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The Nonwovens Institute
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Enabling Materials of the Future

Based at the Centennial Campus of NC State University, The Nonwovens Institute (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.

Problem Solving

7 Products Incubated

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

Product Incubation

Latest Headlines

All News
Pleated filter elements being manufactured on-site at Atmus Filtration Technologies utilizing Synthetic filter media produced by Atmus.

April 30, 2026

Member Spotlight: Atmus Filtration Drives the Future of Advanced Media Design

The Nonwovens Institute is proud to recognize Atmus Filtration, Inc. as a key member of our industry-leading ecosystem. From proprietary nanofiber distributions to sustainable polymer processing, Atmus is leveraging its NWI membership to push the boundaries of filtration efficiency, asset protection, and industrial scalability.
Rory Holmes Headshot

April 30, 2026

Celebrating the Life and Contributions of Rory Holmes

The Nonwovens Institute honors the remarkable life and legacy of Rory Holmes, a pioneer whose dedication shaped the modern nonwovens landscape. From his leadership at NWI and INDA to his mentorship of the next generation, Rory’s influence was as technical as it was personal. We invite you to read more about his extraordinary career and the lasting mark he left on our community.
The melt spinner arm moves into place and custom-sized fibers are deposited onto a spinning drum, quickly creating a broad swath of non-woven material used in products such as masks.

April 16, 2026

Army, NC State Collaborate on Potential of Polymers

NC State and the U.S. Army are working together to unlock the next generation of polymers. By blending advanced engineering with molecular precision, this collaboration aims to develop materials that can withstand the most extreme environments.

Student Spotlight: Anicah Smith-O’Brien, Biodegradability and Functional Properties of Biopolymers

Anicah is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at NC State University. Anicah’s NWI research project focuses on developing a fundamental understanding of how surfactant coatings affect both aerobic and anaerobic biodegradability of biopolymer substrates and their impact on important in-use properties, such as wettability.

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Anicah Smith-O'Brien, The Nonwovens Institute, North Carolina 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. 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 a wide range of filter media. The lab is capable of supporting a wide range of test methods, including ASTM F2299 testing for the measurement of Particle Filtration Efficiency (PFE) at 0.1 microns.

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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 run a wide range of polymers.

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NWI Spunbond and Hydroentangling Nonwovens Lab

Spunbond and Hydroentangling

NWI’s Spunbond and Hydroentangling Pilot Lab provides the flexibility to customize the web path, while also utilizing a variety of fiber and polymer types. A calender and through-air dryer offer users added bonding 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:
Math2Market

Based in Kaiserslautern, Germany, Math2Market develops and sells GeoDict, a leading simulation software worldwide, which digitizes the complete development of new nonwoven and other materials. In addition to selling the GeoDict software, Math2Market offers customer- and application-specific software adaptations, project work, personalized reliable scientific support, expert training, workshops and an annual conference. 

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