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The Nonwovens Institute
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Enabling Materials of the Future

Based at the Centennial Campus of North Carolina State University, The Nonwovens Institute (NWI) is a consortium of stakeholders spanning the breadth of the nonwovens value chain. Operating on an “Open Innovation” platform and covering the full Technology Readiness Level (TRL) range, NWI engages industry, government and academia to enable next-generation nonwoven solutions to mission-critical challenges.

300+ Alumni

Facilitating collaboration around fundamental research – TRL 1-3.

Knowledge Creation

100+ Companies Trained Annually

In-person, online and custom training opportunities – TRL 4-9.

Workforce Development

100+ Industry Partners Annually

World-class pilot and testing labs to support trials – TRL 3-6.

Fabrication and Testing

80+ Patents; Many Commercialized

Bringing new product ideas from concept to reality – TRL 4-7.

Product Development

7 Products Incubated

Scaling from the lab to commecialization – TRL 6-9.

Product Incubation

Upcoming TRAINING COURSES

All Events
Jul 23

Tuesday

Fiber and Filament Extrusion Fundamentals Short Course
Aug 13

Tuesday

Nonwoven Product Development and Innovation Short Course
Oct 03

Thursday8:00 AM

Nonwoven Bonding Fundamentals

Latest Headlines

All News
NWI Student Awardees from Spring 2024 IAB Meeting

July 10, 2024

NWI Announces Student Research Awards from Spring 2024 IAB Meeting

The Nonwovens Institute is proud to announce the winners of its Student Awards from the Spring 2024 Industrial Advisory Board (IAB) meeting: Nishant Bhatta; Anicah Smith O’Brien; and Anastasia Timofeeva.
Stefan Engel, American Truetzschler Inc. USA and John McNabb, Freudenberg Performance Materials

July 01, 2024

NWI Industrial Advisory Board Names Stefan Engel and John McNabb to Executive Committee

Stefan Engel, Chief Executive Officer of American Truetzschler Inc., and John McNabb, Chief Technical Officer, Freudenberg Performance Materials, join NWI EC.
Nonwoven Product Development and Innovation Short Course

June 27, 2024

[2-Minute Tutorial] Nonwoven Product Development and Innovation

The following tutorial provides a brief discussion of the process and key considerations required to maximize the opportunity for success in developing new nonwoven products and scaling them up for…

Student Spotlight: Dominic Garcia, Polyester Thermal Point Bonding and the Effect of Additives

Dominic is a Ph.D. candidate in Fiber and Polymer Science at NC State University, studying under Dr. Eunkyoung Shim. Dominic’s NWI research project s currently investigating processing techniques for the improvement of thermally bonded polyester nonwovens. This project utilizes innovative small-scale model design and techniques such as tensile testing and thermal analysis. 

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Dominic Garcia, The Nonwovens Institute, NC State University

NWI Labs

NWI Analytical and Physical Nonwovens Testing Lab

Analytical and Physical Testing

NWI’s Analytical and Physical Testing Lab is rooted in more than 20 years of work with rigorous test methods for fibers and fabrics in nonwoven applications. This deep expertise, combined with our state-of-the-art instruments, ensures precise and reliable results.

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NWI Fiber and Polymer Science Lab

Fiber and Polymer Science

Experts working in NWI’s Fiber and Polymer Science Lab specialize in the characterization of various polymers, biopolymers and additives for melt-spinning pilot research. This lab is ideal for engaging in proof-of-concept with a minimum of input material required.

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NWI Filtration Testing Lab

Filtration Testing

NWI has expanded its filtration testing capabilities to include services for facemasks and respirators, along with filter media for automotive, HEPA and HVAC applications, among others. Importantly, NWI’s Filtration Testing Lab is ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited.

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NWI Meltblown Nonwovens Lab

Meltblown

NWI’s Meltblown Pilot Lab features a 1.2-meter wide line with recently updated software and control systems. Along with NWI’s many years of experience in developing meltblown nonwoven applications, this lab provides the ability to test a wide range of polymers.

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NWI Spunbond and Hydroentangling Nonwovens Lab

Spunbond and Hydroentangling

NWI’s decades of experience in spunmelt nonwovens, in tandem with its Spunmelt and Hydroentangling Pilot Lab, provide you the opportunity to customize the web path to your specific application requirements, utilizing a variety of fiber and polymer options.

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NWI Staple Carded Nonwovens Lab

Staple Fiber

NWI’s Staple Nonwovens Pilot Lab is equipped with Trützschler feeding equipment and extensive opening systems for blending of various types of fibers and composite formations. This lab is supported by NWI’s deep expertise in carded nonwovens.

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“The Institute will continuously strive to be a global leader in research, education and outreach for the nonwovens and affiliated industries.” 

NWI Industrial Advisory Board

Member Profile:
Fibertex Nonwovens

Fibertex Nonwovens is a subsidiary of  Schouw & Co, a diversified Danish industrial conglomerate with a value-creating, active and long-term ownership and a strategic view on each of its businesses.  In North America, Fibertex Nonwovens produces needlepunch and spunlace fabrics for Automotive, Building Industry, Filtration, Wipes, Personal Care and Hygiene applications, among others.

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Fibertex Nonwovens Logo

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