INDA Webinars

Explore the key issues in the global nonwovens industry.

Get the market and business insights you need to make better decisions. INDA’s 50-minute webinars are complimentary for everyone. Stay tuned for more 2025 webinars – more information coming soon!

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Pre-Conference Webinar

Filtration: ‘Bag’ to the Future?

Wednesday, April 16th, 11 am EDT

Fred Lybrand, President, Filter Holdings, Inc.

Overview: In filtration, greater surface area improves performance by lowering flow rates, boosting efficiency, and extending filter life—especially by promoting better dust cake formation in surface-loading applications. This principle has driven increasingly complex pleating methods, particularly in membrane cartridges for liquid filtration—one of the fastest-growing, highest-margin segments in the industry. Historically, adding pleats to increase surface area has delivered strong ROI for customers. However, that trend is now facing growing skepticism. In many applications—such as industrial dust collection, powder processing, food, beverage, and life sciences—there’s a noticeable shift toward simpler filter designs, like traditional filter bags. The “arms race” for more surface area is slowing, especially in processes where buildup can cause fouling and where long filter life is essential, such as in dairy, protein, and specialty chemical production. In environments where dust accumulation leads to spoilage or negative feedback loops, pleat-free, simplified filters are gaining ground.

Presenter bio: Mr. Lybrand is the President of Filter Holdings, Inc., based in Union, NJ – he has worked in porous materials since 2007, and previously held leadership roles at Elmarco and H&V. He has introduced award winning membrane, air, and liquid filtration products recognized by AFS and INDA; he previously served on the INDA board of directors. He has an undergraduate degree in biology from UVA, an MBA from UNC, holds the CFA designation, and has served as an author for the a National Academy of Sciences committee.

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Pre-Conference Webinar

Hemp Fiber – A Domestic Supply Chain for Nonwovens

Wednesday, April 23rd, 11 am EDT

Overview: Industrial hemp fiber is a sustainable and durable natural fiber appropriate for a variety of nonwovens systems and product applications.  This presentation will share an overview of a functioning and growing American supply chain from farm production and raw materials processing to final product pathways. We will touch generally on material specifications and develop the basic understanding needed for inclusion of hemp fiber in nonwovens processes, including airlaid, carded, wetlaid, thermal bonding, needlepunching, chemical bonding, and spunlace systems.  Whether it is the performance benefits of lightweighting auto parts, or the carbon sequestering and insulative benefits when used in building materials or as a highly absorbent, natural and durable fiber for use in wipes or hygienics and fem care, hemp fiber is the natural and sustainable fiber choice. Hemp fiber is compatible with nonwovens and available right now in the USA.

Presenters’ Bios:

Dr. Trey Riddle is an avid entrepreneur, having founded and run several businesses. He has worked as an engineer, manager and executive and has built factories as well as authored numerous peer reviewed papers. As the Chief Financial Officer of IND HEMP, Trey is responsible for overseeing the Sales, Marketing and Finance departments and is an expert in biofiber manufacturing and utilization. He holds a PhD from Montana State University in Polymer Composites and advanced materials and a Masters from Cornell University in Mechanical Engineering with an emphasis in automotive technology

Gregg Gnecco built his career in the outdoor and adventure sports product industries leading international branded sales and marketing strategies for technical products and new innovations in a variety of market channels, domestically and around the world. His enthusiasm for ‘doing it better’ and an understanding of product life from development to manufacturing through launch, sales, consumer use and end of life disposal shapes his ability to communicate the benefits of incorporating the sustainability and performance benefits of hemp across all steps of the supply and value chains

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Past Webinars

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IDEA 2025/FiltXPO 2025 Show Services Overview

Tuesday, March 18th, 11 am EST

Cassandra Cothron

Exhibitor Education Manager, Freeman

Overview: Whether you’re a first-time exhibitor or a seasoned participant, this webinar is a practical guide on preparing for your event. Attendees will gain insights into accessing show information, vendor services, shipping and material handling, and cost-saving strategies. The session will also cover ways to streamline planning, minimize unexpected costs, and set yourself up for success.

Presenter Bio: Cassandra Cothron is an experienced Exhibitor Education Manager at Freeman, passionate about helping exhibitors navigate event logistics with confidence. With firsthand experience exhibiting at events, along with a background in customer service and training, she develops educational resources that simplify the exhibiting process and enhance exhibitor experiences.

2025: Unlock New Opportunities with Global Nonwovens Education

Thursday, January 16th, 10 am EST

Your Path to Industry Leadership Starts Here.

2025 is bringing new opportunities and challenges to the nonwovens industry. Stay ahead with cutting-edge education from INDA, EDANA, and The Nonwovens Institute (NWI) at NC State University. Join our upcoming webinar to explore flexible learning options—in-person, virtual, and on-demand—including:

• Elementary & Intermediate Nonwovens Training (starting this January).
• EDANA’s Online Nonwovens Course.
• Exciting new programs for 2025!

Don’t miss this opportunity to empower your team and elevate your skills.

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We encourage you to share webinar invitations with your peers, colleagues, and customers.

Please note: All INDA Webinars will be recorded. By registering for an INDA Webinar, you consent to the recording.