Covid-19

APAC post-Covid-19 consumer trends will re-calibrate sustainability priorities

The Covid-19 pandemic is transforming the consumers’ attitudes and willingness to respond to environmental challenges and sustainability factor. It has forced consumers in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region to believe that their behaviors, product choices and collective influence can make impactful changes on a global scale, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company. GlobalData Covid-19 survey week-8 (12-17 May 2020) shows that almost 38% Australians, 52% Chinese and 56% Indians are always/often influenced by how ethical/environmentally-friendly/socially-responsible the product/service is. This implies that consumers are considering the environmental and ethical implications of their purchases. Shagun Sachdeva, Consumer Insight Analyst at GlobalData, says: “Environmental and ethical considerations have become a secondary purchase influence for consumers in the APAC, who are more likely to base purchases on trust, value, convenience and health. “Consumers are not necessarily disregarding broader sustainability issues during the health crisis, but the pandemic has highlighted the need to act with urgency on other matters to mitigate the damage of imminent and future crises. For instance, in case of sustainable packaging, consumers may be more inclined to hygiene-driven features in the short-term, in which consumers may view disposable packaging as positive. “Post-pandemic, considerations around hygiene and food safety will continue to form packaging preferences, but consumers will expect companies to offer adequate packaging protection without resorting to virgin plastic. More sustainable packaging options such as cardboard boxes or bio-degradable bags will secure consumer adoption.” Consumers will emerge from the pandemic with a renewed sense of health and environmental consciousness and will more thoughtfully reassess their dependence on animal products. To reduce their environmental footprint, consumers will make more concerted efforts to opt for plant-based food and drink alternatives. For instance, Nestle has recently expanded its plant-based production capacity in China along with other key players such as Starbucks, KFC, and […]

Covid-19 opportunities for APAC manufacturers to leverage nutrient-rich Yuzu extracts for a healthy halo

East Asian citrus fruit Yuzu has claimed its place among the ‘superfruits’ for its flavor, nutritional value and potential health attributes. Additionally, it has also become a star ingredient in the food, beverages and beauty formulations across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. Against this backdrop, manufacturers can exploit the floral and citrus fragrance of Yuzu for products designed to appeal to the consumers looking for a calming and relaxing fragrance in their food and non-food products, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company. Yuzu, being a citrus fruit native to northeast Asia, can be found in Korea, China, and Japan. Citrus fruits contain dietary components such as hesperidin, naringin, luteolein, limonene and vitamin C, which confer health benefits that include preventing cardiovascular diseases and improving blood circulation. According to GlobalData Covid-19 week 7 (5-10 May) survey, almost 73% Indians, 61% Chinese and 53% Australians are always/often influenced by how product impacts their health and wellbeing. The survey also reveals 31% Indians and 43% Chinese buy more of vitamins and health supplements since the outbreak of Covid-19. The growing popularity of Japanese cuisine and Asian beauty concepts such as J-beauty, K-beauty and C-beauty is driving global awareness about ingredients from the region such as Yuzu. Modern scientific studies are unravelling the food’s value and potential health, and beauty benefits, and paving the way for the application of the fruit in food, beverage and beauty formulations. Shagun Sachdeva, Consumer Insights Analyst at GlobalData, says: “Yuzu seems to be a promising ingredient in premium, clean-label, personalized health food and drinks. Beyond food and beverages, it will also find its application in personal care sector, given its anti-aging qualities and its floral aroma making it the right ingredient for skincare, make-up as well as bath and shower products.” With the ever-increasing internet penetration, growing health […]

Joining hands together - Union concept - with copyspace

Aquila fully PU coated Nylon gloves for ambulance drivers, nursing home carers

In this desperate and urgent time of uncontrollably high demand for single use gloves, Aquila offer their high-quality alternative range of washable fully PU coated nylon gloves, suitable for front-line workers such as ambulance drivers, nursing home carers, council operatives, the police etc. The comfortable nylon lined CC9009 and CB9009 gloves are considered to offer a superior solution for use outside the hospital work space – since their stretchy PU coating is not permeable and therefore forms a better barrier than single use nitrile disposable gloves. Their light weight and soft flexibility offer maximum dexterity and minimise hand fatigue over the duration of long work periods. It has also been suggested that wearing of one-time disposable gloves may not be as good a prevention as simple washing of hands – for front line attenders and carers this may be required so frequently that it is not a practical option. Frequent washing of PU gloves on the other hand allows for the sanitising action of soap/detergent as often as desired. These ex-stock CC9009 (white PU nylon gloves) or CB9009 (black PU nylon gloves) are highly suitable for use in these front-line support roles, although not to medical grade as would be required for use inside a hospital. In addition, Aquila PU nylon gloves can be washed and reused again and are therefore better for the environment than single use nitrile disposable gloves, which are in any case experiencing considerable delivery issues due to uncontrollably high demand, and being non-recyclable are already causing significant disposal problems.