Deliver Easier, Effective Absorbent Hygiene Products That Consumers Want

Staying on top of the latest trends in absorbent hygiene can be complicated. That’s why we, like many other manufacturers, look to Euromonitor International’s annual consumer trends report for insights. This year, one in particular struck us as having a strong impact on period care, incontinence, and even baby care product preferences. Euromonitor dubbed this trend the “Wellness Pragmatists.”

One concern shared by many who use absorbent hygiene products is maintaining healthy skin. Leaks, abrasion, even wet sensation can harm the skin and lead to rashes and other forms of damage. These can be combatted by providing:

• More complete absorption – To distribute and hold more insult before needing changes. Articles with channel cores and improvements in superabsorbent polymer (SAP) and substrates are recent innovations addressing this area of concern.
• Faster absorption and wicking – To minimize overflow leakage. This is most needed by those who experience rapid release of large volumes of fluid, common to certain types of incontinence.
• Improved wicking and topsheets that minimize rewet – To guard against lingering wetness that increases the chance of skin irritation, such as incontinence associated dermatitis (IAD).
• Softer substrates and sustainable materials – To minimize friction against the skin. Fibers like cotton and other sustainable options are commonly used to create gentle, nonwoven substrates. Some consumers especially favor natural materials for their perceived benefits for skin health.
• Creams and lotions – To shield the skin and help restore healthy balance. Aloe and other additives may be applied to topsheets in higher-end brands and premium options. Some consumers look for the “with lotion” callout on packaging.
• Cooling agents – To reduce the risk of excess heat and sweat that leave the skin more vulnerable to friction-related irritation. These are especially common in warmer regions such as the Asia Pacific.

For some, wearing absorbent hygiene products is a daily part of their healthcare regimen. Wellness Pragmatists will seek out features that simplify their use.

• Pant-style diapers – To make changing diapers easier. Supported by elastics, these articles can be slipped on without a need to fuss with tape or tabs.
• Easy-open sides – To allow for quicker, and more sanitary, removal of a soiled pant-style baby diaper. (Similar features for incontinence products make changing easier for adults in public restrooms.)
• Reliable pad attachment adhesive – To easily apply and reposition pads in the underwear. It can also be helpful to keep the product from falling into the toilet when pulling down the pants.
• Durable pad construction – To hold the article together for easy removal, even when wet.

For those who use absorbent hygiene products in the care of others, all of these features can be attractive. Avoiding leaks and rewet simplifies the process of maintaining skin health for those in their care. It also reduces the need for other skin-care regimens, which can be both complicated and time consuming.

The same is true of articles that already include lotions that would otherwise need to be applied separately. Caregiving is made simpler for parents with babies and for family members tending to older adults.

Plus, there’s one more feature that is a particular benefit to caregivers:

• Wetness indicators – To streamline the process of checking diapers to determine when a change is needed. Indicators not only help protect skin wellness but also save time (and wasted changes) for the caregiver.

As you decide how to best meet these global consumer trends, we’re here to help you explore all that Bostik—and our absorbent hygiene adhesives—can do for you. Contact a Bostik expert today.