Pre-Conference Webinar

Enhancing Softness and Loft in Nonwoven Fabrics

Thursday | October 2 | 10:00 AM ET

ExxonMobil has a longstanding commitment to supporting the nonwoven and absorbent hygiene industry through the supply of high-quality raw materials, including Polypropylene and Vistamaxx™ performance polymers. Among key attributes like comfort and leak protection that are highly valued by consumers in absorbent hygiene products, softness remains a top priority. Softness is inherently subjective and challenging to quantify, as it is primarily perceived through tactile interaction with the nonwoven fabric.

To address this challenge, ExxonMobil has developed innovative polymer solutions aiming to enhance the softness of nonwovens. This presentation will explore the role of Vistamaxx™ performance polymers which help enable superior softness in soft lean blend formulations. We will explore approaches to achieving a cushiony, high-loft feel—a critical sensory attribute that also represents a key dimension of softness valued by consumers. Through material science and formulation strategies, ExxonMobil continuously advances the performance and comfort of nonwoven fabrics in hygiene applications.

Industry Expert: Paul E. Rollin, Jr., Ph.D.

Senior Principal Scientist – Global Hygiene, ExxonMobil Technology & Engineering Company

Dr. Paul Rollin holds a B.S. in Chemistry from Morehouse College and a Ph.D. in Polymer Science from The University of Akron. He began his career at E.I. DuPont de Nemours & Co., where he contributed to the development of Tyvek® nonwoven products and later supported the startup of DuPont's SMS asset in Old Hickory, TN, focusing on bi-component spunmelt fibers and fabrics.

For the past 14 years, Dr. Rollin has been with ExxonMobil in Baytown, TX, leading the development of polyolefin-based products and nonwoven applications. His work also includes customer collaboration and technical support.

He serves on the Industrial Advisory Board of the Nonwovens Institute at North Carolina State University and the Board of Directors for INDA. With over 27 years in the nonwovens industry, Dr. Rollin holds multiple patents and continues to contribute to innovation in the field.

Industry Expert: Thomas Cugnon

Hygiene Market Development Lead, Europe, ExxonMobil Technology & Engineering Company

In 2012, Thomas Cugnon gained a master's degree in chemical and materials science engineering from Université Catholique de Louvain in Louvain-La-Neuve, Belgium. Thomas started in Polymers Technology when he joined ExxonMobil in 2012. For 3 years, he was in charge of application and product development in the European Technology Center in Brussels.

Since he moved to Marketing in August 2015, Thomas has been identifying and developing new applications to promote polyolefins from ExxonMobil, mainly focusing on Vistamaxx™ performance polymers.

As of May 2024, Thomas leads the Hygiene Application Development Team for Europe as Market Development Lead, promoting ExxonMobil polypropylene and Vistamaxx™ performance polymers in non-woven and elastic film hygiene applications.

Lyocell from Hemp: A Journey from Concept to Production Reality

Wednesday | October 8 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM ET

This session explores the early-stage challenges and breakthroughs in scaling lyocell manufacturing using hemp as a sustainable feedstock. Drawing from real-world experience, we'll examine the technical, logistical, and market-related hurdles that arise when introducing innovative materials into established production systems. The presentation will highlight the critical role of collaboration, persistence, and adaptive problem-solving in advancing sustainable textile solutions. Attendees will gain practical insights into the potential of hemp-based lyocell and the broader implications for the future of eco-conscious manufacturing.

Industry Expert: Lelia Lawson

Chief Technology Officer, Zylotex™

Lelia is the founder and Chief Technology Officer of Zylotex™. She holds a BSc and MSc in Human Ecology (Textiles & Clothing) and is currently pursuing a PhD in the Department of Human Ecology at the University of Alberta. Her research focuses on regenerated cellulosic fibres derived from hemp feedstock. With over two decades experience in industrial personal protective clothing, Lelia brings deep expertise in textiles, product development, and quality systems.

Lelia leads Zylotex™ in sustainable lyocell manufacturing, serves on the Board of Directors for both the Canadian Hemp Trade Alliance and the Alberta Hemp Alliance, and is the Co-Chair of the Research & Development Committee for the Canadian Textile Industry Association. Her passion lies in unlocking hemp's potential as a cornerstone of the green economy, driving a vision of a regenerative, circular future for textiles.