The issue of supply shortages has affected most industries over recent months, and cleaning service providers have certainly not been exempt from that struggle. As the industry continues to learn about the current and long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and how to operate around them, Cascades Tissue Group senior market analyst Audrey Salle suggests that these challenges will continue through 2022 for various sub-sectors including the tissue industry.

Cascades recently outlined three major trends that the tissue industry should expect to see this year, and issued guidance for end users, distributors, and manufacturers to prepare for the year ahead:

An increased emphasis on hygiene

Consumers and industry workers have maintained their elevated sense of hygiene nearly two years into the pandemic. A poll conducted in October 2021 by Cascades found that over 75 per cent of consumers still wash their hands more frequently compared to before COVID-19. That, of course, impacts purchasing decisions, particularly those relating to hand drying products. Consumers still seem to prefer paper towels, a trend that was first noticed at the height of the pandemic.

Shifting B2B transactions

When it comes to the B2B tissue market, 40 per cent of all sales were via e-commerce between December 2020 and December 2021. B2B buyers preferred paying via websites (80 per cent), email (77 per cent), and phone (72 per cent), according to a study from Virtual Analytics. Manufacturers and distributors should respond by altering the way they present and provide access to products.

Going environmentally friendly

Finally, a key goal of companies, residents, tenants, and the general public continues to be going as green as possible. As a result, products come under increased scrutiny ever year. Cascades notes that many consumers prefer recycled fibres and corrugated packaging instead of harmful plastics, and are also placing a premium on products that can achieve green certifications.