CARY – INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, has unveiled the conference programme for Hygienix 2026, the premier global event for the absorbent hygiene and personal care markets.
The event will take place from 16 – 19 November at the Hyatt Regency Houston in Houston, Texas.
It will bring together industry leaders, technical experts, researchers, and innovators to explore the absorbent hygiene industry, including sustainability advancements, regulatory developments, evolving consumer needs, and next-generation product technologies.
Conference
The conference programme will feature the future of absorbent hygiene products, materials, manufacturing, and consumer care. Key topics include:
- Global energy, economic, and market trends influencing raw material costs, supply chains, product affordability, and business strategy
- Emerging consumer expectations, adult incontinence solutions, product insecurity, and opportunities to improve comfort, dignity, and access
- Advances in absorbent cores, superabsorbent materials, polymers, nonwovens, adhesives, fluid management, skin health, and next-generation product design
- Sustainability, biodegradability, manufacturing efficiency, and end-of-life considerations driving material and product innovation
- Evolving regulatory, legislative, reimbursement, and industry standards affecting absorbent hygiene manufacturers and suppliers
Highlights
Hygienix will offer three interactive pre-conference workshops:
- “Inside the Absorbent Core: A Hands-On Systems Approach to Fluid Control” – Jim Robinson, Principal, Absorbent Hygiene Insights, LLC
- “Inside Sustainable Hygiene: A Hands-On Reality Check for Materials, Claims, End-of-Life, and U.S. Compliance” – Heidi Beatty, Chief Executive Officer, Crown Abbey,
- “Inside the Diaper Market: Hands-On Benchmarking, Performance, and Trends” – Natalia Richer, Director of Business Development, and Irene Richer, Director of Laboratory Operations, Diaper Testing International
Networking
Attendees will also have multiple opportunities to build relationships, exchange ideas, and connect with absorbent hygiene industry leaders and solution providers, including:
- Lunch Around – An extended networking lunch designed to encourage meaningful conversations with industry leaders; seating is limited
- Lightning Talks – Five-minute exhibitor presentations highlighting new technologies, products, and capabilities
- Evening Receptions and Exhibits – Opportunities to meet leading suppliers serving the absorbent hygiene and personal care markets
- Welcome Reception – A lively opening-night event bringing attendees together to kick off Hygienix
Lifetime Service Awards
Carl Cucuzza and Pricie Hanna, the 2025 and 2026 Lifetime Service Award recipients, respectively, will be recognised during a presentation on 17 November.
The Lifetime Service Award recognises individuals who have provided longstanding service to the absorbent hygiene and personal care industry and contributed to its growth and advancement.
Hygienix Innovation Award
The Hygienix Innovation Award will recognize an innovative technology that is advancing the absorbent hygiene and personal care industry. Finalists will present their technologies on 17 November, and the winner will be announced during the closing session on 19 November. Nominations for the 2026 Hygienix Innovation Award close on 14 September.
The 2025 award recipient, Confitex Technology Ltd., was recognised for its Washable Nonwoven Sanitary Pad, designed to provide a sustainable and scalable solution without the use of superabsorbent polymers.
For additional information about the conference program, registration, sponsorship opportunities, and exhibit space, visit https://www.hygienix.org/
