Nonwovens Innovation & Research Institute
As nonwoven materials specialists, NIRI helps organisations to develop and improve their products. This involves improving the performance of existing nonwoven components or developing completely new materials and technologies.
NIRI have successfully completed over 500 projects for over 220 clients. Their expertise lies in their ability to optimise the properties, process, and cost of nonwoven fabrics. This improves product performance across many different market sectors and their innovation expertise has a proven record of helping businesses to grow faster.
Spun-out from the University of Leeds, with over 15 years’ experience in the research & development of nonwovens, NIRI has helped companies launch over 100 commercial products. NIRI is the global leader in nonwoven consultancy with a proven record of delivering results. NIRI offers a confidential service where clients own new IP, which is why 80% of customers return to NIRI to speed up their innovation.
Locating our business in the Leeds City Region has been instrumental to NIRI’s success. Having world class manufacturers on our doorstep has enabled us to innovate, develop and scale-up nonwoven and textile technologies - helping companies speed up getting new products into the market.
Surfaceskins

Alongside consultancy services, NIRI also develops new, high value intellectual property which is delivered to market under licence agreements.
One of the award-winning technologies developed by NIRI is Surfaceskins. A novel infection control device designed to prevent the spread of pathogens in hospital environments. Surfaceskins has won numerous innovation awards including the Medilink Healthcare Business award and INDA’s Research Innovation Science and Engineering award.
Surfaceskins is a self-disinfecting alcohol gel pushpad which is engineered to stop the spread of infection, killing germs in seconds and effective against bacteria and viruses including Coronavirus.