonded Fibers (retired)

Wipes leaders recognized the WOW Conference as an opportunity to make an renew connections.

“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,” says Nigel Gautry, Corporate Marketing and Sales Director, Saudi German Co. for Nonwoven Products

“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,” adds Elizabeth Huth-Helreigel, Business Development Director, Soane Materials

In addition to the conference, the event opened with the Wipes Development Course, held June 29-30 and led by Heidi Beatty, CEO of Crown Abbey. This 12-session course provided a comprehensive overview of wipes development, from concept to commercialization, covering materials selection, formulation design and packaging considerations.

INDA announced that the next edition of the World of Wipes® Conference will take place June 7-10, 2027, in Indianapolis, IN.