Across the globe, May 15th is recognized as International Day of Families to celebrate the growth of humanity. In 2022, the world population reached eight billion people as a major milestone in development even as birth rates have been slowing in certain regions such as the United States.
New trends in birth rates will shift consumer habits toward purchasing premium products for one or two children instead of larger volumes. Personal Care brands will need to adapt to this new priority in consumer spending.
Single Child Families Prioritize Premium Products
Single child families are becoming more commonplace. A recent study found there is a 1.62 birth rate per mother in the United States, the lowest rate recorded since studies have been performed in the 1930’s. Instead of providing diapers for multiple children, parents with a single child can free up expenses for premium products.
Choosing the right diaper is no small decision for parents, considering it is estimated they will use 3,000 diapers in the first year of their child’s life. Sustainability, ease of use and absorbency are among the key priorities that drive the buying decision for parents. When designing diapers, brands need to have their consumers’ priorities at the top of their minds.
A Larger Population of Senior Citizens Will Require Greater Adult Incontinence Product Volume
While birth rates have slowed, the average life expectancy has greatly increased over the decades. This is causing many consumers to invest more in senior care as their loved ones age, while the replacement rate of children dips. In 2050, the senior population is expected to double from where it was in 2012. This means the elderly care industry will need to expand to support a quickly growing senior population.
As with baby diapers, similar considerations can drive the decision on which products to choose. Adult incontinence supplies should include materials that are flexible, soft and secure to absorb moisture.
How VELCRO® Brand Fasteners Power Personal Care Products for the Future
As personal care product designs need to factor new consumer trends, they can depend on VELCRO® Brand fasteners to deliver premium products for the following reasons.
Flexibility for movement. To maximize movement for the user, VELCRO® Brand closures can add functionality. This reduces overall product bulk and weight with closures that flex with the body movements of active seniors, babies and toddlers.
Easy fastening tabs that create comfort and absorbency. VELCRO® Brand closures are easy for those with dexterity problems to open and close with simple landing zones that align with all body types. This creates better comfort and a secure closure to prevent leaks.
Adhesive free materials in garments. VELCRO® Brand FLEX-ZONE™ fasteners are OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified and adhesive free to keep potentially harmful chemicals out of the end product. This prevents harm to the environment during manufacturing and a sense of security for the end user. Since 88% of consumers will choose a brand based on the difference they are making in the world, most consumers will prefer products that keep chemicals out of their manufacturing process.
Creating Personal Care Products with the Future In Mind
As baby boomers age and the younger generations become less populous, the world will need to deliver on premium products to care for these changing populations. With a wide range of material and product options, and regional manufacturing, Velcro Companies will find a solution that can be tailor made for your customers’ precise needs for the families of today and tomorrow.
