The global nonwovens and engineered fabrics community is reflecting on the life and legacy of Rory Holmes, the former President of INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, who passed away on April 24, 2026, at the age of 79. Holmes, a figure synonymous with the professionalization and expansion of the nonwovens sector, led the association through a transformative decade from 2004 until his retirement in 2013. His career, which spanned more than 40 years, was defined by a unique blend of technical expertise, strategic foresight, and an unparalleled ability to foster collaboration across the global supply chain. Under his leadership, INDA evolved from a regional trade group into a global powerhouse, providing the data, networking, and advocacy necessary for an industry that now touches nearly every aspect of modern life, from medical hygiene to automotive filtration.
A Career Defined by Technical Excellence and Strategic Growth
Rory Holmes’ journey in the engineered materials sector began long before he took the helm at INDA. A native of Omaha, Nebraska, Holmes pursued his foundational education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he earned a degree in mechanical engineering. This technical background would prove essential in an industry where the boundaries between traditional textiles and advanced material science were becoming increasingly blurred. His early career saw him honing his skills in high-stakes corporate environments, including significant roles at Johnson & Johnson and Chicopee/PGI Nonwovens (now part of Berry Global). These positions allowed him to master the complexities of operations, research, technology, and marketing—a multidisciplinary perspective that he would later use to guide the entire industry.
Before joining INDA as president, Holmes served as the associate director of the Nonwovens Cooperative Research Center (NCRC), which has since evolved into The Nonwovens Institute (NWI) at North Carolina State University. His time at the NCRC was pivotal, as it placed him at the intersection of academic research and commercial application. He understood early on that for the nonwovens industry to thrive, it required a robust pipeline of innovation and a workforce trained in the specific nuances of polymer science and fiber bonding. His work at NWI helped bridge the gap between theoretical laboratory breakthroughs and the practical requirements of high-speed manufacturing lines.
The INDA Presidency: 2004–2013
When Rory Holmes assumed the presidency of INDA in 2004, the nonwovens industry was at a crossroads. The sector was moving away from being viewed as a "substitute" for traditional textiles and was beginning to be recognized as a distinct category of engineered materials with superior performance characteristics. Holmes recognized that for INDA to remain relevant, it had to provide more than just a venue for trade shows; it had to become a hub for market intelligence and a voice for regulatory advocacy.
During his nine-year tenure, Holmes was credited with several landmark achievements that reshaped the association’s trajectory:
- Expansion of Global Events: Holmes oversaw the growth of IDEA®, the preeminent international nonwovens exhibition and conference. Under his guidance, the event became a critical bellwether for the industry, attracting thousands of attendees from across the globe. He also spearheaded the development of specialized conferences like RISE® (Research, Innovation & Science for Engineered Fabrics), which focused on the cutting edge of material science.
- Membership and Revenue Diversification: Holmes successfully expanded the association’s corporate membership, bringing in a wider array of stakeholders, including raw material suppliers, machinery manufacturers, and consumer brand owners. This diversification stabilized INDA’s financial health and ensured that the association represented the entire value chain.
- Educational Initiatives: Recognizing a talent gap in the industry, Holmes prioritized the development of INDA’s professional development programs. The "Nonwovens 101" courses and advanced technical seminars developed during his era remain the gold standard for training new engineers and business professionals in the field.
- Market Research and Standards: He championed the production of high-quality market reports and the establishment of industry standards, particularly in the areas of flushability and environmental impact. These efforts were crucial in defending the industry’s reputation and providing members with the data needed for long-term capital investment decisions.
Impact on the Global Nonwovens Market
The era of Rory Holmes’ leadership coincided with a period of massive expansion for the nonwovens market. When he began his tenure, the global nonwovens market was valued at approximately $15 billion. By the time he retired in 2013, that figure had nearly doubled, driven by the rising demand for disposable hygiene products in emerging markets and the increasing use of nonwovens in technical applications such as geotextiles and high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration.
Holmes was a vocal advocate for the "engineered fabrics" nomenclature, arguing that the term "nonwovens" defined the industry by what it was not (not woven or knitted) rather than what it was (highly engineered, functional materials). This shift in framing helped attract a new generation of chemical engineers and material scientists to the field. He presided over the industry during the 2008 global financial crisis, navigating INDA through the economic downturn by emphasizing the essential nature of nonwoven products—such as medical gowns and diapers—which remained in demand despite the recession.
Recognition and Industry Legacy
In 2013, upon his retirement, INDA honored Holmes with the Lifetime Achievement Award. This accolade is reserved for individuals whose contributions have had a profound and lasting impact on the industry. The award recognized not just his administrative success at INDA, but his lifetime of dedication to the advancement of fiber-based technologies.
Current INDA President and CEO Tony Fragnito reflected on the lasting presence of Holmes within the organization. "Although I did not have the privilege of knowing Rory personally, his impact is still very much felt today," Fragnito stated. "I continue to hear from members and colleagues who speak highly of his leadership, his generosity, and the lasting mark he left on INDA and the industry. He clearly meant a great deal to many people, and he left his mark on the industry through his deep commitment to leadership and his lasting impact on INDA."
Colleagues often remember Holmes as a "leader’s leader"—someone who was as comfortable discussing the intricacies of meltblown technology as he was discussing long-term corporate strategy. His ability to build consensus among competing companies for the greater good of the industry was perhaps his greatest soft skill. He was known for his warmth, his quick wit, and his accessibility to young professionals looking for mentorship.
Professional Chronology and Key Milestones
The timeline of Rory Holmes’ career provides a roadmap of the nonwovens industry’s maturation:
- 1960s-1970s: Earned BS in Mechanical Engineering from University of Nebraska-Lincoln; began career in industrial manufacturing.
- 1980s-1990s: Held senior leadership positions at Johnson & Johnson and Chicopee/PGI Nonwovens, focusing on the development of high-performance absorbent materials.
- Late 1990s-2003: Served as Associate Director at the Nonwovens Cooperative Research Center, fostering public-private partnerships in textile research.
- 2004: Appointed President of INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry.
- 2007: Led the industry through the first major global discussions on sustainability and "flushability" standards for wipes.
- 2010: Oversaw one of the largest IDEA® trade shows in history, cementing the U.S. as a hub for nonwovens innovation.
- 2013: Retired from INDA; received the INDA Lifetime Achievement Award.
- 2013-2026: Remained an active mentor and consultant, participating in industry events and supporting the next generation of textile leaders.
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
The passing of Rory Holmes marks the end of an era, but the foundation he built continues to support the industry’s current priorities. Today, the nonwovens industry is at the forefront of the global sustainability movement, developing biodegradable fibers and circular manufacturing processes. The frameworks for industry-wide collaboration that Holmes established are now being used to address the "plastic-free" directives in Europe and the United States.
Furthermore, the emphasis Holmes placed on the medical and filtration sectors proved prophetic during the COVID-19 pandemic. The infrastructure of the nonwovens industry—specifically the meltblown capacity that Holmes championed during his tenure—became a matter of national security as the world scrambled for personal protective equipment (PPE). The resilience shown by the industry during the 2020s can be traced back to the strategic strengthening of the supply chain that occurred under Holmes’ watch in the early 2000s.
Beyond his professional life, Holmes was a man of diverse interests. An avid golfer and fisherman, he found solace in the outdoors and often used these hobbies as a way to connect with friends and colleagues outside the boardroom. His Nebraska roots stayed with him throughout his life, manifesting in a grounded, no-nonsense approach to problem-solving that earned him respect from factory floors to executive suites.
As the industry prepares for the next decade of growth—projected to reach new heights in smart textiles and sustainable nonwovens—the influence of Rory Holmes remains a guiding light. His life’s work serves as a reminder that technical innovation is most effective when paired with strong, compassionate leadership and a commitment to the collective success of the community. INDA and its member companies extend their deepest condolences to the Holmes family, recognizing that while the man has passed, his contributions to the fabric of modern society will endure for generations.
