Four finalists have been selected to compete for the World of Wipes Innovation Award competition being held as part of the annual World of Wipes (WOW) Conference, set for June 17-20 at the Hotel InterContinental in Atlanta, Georgia.

The annual WOW Conference, organized by INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, is the only event devoted entirely to wipes. This year’s event will feature the latest market and technology trends and new developments in the wipes industry.

The World of Wipes Innovation Award recognizes and rewards innovation across the entire wipes value chain that utilizes nonwoven fabrics in a way that expands their usage.

The four finalists demonstrated advancements in one or more of the following categories: Creativity, Novelty of Approach, Uniqueness, and Technical Sophistication.

The four finalists, chosen from products nominated by the industry, are:

Quatguard XL, from ITW Professional Brands. Quatguard is the only disposable foodservice wiper that inherently will not deplete sanitizer and disinfectant levels with the added cleaning performance and bacteria removal attributes of microfiber. It is designed to be used with both Quaternary Ammonium Compounds and Chlorine sanitizer in an affordable non-woven microfiber. The reason traditional microfiber is not being used today in foodservice is that it is too expensive.

Flushabyes, from Sellars Nonwovens. The present innovation relates to a dry dispersible wipe or towel, which Sellars Nonwovens introduced at the 2013 IDEA show under the brand name of Flushabyes. This product is manufactured using a modified DRC process and a unique and novel proprietary dispersible binder system. Sellars Nonwovens Flushabyes product allows for both adequate tensile strength and the ability to disperse after being flushed.

Snapplicator, from Tapemark. Tapemark’s patented Snapplicator provides a convenient applicator for “no touch” unit-dose application of your lotion or ointment. Tapemark’s Snapplicator keeps your hands clean, while spreading a precisely measured amount of a lotion or ointment where needed. The Snapplicator features a hinged non-woven applicator that pops up to stand out three-dimensionally from the package when opened, and for an added bonus, the unopened Snapplicator lies flat for ease of packaging.

Trio Hygiene System, from Duo, LLC. Introducing, the patented and trademarked Trio hygiene system. A revolutionary, elegant, and simple system for personal hygiene that combines toilet paper and flushable wipes in a single place as a “Better Together Hygiene System”. To protect plumbing systems, wastewater treatment facilities and the environment, Trio, uses none other than Suominen’s Hydraspun flushable wipes for its bathroom applications.

The four finalists will give 10-minute presentations during WOW 2013 and the recipient of the 2013 World of Wipes Innovation Award will be presented during a session on Thursday morning during the conference.

For more information on the 2013 World of Wipes International Conference visit www.inda.org/events/wow13/index.html.