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The Nonwovens Institute

For Industry

The Nonwovens Institute (NWI) houses extensive state-of-the-art facilities from fiber and fabric formation, coating and lamination to a full range of analytical and physical testing. These capabilities are available for running trials, product development and commercialization, as well as for training purposes. While we certainly encourage companies to become members of the NWI Consortium, membership is not required to utilize our facilities and services.

How does NWI support the nonwovens industry?

Why Join NWI?

NWI members enjoy a number of benefits, including:

  • Research Cost Avoidance and Research Amplification
    • Access to core research programs
    • Access to students, faculty and staff
    • Voting rights to determine NWI’s research agenda
    • Members get access to more than 50 research projects
  • Technology Transfer
    • Option to any IP developed through core research programs
    • Access to online research archives
    • Training programs at a discount
    • Free online training materials
    • Priority access to NWI’s world-class fabrication and testing facilities
  • Service/Economic Development
    • Product development and analytical services at a discount
  • Networking
    • New members showcase at semi-annual Industrial Advisory Board (IAB) meetings
    • Marketing exposure on NWI website and social media
    • Industrial networking at the IAB meetings
    • Networking with various faculty, students and staff
Inquire About NWI Membership
Member Benefits Download

The Industrial Advisory Board

NWI member companies are represented on the NWI Industrial Advisory Board (IAB) and vote on the selection of new fundamental research projects annually. The IAB is currently supported by a 10-member board of directors who serve on the Executive Committee of the IAB.  The Executive Committee meets regularly with the NWI leadership team and provides guidance on policy decisions, strategic planning, etc. 

NWI also has a Strategic Scientific Advisory Board (SSAB), elected by the IAB, which provides guidance to the NWI leadership team and the IAB with respect to the research portfolio and priorities in terms of research direction and research infrastructure. The SSAB Chair also sits on the IAB Executive Committee.

Research programs are developed jointly by NWI’s faculty, staff and the IAB. Representatives of NWI member companies have a shared voice in IAB proceedings.

The IAB is a forum for a candid discussion of the economic and scientific significance of NWI’s current and prospective research initiatives. The IAB also provides a venue where student, faculty and industry researchers can remain apprised of emerging challenges and opportunities facing the nonwovens industry.

NWI Membership Tiers

  • Full Member I:
    Large companies – sales over $25 million
    Dues $60,000 per year
    Selection of one core research project every 3 years (one
    project running at a time)
    60 points in project voting
    Intellectual property rights as per Bylaws
    Short course discount
    Facility use discount
    3-year commitment in this class required
    Access to archives and online education resources
  • Full Member II:
    Large companies – sales over $25 million
    Dues $ 30,000 per year
    30 votes in project voting
    Intellectual property rights as per Bylaws
    Short course discount
    Facility use discount
    Access to archives and online education resources
  • Affiliate Member:
    Sales < $25 MM per year
    Dues $ 12,000 per year
    No proration of dues in year 1
    12 points in project voting
    Short course Discount Given
    Facility use discount
    Access to archives and online education resources
    Intellectual property rights as per Bylaws
    Executive committee membership limited to 1 member at any time
  • Startup Member:
    Dues $6000 per year
    Executive committee approval required
    Application must be made within 3 years of incorporation
    Membership limited to 2 years in class
    No proration of dues in year 1
    Attend IAB meetings and receive reports
    Short course discount Given
    6 votes for new projects
    Can present to IAB
    No intellectual property rights
    No internet access to archives or online education resources
    No executive committee participation
    No facilities use discounts
  • Social Member:
    Dues $5,000 per year
    Executive committee approval required
    Total number of Social members in NWI at any given time is limited to 3 companies.
    Proration of dues may be allowed based on the number of IAB events remaining in the calendar year.
    Must sign a confidentiality agreement
    Unless an exception is granted, the limit is 2 company participants at each IAB
    Participants can only attend IAB in-person poster sessions, IAB receptions and IAB NWI tour sessions
    No intellectual property rights
    No internet access to archives or online education resources
    No executive committee participation
    No facilities use discounts

NWI Bylaws and Associated Materials:

Engage with NWI

If you have questions about NWI or our service offering, please contact us at nonwovens@ncsu.edu.