16. Sustainability in Disposable Hygiene pt. 1 with Christophe Morel and Laurianne Libralesso

Attached to Hygiene

The movement towards more sustainable products—important to consumers and manufacturers alike—has created multiple challenges and opportunities for disposable hygiene manufacturers today. Even when addressed with transparency, information from producers can quickly garner skepticism, distrust, and a bad reputation overall. In Part 1 of this episode of "Attached to Hygiene," host Jack Hughes is joined by Bostik's Global Market Marketing Manager, Market Insights and Sustainable Innovation, Christophe Morel, and Bostik's R&D Engineer, Laurianne Libralesso, to discuss how Bostik views and defines sustainability in the scope of disposable hygiene adhesives.

Sustainable products – What are the real issues?

Sustainability isn’t just about protecting the environment. That’s one important aspect, yes, but Christophe Morel identifies the societal aspects of consumer safety and consumer perception as also worthy of focused attention. Today, the most talked-about material for sustainable and non-sustainable products is plastics—specifically single-use plastics. Unfortunately, when the consumer thinks plastics, they can also think chemicals—a word whose mere mention can generate fear. (This is called Chemophobia.) While producers can work to address concerns about substances of interest (SOI), helping the consumer to FEEL safe is also a priority.

The other issue lies in how a product's plastics impact the environment. A National Geographic study shows that about 91% of plastics used are never recycled. According to UNEP, the world produces 300 million tonnes of plastic waste every year. Today, that plastic waste can end up in landfills and, unfortunately, in far-off waters. But there are steps the disposable hygiene industry—and suppliers like Bostik—can take to improve sustainability going forward. Christophe and Laurianne outline several opportunities already being pursued.

Outline of the Episode

• [03:13] Where consumers see issues when it comes to a product's sustainability
• [04:21] A quick calculation on the number of plastics produced each year
• [08:32] How producers respond to the market's increased attention on sustainable products
• [12:22] How does Bostik define sustainable adhesives?
• [16:09] When it comes to hygiene products, safety is the top concern!
• [20:08] What the pandemic revealed about how consumers receive information
• [24:53] The market's scepticism around chemicals present in hygiene products
• [27:51] What is chemophobia, and how does it impact the market?
• [33:24] Manufacturers seek the approval of independent labelling systems
• [39:14] How is Bostik supporting its article producers in gaining our customers' trust?

Resources

You can find Christophe Morel and Laurianne Libralesso on LinkedIn, or you can leave them a message through our email at [e-mail].

Get Connected with Attached to Hygiene

Connect with Jack Hughes on LinkedIn. You can also find us at Disposable Hygiene Adhesives on LinkedIn or by visiting the Attached to Hygiene Podcast on our official website.

Email us with questions, comments, or ideas for future episodes at [e-mail].

You can find Attached to Hygiene wherever you get your podcast!

Host: Jack Hughes

Music by Jonathan Boyle

Produced and edited by: Jack Hughes with help from Paul Andrews, Michele Tonkovitz, Emory Churness, and Nikki Ackerman from GreenOnion Creative.

Legal Disclaimer:

All information contained herein is believed to be accurate as of the date of publication, is provided “as-is” and is subject to change without notice. This is not a warranty, an agreement, or substitute for expert or professional advice. Bostik (“Company”) expressly disclaims and assumes no liability for the use of the products or reliance on this information. It is the sole responsibility of the user to determine the suitability of any products for user’s application(s). NO WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR ANY OTHER WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED (INCLUDING SUITABILITY FOR USE IN ANY MEDICAL DEVICE OR MEDICAL APPLICATION), IS MADE CONCERNING THE PRODUCTS OR THE INFORMATION PROVIDED HEREIN. The information provided relates only to the specific products designated herein and may not be valid where such products are used in combination with other materials or in any process. The performance of the product, its shelf life, and application characteristics depends on many variables, and changes in these variables can impact product performance. You are responsible to test the suitability of any product in advance for any intended use or application and before commercialization. Nothing herein shall be construed as a license for the use of any product in a manner that might infringe any patent and it should not be construed as an inducement to infringe any patent. Please carefully review the Safety Data Sheet for the product.

The Company adheres to a strict policy that applies to the use of any of its products in medical device applications. This policy can be found at https://www.arkema.com/global/en/social-responsibility/innovation-and-sustainable-solutions/responsible-product-management/medical-device-policy/ which is incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof. Except as expressly authorized, the Company (i) has designated specific medical grade compositions for products used in medical device applications and Company products not so designated are not authorized for use in medical device applications and (ii) strictly prohibits the use of any of its products in medical device applications that are implanted in the body or in contact with bodily fluids or tissues for greater than 30 days. The Company does not design, manufacture and/or directly sell any medical devices. The Company does not co-design, or offer assistance to any purchaser of its products, in their design, manufacture and/or sale of products for medical devices. It is the sole responsibility of the manufacturer of medical devices to determine the suitability of all raw material, products and components, including any medical grade products, in order to ensure that the medical device is safe for end-use and complies with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements and to conduct all necessary tests and inspections. Published as of 12/6/2021.