• Login
    • Join
  • Subscribe Free
    • Magazine
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Exclusives
    • Applications
    • Technology
    • Market
    • Other
    • Top 40
    • Buyers Guide
    • Hygiene Directory
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Exclusives
  • Applications
  • Technology
  • Market
  • Other
  • Top 40
  • Buyers Guide
  • Hygiene Directory
  • Current / Back Issues
    Features
    Editorial
    Columns
    Digital Edition
    Southeast Asia Edition
    eNewsletter Archive
    Editorial Guidelines
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    Top Features
    Fluff Pulp Market Faces Year of Transition

    Roofing & Construction Report

    Investment Continues for Needlepunch Nonwovens

    Sustainability Report

    Spunmelt Nonwovens Update
    Company Cameo
    Financial News
    Machinery Equipment
    New Products
    Nonwovens News
    Patent Review
    People in the News
    Supplier News
    Top News
    Live From Shows
    Top News
    Weekly Recap: Kimberly-Clark to Expand Diaper, Wipes Production in Brazil; The Honest Company to Sell Diapers, Wipes at Walmart & More

    Nicely Offers Nonwoven Slitters, Winders

    Freudenberg to Present Battery Pack and Liquid Absorbers at Battery Show

    The Honest Company to Sell Diapers, Wipes at Walmart

    Thinx Launches Moist Panties Campaign
    Nonwovens Insights
    Online Exclusives
    Adult Incontinence
    Absorbent Core
    Antimicrobials
    Apparel
    Automotive and Transportation
    Face Masks
    Chemicals / Adhesives
    Construction
    Contract Services
    Diaper, Baby
    Electronics
    Feminine Hygiene
    Fibers
    Filtration
    Flame Retardance
    Geotextile / Agrotextile
    Home Products
    Hygiene Film/Components
    Industrial / Institutional
    Inspection / Quality Control
    Machinery and Equipment
    Medical
    Wipes

    Nicely Offers Nonwoven Slitters, Winders

    The Honest Company to Sell Diapers, Wipes at Walmart

    Thinx Launches Moist Panties Campaign

    Vegeto Turns Milkweed Fibers into Nonwovens

    INDA Names Three Finalists for WOW Innovation Award
    Air Through Bonding
    Airlaid
    Carded/Carding
    Chemical Bonded
    Composite
    Meltblown
    Needlepunch
    Nanotechnology
    Spunbond
    Spunbond/Spunmelt
    Spunlace
    Thermal Bonded
    Wetlaid

    Executive Talks: 5K Fibres' President Doug Brown

    Borealis, Grabher Partner to Recycle Face Masks

    Glatfelter, Blue Ocean Closures Receives Sustainability Award at IDEA22

    Investment Continues for Needlepunch Nonwovens

    Murtra Nonwovens
    China
    Eastern Europe/Russia
    India
    Middle East/North Africa
    North America
    Pacific Rim
    South/Central America
    Turkey
    Western Europe

    Sub-Saharan Africa’s Specialist Nonwovens and Fibers Capability is Growing Steadily

    Southeast Asian 5 Nonwoven Capacity and Demand Development

    Chinese Baby Diaper Brands

    Retail Disposable Hygiene in Southeast Asia and China: Growth Outlook, Challenges, Opportunities

    Albarrie Installs Stenter
    Associations
    Contracts / Awards
    Education
    Facilities / Capacity
    Green / Sustainability
    Legal / Regulatory
    Market Data
    Flushability
    Mergers and Acquisitions
    Product Improvement / Innovation
    R&D/Basic Research
    Shows / Events

    Vegeto Turns Milkweed Fibers into Nonwovens

    Rif care Launches Hemp-Based Period Products

    Boots to Prohibit Sale of Plastic-Based Wipes

    Dyper Partners with rePurpose Global to Remove Nearly 100,000 KG of Plastic Waste from Environment

    Borealis, Grabher Partner to Recycle Face Masks
    Chart
    Companies
    All Companies
    Categories
    Company Profiles
    Add New Company
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    ELSNER

    Bast Fibre Technologies Inc.

    Shemesh Automation

    Valco Melton

    Investkonsult Sweden AB
    Brands
    Brand Owners
    • Magazine
      • Current / Back Issues
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Columns
      • Digital Edition
      • Southeast Asia Edition
      • eNewsletter Archive
      • Editorial Guidelines
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
    • Breaking News
    • Buyers Guide
      • All Companies
      • Categories
      • Company Profiles
      • Add Your Company
    • Applications
      • Absorbent Core
      • Adult Incontinence
      • Antimicrobials
      • Apparel
      • Automotive and Transportation
      • Chemicals / Adhesives
      • Construction
      • Contract Services
      • Diaper, Baby
      • Electronics
      • Feminine Hygiene
      • Fibers
      • Filtration
      • Flame Retardance
      • Geotextile / Agrotextile
      • Home Products
      • Hygiene Film/Components
      • Industrial / Institutional
      • Inspection / Quality Control
      • Machinery and Equipment
      • Medical
      • Wipes
      • Face Masks
    • Technology
      • Air Through Bonding
      • Airlaid
      • Carded/Carding
      • Chemical Bonded
      • Composite
      • Meltblown
      • Needlepunch
      • Nanotechnology
      • Spunbond
      • Spunlace
      • Thermal Bonded
      • Wetlaid
      • Spunbond/Spunmelt
    • Market
      • China
      • Eastern Europe/Russia
      • India
      • Middle East/North Africa
      • North America
      • Pacific Rim
      • South/Central America
      • Turkey
      • Western Europe
    • Other
      • Associations
      • Contracts / Awards
      • Education
      • Facilities / Capacity
      • Green / Sustainability
      • Legal / Regulatory
      • Market Data
      • Mergers and Acquisitions
      • Product Improvement / Innovation
      • R&D/Basic Research
      • Shows / Events
      • Flushability
    • Top 40 Companies
      • Chart
      • Companies
    • Online Exclusives
    • Slideshows
    • Hygiene Directory
      • Brands
      • Brand Owners
    • Experts Opinions
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Infographics
    • Whitepapers
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live From Show Events
      • Webinars
      • Live From Asian Connections
    • Jobs
    • Resources
      • Suppliers Gallery
      • Literature Showcase
      • Web Showcase
      • Home Page Showcase
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise With Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    Features

    A Few Opportunities for Consumer Wipes

    The wipes market has grown significantly during the past decade, but the author argues plenty of new frontiers exist.

    A Few Opportunities for Consumer Wipes
    Are You Ready for Growth
    Related CONTENT
    • GPMI Expands Disinfectant Wipes Production
    • Shemesh Automation to Exhibit at INDEX20
    • Speed. Automation. Efficiency.
    • Flexible Wipes Production Lines
    • Clorox Sets 2030 Science-Based Targets for Reducing Greenhouse Gases
    Jeff Willis, Nonwovens By Design04.07.15
    As the wipes world continues to evolve with new applications, substrates and market areas, perhaps it is time to look at a few opportunities that exist where needs are not being met. This could be due to cost, distribution, regulations, performance and/or user education, depending on the application or geographical location. Here are a few opportunities that may be interesting in underserved markets:

    Flushable Baby Wipes
    I have often wondered if there is a market here or not. Many new mothers probably don’t know that most baby wipes are not flushable. I understand that typically when you use one as instructed you generally fold it into the diaper (I did my share a few years ago), but if someone uses it as a moist toilet paper they’re just clogging sewer systems. Would consumers pay a slight premium for a flushable version? I don’t know, but I bet if all baby wipes were flushable it would be better for the environment and there would be some happier municipalities.

    Specialty European Wipes
    A great opportunity in Europe may be for specialty wipes. It was reported at World of Wipes in 2013 by Engqvist Consulting that approximately 85% of all personal wipes consumed in Western Europe were baby wipes, which are used for everything from stains to toys to pets. This will take a major educational effort along with navigating the seemingly endless regulations, which may vary by country. New opportunities include kitchen & bath, multi-surface, automotive and industrial. The wide array of the markets will offer substrates from different nonwoven platforms to find markets.

    Two Sided Wipes
    A few years ago SoftScrub had a needlepunch product in the market that had a soft absorbent side and an abrasive side for scrubbing. A beautiful design with the scrubby side in purple and the wiping side in white, it didn’t last long on the market. Was it too expensive? Maybe, but perhaps it could have been enhanced by treating with a water activated soap or detergent, or making it a wet wipe individually packed to make it more interesting. There’s not much like it on the market now, but a “multi-tasker” should offer some advantages to a “uni-tasker” (apologies to Alton Brown).

    Packaging Upgrades
    Much has been done over the last decade to improve wet wipe packaging, but more work is needed. The resealable ”travel” wet wipe pouches can still be difficult to get a wipe out, either because the consumer can’t find the edge of the wipe or multiple wipes are removed from the pouch at the same time. When the latter happens and someone tries to put the extra wipe(s) back in the pouch, many times the unit will not seal back properly, drying out the remaining wipes. From personal experience a dry wet wipe is not a happy sight.
    Pop-up canister wipes can have their own challenges as well. If the plastic cap is too stiff or sharp, it is possible to tear the wipe, especially lighter weight spunlace. Also, if the wipe falls back into the canister, a consumer could cut a finger trying to “reload” the wipe through the pop-up lid. It would be nice, too, if the wipes would tear at the perforation more easily.
    Capacity for Larger Wet Wipes

    In 2014, my company, Nonwovens By Design was approached by two companies looking for oversized single wet wipes. Finding converting capabilities proved to be difficult, especially at lower start-up volumes. We were eventually successful and the projects are moving forward, but it seems there may be a need to run products up to 24” x 24”, folded, dosed and packaged. Most converters seem to max out around 8” x 12” or 10” x 12” (unfolded) single pack. These larger wipes could mimic a bath towel, make institutional bathing easier or possibly apply wax to a car. This nay not be a huge market now, but it could be down the road for specialty applications.

    Considerations for a New Product Launch
    There are many other hot topics to consider in the wipes market if you are contemplating a new product launch:
    • Substrates – There are many different nonwoven products available for wipes depending on your need. Absorbency, abrasiveness? Compostability, flushability? Oil or solvent absorbency? Softness? Be sure to evaluate all types of fabrics to determine the best fabric for performance, cost and availability.
    • Sustainablilty – Does it need to be compostable? Fiber choice and nonwoven technology determines what product claims can be made. Consider viscose, cotton and PLA, among others.
    • Formulation – Unless you have microbiologists on staff, it is best to seek outside resources with your ideas. Not only do you need to identify your active ingredients but also preservatives to make sure the product remains stable.
    • Flushability – If this is important to your application be sure to have the product tested against the INDA Guidance Document. If it is not a flushable product, be sure to have the “Do Not Flush” icon and wording in an obvious place on your packaging.
    • Claims – Be careful with what you claim on the package! A mistake or unsubstantiated claim can be quite expensive. Anything such as “kills germs” or “latex free” (among many others) must be backed up.

    With INDA estimating a 2012–2017 Annual Growth Rate of about 5% for the wipes market the opportunities are ripe for new products, especially as implementation of the EPA Wiper rule takes place over many states in the coming years. From Pampers Baby Wipes to Sertun Disinfecting Wipes, Wet Ones to Dude Wipes or Kimwipes to One Wipe Charlies, there is a wipe for just about everything. Or is there?

    Jeff Willis is president of Nonwovens By Design, a consulting and sales agency founded in 2013. NBD specializes in new product design and business development in the medical, wipes and hygiene markets. NBD also is involved in independent sales. Mr. Willis has been involved in the nonwovens industry since 1989 with prominent companies such as Veratec, Fiberweb, Tredegar and Texel. Please address any questions to jeff@nonwovensbydesign.com. Visit NBD’s website at www.nonwovensbydesign.com.
    Related Searches
    • Hygiene
    • education
    • pampers
    • converting
    Related Knowledge Center
    • Education
    • Western Europe
    • Wipes
    Suggested For You
    GPMI Expands Disinfectant Wipes Production GPMI Expands Disinfectant Wipes Production
    Shemesh Automation to Exhibit at INDEX20 Shemesh Automation to Exhibit at INDEX20
    Speed. Automation. Efficiency. Speed. Automation. Efficiency.
    Flexible Wipes Production Lines Flexible Wipes Production Lines
    Clorox Sets 2030 Science-Based Targets for Reducing Greenhouse Gases Clorox Sets 2030 Science-Based Targets for Reducing Greenhouse Gases
    Lydall Inc. Lydall Inc.
    Glatfelter Glatfelter
    Fitesa Fitesa
    Kimberly-Clark Kimberly-Clark
    Scott 24 Maintains Surface Sanitation for 24 Hours Scott 24 Maintains Surface Sanitation for 24 Hours
    Wipes Makers Ditch Plastics Wipes Makers Ditch Plastics
    Berry Global Berry Global
    2020 A Good Year for Nonwovens, Mainly 2020 A Good Year for Nonwovens, Mainly
    What You’re Reading on Nonwovens-Industry.com What You’re Reading on Nonwovens-Industry.com
    Jacob Holm Completes Nonwovens Investment Jacob Holm Completes Nonwovens Investment

    Related Content

    • Wipes

      GPMI Expands Disinfectant Wipes Production

      Manufacturer opens new site in Arizona
      09.20.21

    • Shows/Events | Wipes
      Shemesh Automation to Exhibit at INDEX20

      Shemesh Automation to Exhibit at INDEX20

      Major announcement to follow presentation
      09.16.21

    • Speed. Automation. Efficiency.

      Speed. Automation. Efficiency.

      Get it all with a complete wipes system.


    • Flexible Wipes Production Lines

      Flexible Wipes Production Lines

      Run Single or Multiple Formats...Flat-Pack - Pouch - Canister - Pail

    • Green/Sustainability | Wipes

      Clorox Sets 2030 Science-Based Targets for Reducing Greenhouse Gases

      Wipes maker commits to achieving net zero emissions by 2050
      09.09.21

      Trending
      • Weekly Recap: Kimberly-Clark To Expand Diaper, Wipes Production In Brazil; The Honest Company To Sell Diapers, Wipes At Walmart & More | Nonwovens Industry
      • First Quality To Discontinue Tampon Operations | Nonwovens Industry
      • Weekly Recap: Kimberly-Clark to Expand Diaper, Wipes Production in Brazil; The Honest Company to Sell Diapers, Wipes at Walmart & More
      • Chinese Nonwovens Output Continues To Increase | Nonwovens Industry
      • Freudenberg Acquires Filter Manufacturer | Nonwovens Industry
      Breaking News
      • Ontex Conducts Pilot Program of Digital Incontinence Care Solution
      • Weekly Recap: Kimberly-Clark to Expand Diaper, Wipes Production in Brazil; The Honest Company to Sell Diapers, Wipes at Walmart & More
      • 3M to Expand in Nebraska
      • Nicely Offers Nonwoven Slitters, Winders
      • 'Right' Hygiene Conference to be Held in June
      View Breaking News >
      CURRENT ISSUE

      May 2022

      • Fluff Pulp Market Faces Year of Transition



      Cookies help us to provide you with an excellent service. By using our website, you declare yourself in agreement with our use of cookies.
      You can obtain detailed information about the use of cookies on our website by clicking on "More information”.

      • About Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms And Conditions
      • Contact Us

      follow us

      Subscribe
      Nutraceuticals World

      Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

      GOED Creates Infographic Highlighting Omega-3 Health Claims Approved in Europe
      Kyowa Hakko Appoints Dr. Colin Hill to Immuse Scientific Advisory Board
      Expert Consensus Statement: Diet is Best Primary Intervention to Achieve Diabetes Remission
      Coatings World

      Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

      What Are You Reading?
      Teknos Receives EcoVadis Gold Medal for Sustainability Performance
      AkzoNobel and Partners Team Up to Hack Carbon Reduction Challenges
      Medical Product Outsourcing

      Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

      RSIP Vision Develops New AI Tool for Prostate MRI Analysis
      Medical Device CEO Charged With Tax Evasion
      MPO's Most-Read Stories This Week—May 21
      Contract Pharma

      Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

      Piramal Pharma Solutions New API Plant in Canada Now Online
      MG America Appoints Claudio Radossi as President
      Catalent Invests $175M to Expand Mfg. Capabilities at Winchester, KY
      Beauty Packaging

      Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

      Weekly Recap: Packaging Execs Join NJPEC Hall of Fame, Bite Beauty Closes & More
      Estée Lauder Names Karen Housman as SVP/GM, Travel Retail, APAC
      Authentic Beauty Concept Launches Second-Generation ‘Refill Bar’
      Happi

      Latest Breaking News From Happi

      Natura Launches Anti-Aging Chronos Aqua-Plumping Bio-Hydrating Serum
      SPF Setting Spray, Lip Contour and Knotless Braids Are Hot Trends: Spate
      Nutrafol Wellness & Beauty Supplements Expand with Professional Anti-Aging Collagen Infusion Product
      Ink World

      Latest Breaking News From Ink World

      Weekly Recap: Zeller+Gmelin, Sun Chemical and Kornit Top This Week’s News
      Nazdar Celebrates 100 Years with a New Look
      hubergroup Chemicals Exhibits at Paint India for First Time
      Label & Narrow Web

      Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

      Brook + Whittle's new acquisition, SunDance goes to HP and more
      Specialty announces move to new facility
      Mark Andy hosts dealer's open house in Warsaw
      Nonwovens Industry

      Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

      Ontex Conducts Pilot Program of Digital Incontinence Care Solution
      Weekly Recap: Kimberly-Clark to Expand Diaper, Wipes Production in Brazil; The Honest Company to Sell Diapers, Wipes at Walmart & More
      3M to Expand in Nebraska
      Orthopedic Design & Technology

      Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

      Tom Hedman Named Senior Principal Scientist at Spinal Simplicity
      ODT's Most Read Stories This Week—May 21
      FDA Clears Anika Therapeutics' X-Twist Knotless Fixation System
      Printed Electronics Now

      Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

      Weekly Recap: Graphene Flagship, Japan Display and LG Display Top This Week’s Stories
      Evonik Launches New Processing Aids for PV Wafer Cutting
      NREL Creates Highest Efficiency 1-Sun Solar Cell

      Copyright © 2022 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.

      AD BLOCKER DETECTED

      Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
      Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.


      FREE SUBSCRIPTION Already a subscriber? Login