04.04.24
According to BCH, the 6th edition of the ‘Right’ Hygiene Conference was the biggest and most successful event ever held for the Indian and the entire South Asian absorbent hygiene industry, receiving high accolades from industry stalwarts from both India and abroad alike.
Held from March 20-21 in New Delhi, the conference organized by BCH convened 400 participants representing over 28 countries and 190 organizations. With a diverse array of attendees, including manufacturers, domestic and multinational brands, raw material suppliers, machinery providers, as well as stakeholders from governmental and social sectors, the event emerged as a pivotal platform for industry insights and collaboration.
Centered on products such as sanitary napkins, baby diapers, adult diapers and wet wipes, the conference aimed to unite global and Indian experts to showcase the latest innovations in products, processes, raw materials and machinery. One-third of the participation (60 companies) was from brands and converters. A decade ago, this number could be counted on fingertips in India.
The theme of the conference revolved around increasing awareness on usage, quality and sustainability. Through curated interactions, targeted networking, and discourse on key industry challenges, participants engaged in invaluable knowledge exchange crucial for the industry's advancement.
Day one set off on a very visionary tone for India through a keynote speech by Brijesh Agrawal, co-founder & director, IndiaMART InterMESH who spoke on ‘Building for the new Bharat – Future proofing in India’s evolving business landscape.’ Day two started with the second keynote speech by Sambhu Sivalenka, CMD, Amrutanjan Health Care who spoke on ‘Brand Comfy -Pioneering affordable period care in India’ setting an optimistic tone touching on the present reality, especially in the rural sector.
Experts from leading companies addressed pivotal topics that are shaping this industry through interesting speeches. Market trends were scrutinized by BCH and Optima Nonwovens, while innovation insights were shared by SABIC and Reifenhäuser Reicofil. Discussions on quality were led by S&K Technologies, and Sumitomo Seika Chemicals, emphasizing industry standards. Sustainability in the wipes sector took center stage with inputs from Artsana India (Chicco), Suominen Corporation, and Ginni Filaments, highlighting a collective commitment to eco-conscious practices. Addressing key manufacturing insights were Cellulose Converting Solutions and Anpap Airlaid. Efficiency strategies were unveiled by Romsons Group and Osprey Corporation, fostering productivity enhancements. Furthermore, cost reduction tactics were deliberated by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), H.B. Fuller, and Nordson India, underscoring a concerted effort toward operational optimization. The conference served as a nexus for industry leaders to exchange insights, driving innovation and progress across sectors. Another interesting highlight of the event was a 15-minute workshop on breathwork and the ancient yogic practices to enhance efficiency which was conducted by Aastha Gupta, a new age founder of ‘Still’.
The conference featured enlightening panel discussions encompassing diverse perspectives, including the All-Ladies Panel, Equity Investors Panel, and Industry Panel, each shedding light on critical facets of the industry from the who’s who of the industry and beyond. The ladies' panel was exclusively sponsored by Niine.
The conference was actively supported by industry stalwarts wherein Global Nonwovens was the platinum sponsor and Ktex Nonwovens and Manjushree Spntek were the gold sponsors. There were six silver sponsors namely Henkel, Bostik, Pan Healthcare, Mondon SAS, Avgol Nonwovens and Alpha Foam.
Moreover, the introduction of the marketplace segment called the ‘Right Hygiene Supermarket’ provided delegates with a unique opportunity to explore cutting-edge product offerings and foster collaborations between brands and OEMs. The display highlighted what is sold in India, how it is sold, and who are the brands and manufacturers. Swara Baby Products and Niine were the sponsors of the OEM Marketplace and the Supermarket respectively.
The lively table-top exhibition showcased products from over 40 companies, facilitating hands-on interaction and fostering valuable networking opportunities.
A highlight of the event was the "Right" Hygiene Awards Ceremony, recognizing exemplary contributions within the industry. Distinguished winners included Reifenhäuser Reicofil for innovation and Niine for being a trendsetter in pioneering initiatives in compostable biodegradable sanitary napkins. The sustainability award was bagged by H.B. Fuller, whereas Pan Healthcare was awarded the emerging brand of the year. ‘Special Market Leader Awards’ and the ‘BCH Legend Awards’ further underscored the event's prestige, acknowledging outstanding performances and industry leadership.
As the conference drew to a close, participants expressed optimism for the future of the Indian absorbent hygiene industry, buoyed by newfound partnerships, strengthened collaborations, and a shared commitment to innovation and sustainability.
In his closing remarks, Samir Gupta, managing director of BCH, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming response and reaffirmed BCH’s unwavering dedication to supporting the industry's growth and success.
Kanav Gupta, associate director at BCH expressed: “At ‘Right’ Hygiene our endeavor is to continuously adapt to market trends in order to feed and facilitate current and upcoming needs, as well as sustainable growth of the industry. The ‘Right’ Hygiene event has become the center point in absorbent hygiene, for solutions, innovations, new product launches, creativity and collaboration of ideas between different stakeholders. The fast-growing rural market of India, will be fuelling the next phase of growth in hygiene. Companies must Go Rural to know Rural! BCH is out there and most willing to support you in your growth.”
Amidst the ever-evolving landscape of the Indian absorbent hygiene industry, the conference program was meticulously curated to address its dynamic aspects. With new entrants and expanding players, the industry is witnessing a shift towards indigenized raw material supply and increased import substitution. As India gears up for a hygiene revolution, marked by emerging market trends and evolving production dynamics, contract manufacturing for private label brands and retail chains is gaining momentum. Unprecedented levels of user awareness are adding to the excitement. The event showcased an exceptional program and active participation, underscoring the industry's readiness for innovation and change.
With ample time for discussions and interactions through breaks and a relaxing fun evening with cocktails and dinner, the event concluded on a positive and hopeful note towards the future of the Indian absorbent hygiene industry with new partnerships made, friendships fostered and a positive feeling towards new and existing investments in the industry.
Held from March 20-21 in New Delhi, the conference organized by BCH convened 400 participants representing over 28 countries and 190 organizations. With a diverse array of attendees, including manufacturers, domestic and multinational brands, raw material suppliers, machinery providers, as well as stakeholders from governmental and social sectors, the event emerged as a pivotal platform for industry insights and collaboration.
Centered on products such as sanitary napkins, baby diapers, adult diapers and wet wipes, the conference aimed to unite global and Indian experts to showcase the latest innovations in products, processes, raw materials and machinery. One-third of the participation (60 companies) was from brands and converters. A decade ago, this number could be counted on fingertips in India.
The theme of the conference revolved around increasing awareness on usage, quality and sustainability. Through curated interactions, targeted networking, and discourse on key industry challenges, participants engaged in invaluable knowledge exchange crucial for the industry's advancement.
Day one set off on a very visionary tone for India through a keynote speech by Brijesh Agrawal, co-founder & director, IndiaMART InterMESH who spoke on ‘Building for the new Bharat – Future proofing in India’s evolving business landscape.’ Day two started with the second keynote speech by Sambhu Sivalenka, CMD, Amrutanjan Health Care who spoke on ‘Brand Comfy -Pioneering affordable period care in India’ setting an optimistic tone touching on the present reality, especially in the rural sector.
Experts from leading companies addressed pivotal topics that are shaping this industry through interesting speeches. Market trends were scrutinized by BCH and Optima Nonwovens, while innovation insights were shared by SABIC and Reifenhäuser Reicofil. Discussions on quality were led by S&K Technologies, and Sumitomo Seika Chemicals, emphasizing industry standards. Sustainability in the wipes sector took center stage with inputs from Artsana India (Chicco), Suominen Corporation, and Ginni Filaments, highlighting a collective commitment to eco-conscious practices. Addressing key manufacturing insights were Cellulose Converting Solutions and Anpap Airlaid. Efficiency strategies were unveiled by Romsons Group and Osprey Corporation, fostering productivity enhancements. Furthermore, cost reduction tactics were deliberated by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), H.B. Fuller, and Nordson India, underscoring a concerted effort toward operational optimization. The conference served as a nexus for industry leaders to exchange insights, driving innovation and progress across sectors. Another interesting highlight of the event was a 15-minute workshop on breathwork and the ancient yogic practices to enhance efficiency which was conducted by Aastha Gupta, a new age founder of ‘Still’.
The conference featured enlightening panel discussions encompassing diverse perspectives, including the All-Ladies Panel, Equity Investors Panel, and Industry Panel, each shedding light on critical facets of the industry from the who’s who of the industry and beyond. The ladies' panel was exclusively sponsored by Niine.
The conference was actively supported by industry stalwarts wherein Global Nonwovens was the platinum sponsor and Ktex Nonwovens and Manjushree Spntek were the gold sponsors. There were six silver sponsors namely Henkel, Bostik, Pan Healthcare, Mondon SAS, Avgol Nonwovens and Alpha Foam.
Moreover, the introduction of the marketplace segment called the ‘Right Hygiene Supermarket’ provided delegates with a unique opportunity to explore cutting-edge product offerings and foster collaborations between brands and OEMs. The display highlighted what is sold in India, how it is sold, and who are the brands and manufacturers. Swara Baby Products and Niine were the sponsors of the OEM Marketplace and the Supermarket respectively.
The lively table-top exhibition showcased products from over 40 companies, facilitating hands-on interaction and fostering valuable networking opportunities.
A highlight of the event was the "Right" Hygiene Awards Ceremony, recognizing exemplary contributions within the industry. Distinguished winners included Reifenhäuser Reicofil for innovation and Niine for being a trendsetter in pioneering initiatives in compostable biodegradable sanitary napkins. The sustainability award was bagged by H.B. Fuller, whereas Pan Healthcare was awarded the emerging brand of the year. ‘Special Market Leader Awards’ and the ‘BCH Legend Awards’ further underscored the event's prestige, acknowledging outstanding performances and industry leadership.
As the conference drew to a close, participants expressed optimism for the future of the Indian absorbent hygiene industry, buoyed by newfound partnerships, strengthened collaborations, and a shared commitment to innovation and sustainability.
In his closing remarks, Samir Gupta, managing director of BCH, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming response and reaffirmed BCH’s unwavering dedication to supporting the industry's growth and success.
Kanav Gupta, associate director at BCH expressed: “At ‘Right’ Hygiene our endeavor is to continuously adapt to market trends in order to feed and facilitate current and upcoming needs, as well as sustainable growth of the industry. The ‘Right’ Hygiene event has become the center point in absorbent hygiene, for solutions, innovations, new product launches, creativity and collaboration of ideas between different stakeholders. The fast-growing rural market of India, will be fuelling the next phase of growth in hygiene. Companies must Go Rural to know Rural! BCH is out there and most willing to support you in your growth.”
Amidst the ever-evolving landscape of the Indian absorbent hygiene industry, the conference program was meticulously curated to address its dynamic aspects. With new entrants and expanding players, the industry is witnessing a shift towards indigenized raw material supply and increased import substitution. As India gears up for a hygiene revolution, marked by emerging market trends and evolving production dynamics, contract manufacturing for private label brands and retail chains is gaining momentum. Unprecedented levels of user awareness are adding to the excitement. The event showcased an exceptional program and active participation, underscoring the industry's readiness for innovation and change.
With ample time for discussions and interactions through breaks and a relaxing fun evening with cocktails and dinner, the event concluded on a positive and hopeful note towards the future of the Indian absorbent hygiene industry with new partnerships made, friendships fostered and a positive feeling towards new and existing investments in the industry.
