What do Post-It notes, the microwave oven, penicillin and potato chips have in common? They are all successful, everyday products that stemmed from mistakes or unexpected outcomes. The Post-It was born from an attempt to make a strong adhesive that led to a weaker, reusable one; penicillin was discovered when a mold contaminated a petri dish and inhibited bacterial growth.

Last month, at EDANA’s Nonwovens Innovation Forum in Paris, France, attendees participated in a workshop on how a mistake or accident led to an unexpected output and how that impacted the nonwovens industry. While none of the “mistakes” were as mainstream as potato chips or microwave ovens, there were some solid examples of how an unexpected outcome can still be a success.

Considering that only 10% of projects become a reality, many development efforts stem from failures. However, some would say that failure is truly the point of trials. That being said, developers should not be too structured and should keep everything documented because there are no direct failures when you are trying to innovate. Or at least, there shouldn’t be.

The result of innovation—whether intentional or accidental—was on full display at the Innovation Forum, which brought together a vibrant cross-section of industry stalwarts and newcomers who focused on developments that will help shape the future of nonwovens.

Calling innovation “a key factor to stay competitive” as well as the “foundation for resilience and long-term relevance,” EDANA general manager Murat Dogru said, “By embedding sustainability, digitalization and collaboration into the core of our innovation culture, we’re not just keeping pace with change — we’re shaping the future of our industry.”

Topics ranged from the conversion of textile waste into high-value products, new ways to use fiber modeling in protoyping and the use of Artificial Intelligence in sustainable manufacturing, and speakers ranged from representatives of large and small companies to research institutions like the Nonwovens Innovation & Research Institute (NIRI).

“It is crucial that people in the nonwovens industry understand what’s going on on the other side of the fence and to understand what R&D people are doing,” said Matthew Tipper, CEO of NIRI. “We need collaboration between the real needs of the industry and research institutes.”

Perhaps more than ever before, considering the many challenges facing nonwovens and absorbent products, innovation is the key force that will drive our industry forward, toward continued success.
As always, we appreciate your comments.

Karen McIntyre
Editor
kmcintyre@rodmanmedia.com