According to market information provider IRI, instant foaming hand soap global sales have increased 35 per cent in the last 12 months, increasing the market share from of 14 per cent in 2004 to 19 per cent in 2005.
Behind the increase is the constant search by consumers to find personal care products that are quick and easy to use, are effective and that are not wasteful. Many consumers feel that foaming soap meets these requirements, which is why it is increasingly being incorporated into hygiene routines.
One of the leading providers of packaging solutions for foaming soaps is Netherlands-based Airspray. Its dispensing technologies have continued to support the growth in foaming soap products, providing dispensing solutions for some of the world's biggest personal care manufacturers, including Colgate, Proctor & Gamble and Johnson & Johnson.
Major markets for the technology have included the US, Europe and Pacific Rim. Innovative products such as this are usually picked up in on these markets because of the more mature state of the market and higher levels of spending power.
Colgate, currently the leading liquid hand soap maker in the US, last year broadened its use of Airspray dispensing technologies with the launch of its first adult anti-bacterial instant foam soap.
Colgate's latest foaming launch follows the retail successes of both its Softsoap Foam Works, instant foaming hand soap for children, introduced in 2002, and of Dial Complete anti-bacterial foaming soap.
Airspray is also supporting the global expansion of P&G's Kandoo range, with a foaming handsoap now forming part of the line up, adding to its Pantene Pro-V hair treatment, as well as its Noxzema Continuous Clean Deep Foaming Cleanser that all use the instant-foam dispensers.
Most recently Airspray added the WaterGuard line to its dispensing portfolio, which is aimed at all applications used in wet conditions, such as showers and baths. The line consists of the WRT4, WRF3, WRM3 and the WRD4 designed for applications such as bath and shower washes, shampoo and conditioners, hand soaps, baby washes and children's washes.
Back in July Airspray announced that it was expanding its manufacturing operations in both the US and Europe in an effort to meet the rising demand.
The company is currently increasing the plant space at its facilities in Alkmaar, The Netherlands and its Pompano Beach plant in the Florida, US, which will also help cut back on lead times for inventories. The extra space is due to be opened around now.