Don't Miss the Exclusive Academic Tours at TAPPI's Fiberglass Mat Technology Forum 2025
The 2025 TAPPI Fiberglass Mat Technology Forum is fast approaching, and industry professionals have an unprecedented opportunity to gain hands-on insights through exclusive tours of two world-class academic facilities at NC State University. Taking place October 27-30, 2025, in Raleigh, North Carolina, this premier industry event promises to deliver unparalleled learning experiences in the conference rooms and research labs.
Tour the World's Premier Nonwovens Research Institute
Your first stop will be the renowned Nonwovens Institute (NWI) at NC State University, home to the world's first accredited academic program dedicated to nonwovens. Located on the innovative Centennial Campus, this facility represents the pinnacle of engineered fabric technology research and development.
At the Nonwovens Institute, you'll experience one of the most advanced nonwovens facilities in the world, with capabilities spanning from compounding to fiber and fabric formation. The tour provides exclusive access to cutting-edge testing labs and pilot lines used for real-world product development and training that directly applies to fiberglass mat technologies.
What makes this tour particularly valuable is NWI's "Open Innovation" model, which accelerates solutions to today's toughest materials challenges. Their full-spectrum capabilities span the entire Technology Readiness Level (TRL) scale, making them a go-to resource for companies ready to innovate in nonwovens and related materials.
Explore NC State University’s Renowned Paper Science Program
The second tour destination takes you to the heart of one of the most respected paper science programs in the country at NC State University. This guided visit covers two key buildings housing the Paper Science and Engineering Program and the College of Natural Resources, conveniently located side by side.
During this tour, you'll explore state-of-the-art labs used in real-world research and innovation that directly impacts the fiberglass mat industry. The highlight of this experience is seeing the famous "Baby" paper machine in action — a must-see for anyone in the industry. This equipment provides insight into formation processes and material handling techniques that are directly applicable to fiberglass mat manufacturing.
You'll also learn the story of NC State University’s historic paper program and how it has evolved alongside the College of Natural Resources, gaining valuable perspective on the educational foundation that's producing tomorrow's industry leaders. Recent graduates have been actively recruited by top companies like GAF, IKO, and CertainTeed, particularly with the addition of new, advanced equipment on campus.
More Than Just Academic Observation
What sets these tours apart is their deeply interactive and practical nature. At both facilities, attendees don't just observe – they engage with researchers, faculty, and students who are actively working on problems relevant to the fiberglass mat industry. These discussions often lead to collaborative opportunities, research partnerships, and innovative solutions that benefit the entire industry.
The combined tours showcase:
- Advanced materials processing and formation techniques
- Cutting-edge testing and characterization methods
- Research-to-commercialization pathways
- Next-generation equipment and automation
- Sustainability initiatives in materials science
- Real-world applications of academic research
You'll connect with experts across the nonwovens value chain, from startups to global manufacturers, and see how academic research translates into industry solutions.
Time-Sensitive Registration Opportunity
With registration now open for the Fiberglass Mat Technology Forum 2025, industry professionals must act quickly to secure their spots. The early bird registration deadline of October 6, 2025, represents significant savings for attendees and their organizations. Given the forum's reputation as the industry's leading event for technical knowledge-sharing and professional networking, early registration is essential to guarantee participation in these exclusive tours.
The forum consistently attracts top professionals and technical experts from across the fiberglass mat industry, making it the year's most important gathering for anyone serious about staying current with industry trends and innovations.
Complete Your Forum Experience
The academic tours are designed to enhance and complement the forum's robust technical program, providing a unique perspective on the research and development that drives industry innovation. Attendees gain valuable insights into emerging technologies, next-generation processes, and the talent pipeline that will shape the future of fiberglass mat manufacturing.
This comprehensive approach – combining industry-focused sessions with academic research exposure – ensures participants return to their organizations with both practical knowledge and a forward-looking view of where the industry is headed. The connections made at NC State University’s world-class facilities often lead to ongoing research collaborations and early access to breakthrough technologies.
Register Now Before It's Too Late
The fiberglass mat industry is evolving rapidly, and the professionals who stay ahead are those who make the commitment to continuous learning and engagement with cutting-edge research. The combination of the Nonwovens Institute's world-class facilities and NC State University’s renowned Paper Science program offers insights you simply cannot find anywhere else.
Make sure you're among the industry leaders who experience these exclusive academic tours at the TAPPI Fiberglass Mat Technology Forum 2025 in Raleigh, North Carolina. The proximity to these world-class academic facilities makes this forum location particularly valuable for industry professionals seeking to understand the future of materials science.
For complete tour details and registration information, visit: https://events.tappi.org/event/fgm/tours