Finland-based Ahlstrom Corp.’s Disruptor nanoalumina fiber and nonwoven water filter media received
the 2009 Visionary Award, presented at the VISION 2009 Consumer Products Conference held last month
in New Orleans and organized by the Cary, N.C.-based Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry
(INDA). The annual Visionary Award recognizes innovative consumer end-products that incorporate
nonwoven fabrics or use nonwoven technology during the manufacturing process.
The Disruptor – a nonwoven, wet-laid filter media constructed using nanoalumina fiber
technology – is used by companies that manufacture water purification products such as tap, spa and
shower filters; pre-filters; home reverse-osmosis filters, water pitchers and water coolers. The
product was one of five finalists chosen from products nominated late last year.
“The depth and breadth of the five Visionary Award finalists at VISION 2009 illustrate just
how important the marriage of nonwovens and consumer products has become,” said Rory Holmes,
president, INDA. “The Disruptor filtration demonstration was quite compelling and showed just how
effective the technology is for removing particles as well as color contaminants from drinking
water.”
The four other finalists include: Menifee, Calif.-based Back Enterprises LLC’s Germy Wormy
sanitary sleeve; Dallas-based Kimberly-Clark Corp.’s GoodNites sleep boxer for boys and sleep
shorts for girls; Chula Vista, Calif.-based Rotano International LLC’s Nooby’s disposable dog
booties; and Richmond, Va.-based WearOnce.com and Tredegar Consumer Designs Inc.’s Once Single-Use
Panty.
February 17, 2009
