[box type=”shadow” ]Washroom related surveys usually come up with some very interesting figures. One says that in a year, an office worker spends more than one week in the company washroom. At the same time, studies also reveal that 27% of office workers do not wash hands after using the washroom!! Today, we have a range of washroom hygiene products available in the market but has everyone adopted them? What are these products? What are the present trends? Mohana M explores[/box]
One of the largest surveys conducted on 100,000 people stated that a staggering 62% of men did not wash their hands after going to the bathroom, while women were slightly better at 40%.
Initial Washroom Hygiene had conducted this survey. Sensors were fitted on bathroom doors and soap dispensers to monitor how many people went to the bathroom and washed afterwards. The data collected was displayed on LCD TV monitor. This in fact, increased the hand washing by 50%.
In another case, to help remind people to flush and wash hands after using the toilet, there were sensors installed. These were capable of turning pressure and vibrations into a small electrical signal. Running some basic code, the system sensed the water running through the toilet’s pipes when it is flushed. It then waited to detect water running through the sink’s pipes. If the system does not detect the sink running water, the sign outside blinks and makes noise when the door opens. If nothing is detected five minutes after a flush, the system resets for the next use.
Ironically, many of the washroom hygiene products have come into existence because of the lack of hygiene practices being following at every level. Right from the entrance door of the washroom to the flooring inside to the flush, toilet seat, air quality… everything exists to ensure we leave behind a hygienic experience for the next user.
Product manufacturers like Kohler, TOTO, and other companies in the sanitary ware business have introduced intelligent toilet systems that include antimicrobial agents, to ensure hygienic and sterile systems, thereby, ensuring safety and health of the user. The antimicrobial agents protect the toilet seats from stain-causing bacteria, making the toilet seats germ-resistant and safe. The adoption of such toilet seats will increase in developed economies, which will bring in significant revenue to the market.
Paul Wonnacott, Managing Director & President, Vectair Systems, says, “Over the years, Asia has learnt a lot from the European washroom hygiene market. What is tried and tested in Europe is then capitalised on in the Asian market. Although innovation is widely welcomed in countries like Japan (some of their washroom technologies that are in use today are out of this world!), by the same token purchasing decisions are still very much reliant on price.
“In India for example, we have noticed that many decision makers still consider price over added value. However, we are seeing positive changes in the market, with a bigger demand from end users on factors like maximum hygiene and simplicity.”
The significance of washroom hygiene in India is likely to improve with “toilets for all” becoming a national agenda. The concern of maintaining the toilets being constructed across India is being voiced and in coming times, the demand for cleaning and hygiene products is likely to grow stupendously.
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– Paul Wonnacott
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Presently, the concept of washroom hygiene in Asia, especially India, has graduated. “Historically, organisations would choose to fragrance their washrooms as a solution to mask unpleasant smells. Now, it is common to see a whole network of decision makers wanting to fragrance areas both inside and outside of the washroom, and for different reasons.”
Enzyme-based, anion-based, bio-based… many such products have been introduced into the market to not mask but eliminate the odour. Hence, odour control technology and fragrance emission have entirely new connotations in washroom hygiene. “It is no longer just about the perception of a clean and fresh washroom, but instead, the whole user ‘experience’. As an industry, this means we are now looking at new types of decision makers, new ‘non-washroom’ fragrances and new technology to cater for these changing environments,” adds Paul.
One distinct trend is that the washroom market is starting to move away from the aerosol dispenser and is looking for new, more sustainable alternatives. “Disposal issues also rank highly as an important factor for venues. Users tend to look for products that can be easily disposed of (i.e. that are not hazardous and that can be thrown into normal waste). Non-restrictive transport issues can be an added benefit.”
Among the washroom hygiene solutions, besides hand hygiene, traditionally there has been a much larger importance placed on feminine hygiene and various products including waste disposal units, sanitary towels, sanitary bag dispensers and waste disposal liners in the UK and Europe than in Asia. “This is changing.”
According to a new report published by Allied Market Research and entitled: “World Feminine Hygiene Products Market-Opportunities and Forecasts, 2015- 2022” the global feminine hygiene products market is expected to garner revenue of $42.7 billion, growing at a CAGR of 6.1% during 2016-2022. And Asia-Pacific and Europe are the highest revenue generating market for feminine hygiene products.
“In 2015, the Asia-Pacific region accounted for the largest market share of around 48.9%, owing to increasing awareness towards personal hygiene and higher adoption of sanitary pads in markets such as China, Japan and others. However, LAMEA (Latin America, middle east and Africa) is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR of 7.5% during the forecast period owing to the increasing number of working women and the rising demand of tampons and panty liners,” explains Paul.
Seconding Paul’s thoughts, Amy Seretsky, Washroom Category Manager at Impact-Products, a UK-based manufacturer of feminine hygiene dispensers and receptacles, feels that much of the Asian market has seen slower growth and acceptance of feminine hygiene products. However, quoting the market report released in January 2017 by Transparency Market Research, she says, the Asian market will be one of the fastest growing areas of the world when it comes to these products.
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– Amy Seretsky
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This is mainly a result of “the rising consciousness among women about feminine hygiene, rising disposable incomes, busy lifestyles, and the changing role of women in the workforce of most countries in the Asia-Pacific. Active lifestyles are compelling the increased usage of products that allow a high level of convenience. Additionally, the heightened consciousness regarding fashion and overall presence among women in the region is promoting the increased usage of products such as tampons.”
The research also indicates that this growth in feminine hygiene products is most prevalent in urban areas. “But in India, 70% of the country’s population reside in the countryside. This means growth may be slower. However, companies, in conjunction with the Indian government, are taking steps to provide more feminine hygiene products at no charge in these areas.”
Besides the feminine hygiene bins, thermal incineration is also catching up. Few of the schools in rural areas have installed small sanitary waste incinerators along with sanitary pad dispensers.
While, the scene looks encouraging for feminine hygiene market in Asia, “there are parts of North America, where when it comes to providing feminine hygiene products many building managers want to remove the dispensers/bins. They view these items only as a cost and believe most women already carry this product with them. However, studies indicate just the opposite and that women would like to see more feminine hygiene product dispensers installed, not less.”
This trend is probably not limited to North America, even in Asian countries, including India, the usage or installations of feminine hygiene is limited to segments like IT, corporate, FMCG and similar segments.
However, trendy dispensers and bins are catching attention. “With more attractive and dependable machines that are easier to operate and repair when needed, we are beginning to see more dispensers installed in restrooms around the world.”feminine
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While it is difficult to exactly pinpoint the driving factors, there are distinct components constituting change, says Amy Seretsky. “We can only generalize. However, two factors — globalization and an increased awareness of how soiled restrooms can spread disease — are behind the increased focus on washroom hygiene. For example, let us say a business woman comes to the US. During her stay, she is exposed to germs and bacteria that may have little or no impact on Americans. But because she has never encountered them in India, there is a chance she will become ill. This happens in reverse as well and whenever people from one part of the world visit another. The only way to help prevent these illnesses is through more efficient and thorough cleaning.”
Cleaning and disposing sanitary waste is another issue that must be discussed says Amy. “When it comes to washroom hygiene cleaning workers must wear protective gear. While many cleaning workers around the world are now wearing gloves when they perform cleaning duties, they may not be wearing the right gloves. Studies indicate that many accidents and injuries in cleaning and other trades are the result of the incorrect glove being worn.
“We also need to stress the growing importance of wearing protective eye gear. When cleaning restrooms, there is always the possibility that the cleaning agent, germs, bacteria or other contaminants may enter the eye. This spattering can spread diseases throughout the body. Just as it is important to select the right gloves, it is equally important to choose the right eye gear. Be sure to work with a knowledgeable distributor to ensure the right protective gear and clothing are selected and worn for all cleaning tasks, especially washroom cleaning.”
Hence, there is a change, there is demand, there are washroom hygiene solutions, there are products in the market today but the bottom line is washrooms can be clean and usable only when the user uses these solutions and does not mess up with them.
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