43. HYGIENIX 2022 Conference Overview

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November was an eventful month for the absorbent hygiene industry. In Episode 42, we focused on the OUTLOOK 2022 conference in Europe. Now, ‘Attached to Hygiene’ turns to the U.S. and welcomes speakers from Hygienix™ 2022 in New Orleans. Host Jack Hughes connects with 11 of the event’s speakers to get highlights from their presentations. You can also take our poll to choose which speeches you want to hear more about from the presenters.

Corporate policies supporting women in the industry

As companies across the globe strive to keep a strong talent pool, forward thinkers are adopting more value-added benefits for their employees. Some offerings began with women’s needs in mind but were expanded to be more equitable for all. One recent example began as the need to cross state lines for certain types of reproductive healthcare. Selected companies now give all employees the alternative of out-of-state travel when necessary to receive quality healthcare for their given condition.

Incremental advances toward circularity

Many presentations focused on improving sustainability from different angles. A few examples: The challenges of hybrid products. Specialty fibres including hemp and flax. Different methods for breaking down post-consumer products. Alternatives to dedicated collection sites for soiled articles. But whatever solutions the industry settles on will need to simultaneously address the three main challenges: price, performance, and practicality.

Innovations in products for those who menstruate

New products and innovations were introduced, including some designed for those who menstruate. One example cited tampons with helical grooves to more effectively spread out absorption and reduce leaks. Another presented Pads on a Roll™, which will allow menstrual products to be offered in bathrooms as easily as toilet paper. This will be of particular benefit to students in schools where providing menstrual health products is required.

Outline of the Episode

• [1:10] About Hygienix 2022
• [2:07] ‘Blood, Sweat, Legislation and Regulation: The Impact on Business’
• [2:45] Michelle Walasavage: Challenges women face in the chemical industry
• [4:08] Rachel Braun Scherl: Upcoming needs and fundamental changes
• [16:18] ‘Next-Gen Menstrual Products and Their Users’
• [16:24] Frantisek Riha-Scott: ‘Reusable Products Using Nonwovens, A Complementary Product to Traditional AHPs’
• [20:22] Greta Meyer: ‘Breaking the Tampon Monopoly’
• [22:23] Danielle Keiser: ‘The Language of Period Products: Changing the Conversation with Our Customers’
• [26:00] ‘Going Forward: Industry M&A and Rec