Combining two conferences into one value-packed event for absorbent hygiene and personal care markets proved to be a winning strategy for INDA with its successful debut of HYGIENIX, which drew over 600 industry professionals to St Petersburg, FL, from 26-29 October. 

“HYGIENIX exceeded our expectations for this new combined event,” said Dave Rousse, INDA President. “The positive response from the global hygiene and personal care markets validated our acquisition of INSIGHT to merge it with VISION. The event provided attendees with valuable market intelligence, product insights, and face-to-face interactions that will undoubtedly help them advance their businesses.”

Visionary Award

Among the highlights of HYGIENIX was the presentation of the Visionary Award to Sienabena, LLC for BabyBackups, a diaper extender made of superabsorbent materials that adheres to the existing diaper to contain baby diaper explosions.

The other finalists for the award were: Always Discreet Bladder Protection by Procter & Gamble and X-Top Pouch for Men by McAirlaid's.

Conference and presentations

The HYGIENIX conference at the Vinoy Renaissance Resort featured some of the world’s most notable thought leaders from organizations that are revolutionizing the absorbent hygiene and personal care industry. They presented on Trends and Market Statistics, Incontinence Reimagined, Achieving Thin, Fit & Form, and Material & Technology Advancements.

The presentations showed the importance of the segment, which is the largest of 12 in the nonwovens industry accounting for more than 25% of nonwoven fabric volume. A key takeaway was the effect of the Boomer Echo. The US is entering a four-to-five-year period of record high births as Millennials start having babies in their 30s versus prior generations having them in their early 20s. Also, aging Baby Boomers are becoming bigger consumers of incontinence products where innovation is now quite strong, organizers report.

Some of the key issues addressed at the conference included destigmatizing incontinence, odour control, fluffless cores, adhesive application techniques, and   sustainability in the hygiene market.

Feedback

Feedback from attendees to the presentations, networking opportunities, opening reception, and other aspects has been favourable, INDA reports. Svetlana Uduslivaia, Head of Tissue & Hygiene Industry, Euromonitor International, called HYGIENIX “one of the most informative and thought generating conferences I’ve ever been to.”

“The receptions and table top displays were first class,” said William Norman, Vice President & General Manager, North America, Clopay Plastic Products Company.

Axel Seitz, Manager of Business Development for Sandler AG, commented on the highly professional organization of the first ever HYGIENIX. “I was excited to see INDA’s team handle the enormous number of delegates effortlessly,” he said.

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