6TH EDITION OF THE BCH “RIGHT” HYGIENE CONFERENCE CLOSES AS INDIA’S & SOUTH ASIA’S MOST SUCCESSFUL EVENT OF THE ABSORBENT HYGIENE INDUSTRY

New Delhi, April 4, 2024 - The 6th edition of the ‘Right’ Hygiene Conference was without a doubt 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.

Hosted by BCH, from March 20th to 21st in New Delhi, the conference 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. It is heartening to disclose that 1/3 of the participation (60 companies) was from brands and convertors. 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 1 set off on a very visionary tone for India through a keynote speech by Mr. Brijesh Agrawal, Co-founder & Director, IndiaMART InterMESH who spoke on ‘Building for the new Bharat – Future proofing in India’s evolving business landscape’. Day 2 started by the second keynote speech by Mr. Sambhu Sivalenka, CMD, Amrutanjan Health Care who spoke on ‘Brand Comfy -Pioneering affordable period care in India’ setting an optimistic tone touching 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 centre 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 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 minutes workshop on breathwork and the ancient yogic practices to enhance efficiency which was conducted by Ms. 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 is 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 6 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 trend setter 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, Mr. 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 that “At ‘Right’ Hygiene our endeavour 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 centre 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.”  With delegates wanting to know much in advance about the next event, it was surely a very rewarding feeling for the organizers.

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.

About BCH

BUSINESS CO-ORDINATION HOUSE (BCH) is an advisory and a consultancy company and an authoritative, trustworthy access for companies in striking reciprocally beneficial alliances within the Nonwoven and Technical Textile industry. It co-ordinates business activities and facilitates collaboration all across the globe and offers a set of customised services. As a gateway for Indian and overseas companies, BCH assists in Entry Strategy, Tie-ups and Alliances and also offers Global Sourcing solutions. While holding a rock-solid rapport worldwide with coveted organizations, BCH aspires to steer industry players in accomplishing the utmost yield by serving them in all their needs.

For more information, please contact:
Ritika Gupta, Executive Director - BCH and Editor - TechTex India

Telephone: +91 9312250948

E-mail: ritika@bch.in

Website: www.bch.in