Conference Speakers

Olaf Isele

Strategic Product Development Director, Trace Femcare, Inc.

BIOGRAPHY

Seasoned and innovative nonwovens expert, Olaf worked in Procter & Gamble R&D on Baby- and Fem-Care material development as well as on substrate development in other business units and with corporate R&D. Retired after 24 years at P&G as Research Fellow in early 2018. Practiced and developed effective approach to Open Innovation through the supply stream working on novel fiber/nonwoven technologies across multiple platforms. Expertise and special interest in functional nonwovens, sustainability, softness and mathematical, first principles modeling. Presently independent consultant as well as working as specialist on projects for YourEncore client companies.

Lives in Cincinnati OH with his wife Wanda and his two sons, Erik and Karl.

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Composition and Antimicrobial Activity of Hemp Fiber

Across continents and cultures, Cannabis sativa L. has intrigued and fascinated with its medicinal potential for centuries. While its therapeutic compounds have garnered attention worldwide, a pivotal question arises: Do the remarkable medical benefits of the plant extend to its fibers? This talk will briefly delve into the intricate processes of extracting fibers from hemp stalks akin to the methods used for flax. Exploring the nuanced composition of hemp plants, with a focus on the stalk, bast, and fiber, our investigation analyzes the mysteries surrounding their inherent antimicrobial properties. The implications of our findings resonate deeply within the industrial hemp and fiber industry, casting new light on the products made from the versatile plant of industrial hemp.