Hyatt Regency Minneapolis   |   Minneapolis, Minnesota   |   June 17-20, 2024

Conference Speakers

Latten

Paul Latten

Director of Research & Development & New Business, Southeast Nonwovens, Inc.

BIOGRAPHY

Paul is a magna cum laude graduate of North Carolina State University in the department of Textile Engineering and Science. His professional experience covers 35 years mainly in polymer, fiber, and material science in a variety of individual contributor and senior leadership roles from engineer to CEO. Functional roles included research & development, manufacturing, sales, market development, business analysis, etc primarily in fibers and nonwovens. Paul led a $400 million fiber business producing more than a billion pounds annually in multiple manufacturing facilities located in US and Mexico. Employers included Celanese, Hoechst, KoSa, INVISTA, etc.

As an entrepreneur, Paul started a couple businesses in renewable energy and producing flame retardant fibers. Paul is currently a principal at privately held Southeast Nonwovens, Inc where he leads R&D and business development. His team develops 50-70 products a year for clients ranging from individuals up to Fortune 50 companies in diverse industries such as filtration, feminine hygiene, wipes, composites, aerospace, cleaning, automotive, etc. The R&D business has grown 400% during his tenure.

Paul has experience producing nonwoven materials from several natural and plant-based fibers like hemp, flax, jute, banana, pineapple, coconut, cotton, sisal and more. He has presented papers at nonwoven, textile, wipes, and fiber conferences.

Paul has served as board chairman for the INDA nonwovens association and a leading Habitat for Humanity affiliate. His passion is freedom. Hobbies include antique farm tractor restoration, carpentry, and golf. 


Wednesday, June 19
9:00 am - 10:30 am
Leading Alternatives to Traditional Plastics Used in Wipes

Exploring Natural Fibers in Nonwoven Wipes

Boring title, right?! “Sexy and Natural” … Is that better? Okay, so we all want pragmatic, low cost, better for the planet products. Disposable wipes are no exception. This presentation explores the use of natural fiber alternatives to traditional plastic fibers in nonwoven wipes. Ingredients like banana, hemp, pineapple, flax, or other natural fibers are “sexy” …but how pragmatic are they in terms of performance, cost and supply. We’ll share Southeast Nonwovens data and point of view looking at carded spunlace (and a few wetlaid nonwovens).

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