Cary, North Carolina, June 1, 2026 – INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, has unveiled the three finalists for the prestigious 2026 World of Wipes Innovation Award®, recognizing breakthrough advancements in nonwoven wipes technology, product design, sustainability, and performance.
The finalists—The Clorox Company, Lenzing Fibers, Inc., and Rockline Industries—will showcase their innovations at the World of Wipes® (WOW) International Conference, taking place from June 29 to July 2, 2026, at the Grand Hyatt Nashville in Tennessee. The winner will be announced during the conference’s closing session on July 2.Presented annually, the World of Wipes Innovation Award honors outstanding achievements across the wipes supply chain, including advancements in fibers, raw materials, converting technologies, packaging, additives, sustainability, and end-use applications. Finalists are selected by INDA’s Technical Advisory Board based on innovation, technical excellence, and market impact.
Clorox Introduces a New Category in Garment Care
One of this year’s finalists is The Clorox Company with its Clorox™ Refreshables™ In-Dryer Clothing Refresher, a novel solution designed to refresh lightly worn clothing without the need for washing.
The product uses specially designed wet dryer sheets that transform a standard dryer into a quick garment-refreshing system. By placing a towelette into the dryer with clothing for just 15 minutes, users can reduce odors, wrinkles, static, and pet hair while adding a fresh scent.
The innovation responds to growing consumer demand for convenience, fabric care, and resource conservation by reducing unnecessary washing cycles.
Lenzing Advances Sustainable Wipes Technology
Lenzing Fibers, Inc. earned a finalist position with its Lenzing™ DualWipe, a next-generation wipe developed using Lenzing’s Nonwovens Technology (LNT).
DualWipe integrates two functional surfaces into a single wipe structure. One side offers an abrasive texture for removing dirt and residues, while the opposite side provides a soft, highly absorbent surface for wiping and finishing applications.
A key differentiator is its sustainability profile. The product contains no synthetic fibers, binders, or finishing chemicals, eliminating the risk of plastic and microplastic shedding commonly associated with conventional wipes. In addition, DualWipe is compatible with standard converting processes, making it suitable for industrial, professional, and household cleaning applications.
Rockline Targets Safety with Fentanyl Detection Innovation
The third finalist, Rockline Industries, developed the First Defense™ Fentanyl Detection Wipe in collaboration with Visual Detection Systems.
Designed as a single-use presumptive test, the wipe rapidly detects trace amounts of fentanyl through a visible color-change reaction. The technology incorporates specialized detection indicators bound to viscose fibers using a starch-based system, enhancing usability and reliability in field conditions.
The product has been tested against pharmaceutical-grade and illicit fentanyl as well as other opioids and is intended for use by law enforcement agencies, first responders, military personnel, airports, correctional facilities, and educational institutions.
Continuing a Legacy of Innovation
The 2025 World of Wipes Innovation Award was awarded to Seasoning Wipes™ from Cookware Care. The product offered a convenient solution for maintaining cast iron and carbon steel cookware through a proprietary formulation of non-petrochemical oils and beeswax infused into 100% viscose wipes.
The 2026 finalists continue the award’s tradition of recognizing innovations that address emerging market needs while improving functionality, sustainability, and user experience.
WOW 2026 to Spotlight Future of Wipes Industry
The World of Wipes International Conference remains one of the nonwovens industry’s leading events, bringing together manufacturers, suppliers, researchers, and brand owners to explore new technologies, market trends, and business opportunities.
With innovations spanning garment care, sustainable cleaning solutions, and public safety applications, this year’s finalists reflect the expanding role of wipes technology across multiple industries.
The winner of the 2026 World of Wipes Innovation Award® will be revealed on July 2, 2026, during the closing session of WOW 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee.