About David E. James
Helping businesses succeed while protecting marine ecosystems.
Our Story: A Thirty-Year Journey to Industry Leadership
A foundation in science and an unexpected opportunity set the stage for a thirty-year career at the forefront of the nonwovens industry. David E. James began his professional life with a degree in Zoology and a focus on aquatic ecology, aiming for a career with what would become the UK’s Environment Agency. However, an economic recession redirected his path to North Wales, where he joined the Quality Assurance department of Nice-Pak International, a world leader in wet wipe manufacturing.
The Foundation: From the Factory Floor to Global Brands
Starting on the production shift provided a rare, ground-up education in the technical realities of wet wipe manufacturing. This practical foundation proved invaluable as David moved into the technical department, learning from industry authorities and progressively taking on more responsibility. His drive and expertise led to the role of Product Development Manager, where he became the principal technical contact for Johnson & Johnson across EMEA and the USA, helping to design and develop billions of baby wipes and personal care products for one of the world's most recognised brands. Recognising that true expertise requires a multi-disciplinary approach, David proactively pursued further education while working, earning a Diploma in Cosmetic Science to master formulations and a Postgraduate Diploma (part of an MSc) in Packaging Technology from the universities of Loughborough and Brunel to understand the complete product system.
The Crucible: Becoming the Global Authority on Flushability
David’s career took a pivotal turn when he was asked to represent Nice-Pak on the EDANA Flushability Task Force. This wasn't just a committee role; it was a deep dive into one of the industry's most complex technical and environmental challenges. In 2011, he was on the ground at the Water Research Centre in Swindon, working alongside UK water industry representatives to manually dissect sewer blockages, gaining a visceral, real-world understanding of the problem he was tasked with solving. This hands-on work sparked a deeper quest for knowledge. He undertook modules with the Chartered Institute of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) and, simultaneously, pursued a Master of Laws (LLM) in Environmental Law and Practice. His dissertation, “Who is liable for the consequences of flushing a wet wipe down the toilet in England and Wales?”, solidified his position as the UK’s leading expert at the intersection of nonwovens technology and environmental law. His authority became recognised globally. In 2014, he was invited to join ISO TC224/WG10, the international working group established to create a global standard for flushable products, a role he continues to hold today.
Ensure compliance: Gain practical guidance from someone well-versed in the latest flushability developments. Contact us today to move forward with confidence
Contact UsThe Innovator: Expanding into Healthcare and Advanced Materials
In 2017, after more than 23 years at Nice-Pak, David joined GAMA Healthcare, a leader in infection prevention technologies. As Head of Nonwovens and Materials Science, he established a new materials science laboratory dedicated to plastics compatibility testing—investigating the critical issue of how potent disinfectants affect the plastics used in medical device housings. During this time, his leadership within the industry was further recognised when he was elected Chairperson of the EDANA Wet Wipes Working Group in 2020.
The Next Chapter: David E. James Consultancy
In 2023, David founded his own consultancy to make his thirty years of accumulated knowledge, strategic insights, and extensive global network directly available to the industry. The consultancy is the synthesis of a unique career journey: from the factory floor to the boardroom, from dissecting sewer blockages to shaping international standards. Today, David E. James Consultancy offers a rare, 360-degree perspective, guiding clients through the interconnected challenges of material science, regulatory compliance, sustainable packaging, and manufacturing excellence.
Expertise and Experience
- Extensive experience in the wet wipes industry, focusing on nonwoven substrates, formulations, packaging, and conversion.
- Collaboration with external agencies and trade associations for advocacy and promotion of industry standards and best practices.
- Exploration of legal aspects related to wet wipes usage and disposal.
- Successful development of innovative and sustainable alternatives to traditional nonwoven and packaging materials.
- Proposing and incorporating cutting-edge materials and technologies into alternative nonwoven and packaging formats.
- Ensuring adherence to quality and safety standards through inspections, calibration considerations, and systematic reviews.
- Active participation in conferences and seminars, sharing knowledge with industry peers and fostering collaboration.
- Commitment to staying informed about emerging trends and developments in nonwoven and packaging materials.