CARY, NC — May 22, 2008 — Six finalists have been selected to compete for the inaugural WOW Innovation Awards competition being held as part of the second annual World of Wipes (WOW) Conference, June 16-18, 2008 at The Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel in Chicago, Ill.

The WOW Conference, organized by INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, is devoted solely to wipes, with a concentration on raw materials, active ingredients, packaging, market metrics, rising industry challenges and market opportunities. The WOW Awards recognize and reward the industry members who bring innovative and value-added processes and product enhancements to the wipes market.
 
The six finalists, chosen from products nominated by the industry earlier this year, are:

• Ahlstrom — Natural Choice Flushable Wet Wipe. Made from Hydraspun dispersible fabric, the wipe, which was launched in Wal-Mart Stores in late 2006, breaks apart when flushed and reduces the chance for blockages in home and waste management systems.
• Care Dynamics — Care Dynamics Handwashing Towelette . This high-tech, soap-impregnated dry towelette has a unique system that features a water- and time-activated indicator that informs the user that hands have been washed for adequate time to be effective.
• KlenzPod — Wet Wipe Dispensing System. This system consists of elegant dispensers with hygienic spent-wipe disposal facility, nozzles that ensure single wipe dispensing, and wipe perforations that ensure a tail for the next user.
• Method Products — Bamboo Household Cleaning Wipes. Method has replaced its traditional household cleaning wipe with this 100% bamboo nonwoven wiper in a flexible package with a custom flip-top, improving the environmental footprint of the product.
• Polytex — AquaPuff Expandable Ink. AquaPuff is an expandable ink that will grow when heat is introduced to the substrate, thereby amplifying the characteristics of the wipe.
• Rockline/Strateline — Environmentally Sensitive Baby Wipe. This environmentally friendly baby wipe is made with 75% regenerated cotton sourced from white T-shirt trimmings. It also features an eco-friendly solution with ingredients made from renewable plant sources.

“The purpose of WOW is to highlight the new products, processes and technologies that are driving the global wipes business in 2008,” says INDA President Rory Holmes. “This WOW Innovation Award will further recognize the 'best of the best' of these new products and technologies and the recipient will be chosen by the people who know these products best — attendees at WOW.”

The six finalists will give 15-minute presentations during WOW and attendees will then vote on the recipient of the 2008 WOW Innovation Award. The Award will be presented during a session on the final morning of the Conference.

For more information on the second annual World of Wipes (WOW) Conference, June 16-18, 2008 at The Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel in Chicago, Ill.: http://www.inda.org/events/wow08/