The APAC Market pt. 2 with Rockey Ye and Tina Li

The first half of this two-part episode of ‘Attached to Hygiene’ presented a high-level overview of absorbent hygiene in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region. Topics included market size, growth potential, demographics, and user habits. In part two of this interview, Rockey Ye, Business Director for Bostik's APAC region, and Tina Li, Bostik's Technical Service Manager, delve deeper into how these factors impact manufacturers, suppliers, and consumers. They explore areas such as supply chain challenges, major industry trends, and profitability. The experts also share insights on the top five consumer needs of comfort, confidence, consistency, cost, and convenience, sometimes called the five Cs.

Challenges and trends for the region’s absorbent hygiene industry

The COVID-19 pandemic has created or worsened concerns for the industry, including supply chain issues and increasing costs. There is more competition among manufacturers who produce articles in the price-driven tiers. Because of rising expenses, it is tempting to pass that increase along to consumers. Due to competition, manufacturers may hesitate to go that route. For premium products, innovation is the driver.

How quickly can producers adapt to meet their consumers’ needs? By identifying and delivering on these ‘five Cs’ needs and trends, producers gain an edge in the marketplace. Examples of this approach include baby pants, period panties, and e-commerce for convenience, and softer materials and cooling additives for comfort. They are also increasingly looking for ways to make their products more sustainable—another growing consumer trend—whilst keeping the articles affordable.

 

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Outline of the Episode

• [01:34] Product innovations in the industry
• [04:07]  The challenge of balancing cost and sustainability
• [08:16] Established regulations in Europe help other regions create their own
• [11:35]  Diaper pants are growing in popularity in many Asian countries
• [15:37] The benefits of e-commerce
• [17:59] The usage of wetness indicators and sensors
• [21:50] Increasing use of overnight diapers and period panties
• [23:13] How the need of comfort is impacting the market
• [27:57] The market role of stay-in-place performance
• [31:05] Demand for pads with cooling effects is increasing
• [35:46] Brands are being more transparent and earning eco-label certifications

Resources

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Host: Jack Hughes

Music by Jonathan Boyle

Produced and edited by: Jack Hughes with help from Paul Andrews, Michele Tonkovitz, Emory Churness, Nikki Ackerman, and Green Onion Creative.