News and Notes

Nov 19, 2025

Students Recognized for Excellence at Fall 2025 IAB Meeting

Bringing together the best of both industry and academia is a hallmark of The Nonwovens Institute (NWI). Located in the heart of the vibrant Centennial Campus of North Carolina State…

Nov 3, 2025

Technical Developments in Nonwovens Presented at RISE® 2025

The 2025 RISE® (Research, Innovation & Science for Engineered Fabrics) Conference was held Oct. 14-15, at the McKimmon Center on NC State’s campus. This was the 15th edition of RISE® and…

NWI Fall 2024 IAB Meeting, Student Group Photo

Sep 16, 2025

[Preview] Fall 2025 Industrial Advisory Board Meeting

The Nonwovens Institute’s (NWI’s) Fall 2025 Industrial Advisory Board Meeting will be held November 11-12 on the Centennial Campus of NC State University. The semi-annual IAB meeting is where NWI’s member…

Sep 15, 2025

10 NWI Student Researchers to Present Posters at 2025 RISE® Conference

Ph.D. student researchers currently engaged in The Nonwovens Institute’s (NWI’s) fundamental nonwovens research program will be presenting posters at the upcoming RISE® (Research, Innovation & Science for Engineered Fabrics) conference, Oct. 14-15, 2025 in the McKimmon Center of NC State University.

Sep 8, 2025

Dr. Rajeev Chhabra Appointed as Emeritus Member of NWI’s Strategic Scientific Advisory Board

The Nonwovens Institute (NWI) is proud to announce the appointment of Rajeev Chhabra, Ph.D. as the Emeritus Member of the Institute’s Strategic Scientific Advisory Board (SSAB) in recognition of his extensive contributions to industry and to NWI.

Aug 29, 2025

Dr. DeeAnn Nelson Elected as Emeritus Member of The Nonwovens Institute (NWI)

DeeAnn (“Dee” to all) retired in June 2025 as Senior Innovation Manager with Avgol Nonwovens, located in Mocksville, North Carolina focusing on the needs of the United States, Canada, and…

Aug 25, 2025

Dr. Prashant Desai Elected as Emeritus Member

Dr. Prashant Desai was elected as an Emeritus Member of The Nonwovens Institute (NWI) during NWI’s Industrial Advisory Board (IAB) meeting earlier this year. Prashant joins thirteen other individuals who have made incredible contributions not only to NWI but to the broader nonwovens industry.

Aug 19, 2025

Piyush Thakre and Nilesh Tharval Named to Strategic Scientific Advisory Board

Dr. Piyush Thakre, Application Development Leader for Healthcare and Hygiene business segment and Extrusion Coatings/Liquid Packaging business segment at The Dow Inc. and Nilesh Tharval, Manager of Advanced Technology and Director at i2M LLC & Digital Hub at MANN+HUMMEL were named as members of the Strategic Scientific Advisory Board (SSAB) for the Nonwovens Institute (NWI).

Aug 15, 2025

John Parsons and Liyun Ren Named to Executive Committee – Industrial Advisory Board

John Parsons, Product Development Director of PFNonwovens and Liyun Ren, Advanced Research Specialist at Solventum were elected as members of the Executive Committee of the Industrial Advisory Board (IAB) for the Nonwovens Institute (NWI) following the Institute’s Spring 2025 IAB Meeting.

Aug 6, 2025

NWI Student Researcher Group Activities 2024-25

The Nonwovens Institute (NWI) helps to develop the next generation of leaders across the nonwovens industry and academia. In addition to developing technical competencies, students learn communications, group dynamics and leadership skills while supporting each other along their journey.