The 7th edition of the ‘Right’ Hygiene Conference, hosted by BCH, marked a historic milestone as the largest and most successful gathering for India and South Asia’s absorbent hygiene industry. The event, held from September 8–9 in New Delhi, attracted 450 delegates, 50 exhibitors, 230 organizations, and participants from over 28 countries, winning widespread appreciation from industry leaders across India and abroad.
With a strong focus on sanitary napkins, baby diapers, adult diapers, and wet wipes, the event served as a key platform for knowledge exchange, innovation, and collaboration. Notably, one-third of the participation—65 companies—came from brands and converters, showcasing the sector’s remarkable growth compared to a decade ago when such numbers were minimal.
The central theme, “2025–2030: An Era of Transitions – in Consumer Behaviour, Product, Process, and International Trade”, highlighted the major shifts driving the industry. Through curated sessions, networking opportunities, and insightful discussions, the conference enabled participants to explore transitions in technology, raw materials, consumer behavior, and global market trends.
Keynote speeches included Mr. Anubhav Poddar, Promoter, Global Nonwovens, on “Past, Present and Future of the Indian Absorbent Hygiene Industry”, and Dr. Bernd Kunze, Managing Director, Reifenhäuser Reicofil, on “India’s Conquest of the Nonwoven Market.” Leading companies such as Ernst & Young, TWE OBT, Anpap Airlaid, Neos, Nua, Dukane, Nordson, Swara Baby Products, Sekhani Industries, Piramal Pharma, Romsons, Sumitomo Seika, SB Constantia, and The Lycra Company enriched discussions with insights on market transitions, consumer trends, and innovations.
Highlights included:
- Workshops & Panels: From an ancient breathwork and yogic practice workshop by Ms. Aastha Gupta (Founder, Still) to specialized panels such as the All-Ladies Panel, Global Stake Exchange Panel, EU/USA Panel, and Industry Panel.
- Marketplace & Exhibits: The “Right Hygiene Supermarket” showcased Indian product offerings, while 50 exhibitors provided hands-on product interactions.
- Consumer Zone: The “Meet Your Consumer” initiative connected delegates directly with consumers of diverse demographics, offering real-time insights into Indian buying behaviors.
- Awards Ceremony: Zuiko Corporation won for innovation, Ace Nonwovens received the Made for India award, Padcare was honored for sustainability, and Nua was named Emerging Brand of the Year. Market Leader Awards went to P&G, Unicharm, Nobel Hygiene, Pan Healthcare, RSPL, Piramal Pharma, Swara Baby Products, Dima Products, Romsons, and Ginni Filaments. Legend Awards were presented to Ms. Krystyna Boryk Jozefowicz (TZMO) and Dr. Bernd Kunze (Reifenhäuser Reicofil).
Sponsors included Global Nonwovens (Platinum), Henkel and KTEX Nonwovens (Gold), along with 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 served as the supporting partner, while Still was the wellbeing partner.
As the event concluded, industry leaders praised its role in advancing innovation, sustainability, and collaboration within India’s absorbent hygiene industry. Mr. Samir Gupta, Managing Director of BCH, emphasized: “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 are 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, BCH, added: “As the Indian absorbent hygiene market is growing, we are witnessing a number of transitions taking place on the product, process, consumer behaviour 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 7th edition successfully reinforced its position as the epicenter of absorbent hygiene innovation, bringing together stakeholders for solutions, creativity, and partnerships that will define the industry’s future.