INDA
K. Wayne Hays dies

29.08.2019 The Association of the Nonwovens Fabrics Industry (INDA), Cary, NC/USA, remembers K. Wayne Hays, a veteran of the nonwovens industry for more than 5 decades and one of the founders of INDA. Hays passed away on August 21, 2019 at the age of 95

© Photo: INDA
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Hays became involved in the fledgling nonwovens business in the early 1950s. He was also the first Chairman of the International Nonwovens and Disposables Association, which later became INDA, and was one of the forward thinking leaders behind the formation of the first International Disposables Exposition and Assembly (IDEA) show in Philadelphia, PA/USA, in 1971.
Hays’ research and development work led to the development of the first nonwoven diaper coverstock material, and the company’s first contract with Procter & Gamble. The booming hygiene coverstock business we know today originated from his work at that time.
Hays also negotiated a joint venture with Carl Freudenberg to establish the Lutravil polyester spunbond operation in Durham, NC/USA. He was Lutravil’s first President and successfully made the company a leading supplier of automotive primary carpet backings in North America. He served on numerous INDA Boards, Committees, and Task Forces, and was instrumental in moving INDA’s Headquarters from New York City to Cary in 1989, and served as INDA’s interim President in.
Hays was recognized with the IDEA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2001.

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