Dave Rousse

President Emeritus, INDA

Dave Rousse became INDA's President in late 2012 following over 15 years' experience in nonwoven producing companies and an entire career in engineered materials since graduating from Dartmouth and its associated Engineering and Business schools. Rousse was President, Hygiene/Medical Americas at Fiberweb in Simpsonville, SC before being promoted in 2007 to President of all of Fiberweb Americas and basing in Nashville. Recently, he served as CEO of HydroLogex LLC, a young Nashville-based designer/supplier of proprietary decentralized wastewater treatment systems in the CleanTech sector. Prior to Fiberweb, Rousse was a Vice President at Monadnock Paper Mills, a manufacturer of nonwovens and specialty papers. He was also a Vice President & General Manager at FiberMark Inc., another specialty paper/nonwovens producer. Prior to that he held a series of marketing/sales leadership positions at International Paper.

Progress through Collaboration but Issues Remain

The challenges to the flushable wipes category are many and strong. They include legislative efforts in NYC and other jurisdictions, regulatory efforts by the FTC, talking points within the 17,000 member wastewater industry, media sympathy for the "easy" story, an effort to develop ISO standards, and at least twelve class action lawsuits. INDA's President will provide an overview and update on all of these crosscurrents, with some optimism for how constructive engagement and collaboration can lead to acceptable outcomes.