Hosted by BCH, the 7th edition of the ‘Right’ Hygiene Conference was held from September 8-9 in New Delhi, India. The conference convened 450 participants and 50 exhibitors representing over 28 countries and 230 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. Almost one-third of the participation (65 companies) was from brands and converters. A decade ago, this number could be counted on fingertips in India.

The theme for this year, “2025-2030: An Era of Transitions – in Consumer Behaviour, Product, Process, and International Trade,” highlighted the significant shifts taking place within the absorbent hygiene sector. Through curated interactions, targeted networking and discourse on key industry challenges, participants engaged in valuable knowledge exchange crucial for the industry’s advancement.

Both days witnessed visionary keynote addresses by Anubhav Poddar, promoter, Global Nonwovens, who spoke on ‘Past, Present and Future of the Indian Absorbent Hygiene Industry” and Dr. Bernd Kunze, managing director, Reifenhäuser Reicofil, who spoke on ‘India’s Conquest of the Nonwoven Market.’

Experts from leading companies addressed pivotal topics that are shaping this industry through interesting speeches. The Indian Growth Story was told by Ernst and Young while the transitioning landscape of the AHP market in India was scrutinized by Kanav Gupta, associate director, BCH. Transitions seen in hygiene nonwovens and films were deliberated upon by TWE OBT, Anpap Airlaid and Neos. While transitions captured in process and technology were shared by Nua, Dukane and Nordson. Interesting presentations capturing transitions in consumer and market trends were given by Swara Baby Products, Sekhani Industries, Piramal Pharma and Romsons. New innovations were touched upon by Sumitomo Seika, SB Constantia & The Lycra Company.  Gaps in quality and efficiency were discussed during an open house conducted by the Bureau of Indian Standards and those being felt in safety were deliberated upon by Nobel Hygiene. 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 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, the Global Stake Exchange Panel, the EU/USA Panel and the Industry Panel, each shedding light on critical facets of the industry from the who’s who of the industry and beyond, from India and most parts of the world. 

The conference was actively supported by industry stalwarts, wherein Global Nonwovens was the platinum sponsor and Henkel and KTEX Nonwovens were the gold sponsors. Other sponsors were, Bostik, H.B. Fuller, Nordson, Optima, Pan Healthcare Reifenhäuser Reicofil, Reswin Innovations, Romsons Group, RSPL, Safeco Hygiene, Sekhani Industries, Soparkar & Kothari and Swara Baby Products. EDANA (the European Nonwovens Association) was the supporting partner and STILL was the wellbeing partner.

A special highlight of the event was the ‘Meet Your Consumer’ Zone, where real-time consumers from different age groups, economic backgrounds, professions and regions were made present at the event floor to share their buying experiences with the delegates. Delegates, especially from outside India, were very interested to ask questions about the Indian buying mindsets, with varied answers coming from consumers of different backgrounds.

Moreover, the introduction of the marketplace segment called the ‘Right Hygiene Supermarket’ provided delegates with a unique opportunity to explore latest product offerings and foster collaborations between brands and OEMs. The display highlighted what is sold in India, how it is sold, and the brands and manufacturers.

The lively table-top exhibition showcased products from 50 companies, facilitating hands-on interaction and fostering valuable networking opportunities.

Another highlight of the event was the “Right” Hygiene Awards Ceremony, recognizing exemplary contributions within the industry. Distinguished winners included Zuiko Corporation for innovation. The ‘Made for India’ award went to Ace Nonwovens and the sustainability award was bagged by Padcare. Nua was awarded the emerging brand of the year. ‘Special Market Leader Awards’ and the ‘Right’ Hygiene Legend Awards’ further enhanced the event’s prestige, acknowledging outstanding performances and industry leadership. The market leaders for various categories were P&G, Unicharm, Nobel Hygiene, Pan Healthcare, RSPL, Piramal Pharma, Swara Baby Products, Dima Products, Romsons Group and Ginni Filaments.  The legend awards went to Krystyna Boryk Jozefowicz from TZMO and Dr. Kunze from Reifenhäuser Reicofil.

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 opening 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. He further expressed that “the industry in India is scaling new heights each day. Established manufacturers are expanding their capacities and reach like never before, while a new wave of entrepreneurs is entering this sector with innovative and differentiated product offerings. This surely is an era of transitions for the absorbent hygiene industry.”

Kanav Gupta, associate director at BCH, expressed that “As the Indian absorbent hygiene market is growing, we are witnessing a number of transitions taking place on the product, process, consumer behavior and international trade. This year, this conference went deeper into the consumer needs which are shaping these transitions to show the way forward for the coming decade.”

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. 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 transitioning 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.