Show notes
This episode is sponsored by Cotton Incorporated and their free B2B Resource CottonWorks.com.Learn more about their free sourcing directories at CottonWorks.com/Nonwovens-Sourcing. Host Jack Hughes continues his conversation with Euromonitor’s Ali Angus, Head of Innovation Practice, and Liying Qian, Head of Tissue and Disposable Hygiene. In recent episodes, they reviewed the market research firm’s Top 10 Global Consumer Trends of 2023 and began to explore those with the clearest impact on the absorbent hygiene industry. This episode looks at the final three trends with the biggest impact on hygiene. ‘She Rises’: Women bring their needs and expectations into the open To combat years of stigma, the topic of menstruation and related issues are being discussed honestly. Companies are seeking better ways to speak about and meet the consumer’s needs. Another example: the ‘fem tech’ industry is partnering with absorbent hygiene manufacturers to incorporate technology that can perform health screenings and other functions into menstrual products that shoppers use regularly.‘Authentic Automation’: Pairing smart machines with human needsAs the ability of computers to do more for us increases, so does their ability to drive a more personalised experience. The lack of universally-accepted terminology to describe flows, volumes, or even product capacity for menstruation and incontinence can make shopping difficult. Smart tools and quizzes can help consumers clarify their needs and narrow down product options. When these bots alone aren’t enough, manufacturers and retailers may also have consultants standing by to help. ‘Young and Disrupted’: Pushing companies into a new way of interactingGen Z, a highly vocal yet diverse generation, wants genuine connections to brands. They challenge manufacturers on both performance and social issues. Companies may find themselves in new and uncomfortable conversations in the most public of venues. (One example: menstruation for transgender users.) Moreover, these shoppers want sincere responses, and they expect to see them put into action. Outline of the EpisodeShe Rises[03:10] The intersection of ‘fem tech’ and absorbent hygiene articles[05:10] Improving user experience with smart wearables Authentic Automation[08:03] Using automation to help customise the shopping experience [10:15] Tools helping to shorten the consumer shopping journey Young and Disrupted[17:22] Gen Z challenges brands on both performance and social issues[19:50] Brands are pushed to participate in conversations that were uncomfortable not very long agoFinal Recommendations[23:40] Read and truly understand the trends, what drives them, and how they pertain to your absorbent hygiene consumers[25:05] Consider how facets of these trends are manifesting in other industries and consider how they can be adapted to your ownResourcesYou can find Ali Angus and Liying Qian on LinkedIn or leave them a message through our email at hygiene@bostik.com. If you’d like to read Euromonitor’s full Top 10 Global Consumer Trends 2023 report, you can visit their website.You can also follow Euromonitor on:LinkedIn Facebook Twitter Instagram Get Connected with Attached to HygieneTake our Listener Survey.Sign up for our email newsletter! Click to sign up and every two weeks receive:Overview and highlights of our most recent episodeAdditional information about industry topics like sustainability, absorbent core, period care, and othersBostik exclusive content including whitepapers, glossaries, 1-pagers, and other helpful learning materials Connect with Jack Hughes on LinkedIn. You can also find us at Bostik | Absorbent Hygiene on LinkedIn or by visiting the Attached to Hygiene Podcast on our official website. You can email us with questions, comments, or ideas for future episodes at hygiene@bostik.com. Host: Jack HughesMusic by Jonathan BoyleProduced and edited by: Jack Hughes with help from Paul Andrews, Michele Tonkovitz, Emory Churness, and Nikki Ackerman from Green Onion Creative.Post production for Attached to Hygiene is done by PodcastBoutique.com.Legal Disclaimer