How to capture the post-pandemic laundry market  COVID-19

Consumers are demanding greater ingredient transparency

COVID-19 is pushing consumers to clean their surroundings more frequently, while shelter-in-place orders are increasing their exposure to home cleaning products. As a result, consumers are increasingly demanding products that use natural ingredients.

In simple terms, there is a rapidly growing demand for products that disinfect without harsh chemicals.

Fortunately, there’s an excellent way to bridge this gap: enzymes. They’re both all-natural and tough on soil, providing an environmentally friendly alternative that checks all the boxes for this new consumer mindset.

Novozymes is well-versed in this field and can help your business communicate the value of natural ingredients to your consumers persuasively. Contact your Novozymes account manger to find out how our recent study can help increase your sales.

E-commerce channels are straining

The pandemic is also driving shoppers to buy laundry products online due to fear of contracting COVID-19 at physical locations. But as attention shifts to online retail, many companies are realizing they haven’t optimized their internet presence. 

Now is the time to take a closer look at your e-commerce strategy. Use these three tips to make sure you’re online-ready.

First, update your search engine optimization (SEO), social media channels and other digital media assets. 

Novozymes has uncovered effective strategies for driving online laundry detergent sales and is eager to share them with you. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help with content creation, channel optimization and other support services that amplify your digital outlets.

Next, analyze your product presentation strategy, which is drastically different online versus in-store. 

In-store packaging relies on volume to win the consumers’ attention, which is why laundry aisles are filled with chunky bottles. But online, every package looks the same, so consumers base their buying preferences on concentration.  

Enzymes, which require less formula volume than traditional detergent products, are built for the online market. Our enzyme solutions enable you to offer higher concentrations while simultaneously reducing package size. As a bonus, this also cuts down on shipping costs – a major selling point for online shoppers.

Finally, beware of leakage. Products that arrive open or broken leave a poor impression in your customers’ minds. Optimize your packaging for shipping friendliness to bypass this problem.  

Supply chains are stressed

With traditional transportation routes in flux, it’s no surprise that many companies are having a hard time with their supply chains. In particular, brands that rely on surfactants, a popular compound found in soaps, surface cleaners and detergents, have experienced high volatility with their suppliers.

This uncertainty makes it an opportune time to consider reformulating your products. For example, enzymes are an excellent replacement for surfactants and experience significantly lower supplier volatility.  Note: We can help you with reformulation. Our cutting-edge technology cuts down on development time by using advanced modeling strategies that don’t need to be tested in the lab. 

Additionally, consider sourcing raw materials locally. This substantially reduces your supply chain’s volatility risk as you will no longer have to worry about international transportation.  Bottom line: Move towards sustainable solutions with reliable supplies.

A new horizon

COVID-19 may have turned the economy upside down, but it’s also creating opportunities to capture a new market. 

The overarching takeaway for each of these emerging trends is that natural laundry products are the way of the future. Out of all the ingredients on the market, enzymes are the best way to capitalize on this. 

If you’re ready to reposition for the post-COVID world, contact us and we’ll work with you on everything you need to get consumers raving about your brand.