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Sustainable Transformation Of Beverage Industry

Posted on by Rahul Garkhedkar

According to a recent Neilsen survey, approx. 73% of global consumers are ready to play their part and modify their consumption behavior and pattern to restore the lost balance of the environment. It stands true for every market, including the beverage industry. However, a tightrope constantly twisting in pressures of tough competition and low margins leaves little to no room for compromising on the prevalent resource and carbon-intensive manufacturing practices.

The beverage industry is a significant consumer of natural resources; e.g., the water footprint for a one-liter soda can ranges between 170-310 liters, while the alcoholic beverage industry scored 4.8 out of 10 on the drinks industry sustainability Index 2020. However, these are just a few small segments of this multi-layered intricate problem. Several other challenges require more profound research, development, and technical solutions. This blog is an effort to shed light on some of the most specific challenges impeding the path to greener beverage processing operations and some plausible solutions.

Challenge 1: Ingredients Sustainability

A significant part of the beverage industry relies on fruits and plant derivatives, most of which are sourced from distant places. This creates gaps on several fronts, including nutritional profile, shelf-life, transportation emissions, and the overall carbon footprint of manufacturing operations. Every step between farms to bottle adds to the producers’ and consumers’ carbon footprint while putting a huge question mark on the overall value delivered by the final product. Also, the hazardous impact of preservatives, emulsifiers, acidity regulators, and water used in the process further puts a question mark on the quality and valuation of these drinks.

A simple solution to this challenge is to focus on local procurement of ingredients. Preferably, these ingredients should be produced from organic farming practices. Also, there is an imminent need to narrow down the water footprint of the manufacturing operations, which includes better wastewater treatment and recycling methodologies.

Challenge 2: Low Carbonation Efficiency

The carbonation process is responsible for the fizz in soft drinks, sparkling wine, and beers. The rising energy costs are forcing manufacturers to either reduce or cease production of CO2. Earlier, CO2 was obtained as a by-product from fertilizer production, but as the process becomes more and more scarce, the amounts of CO2 also run low. Its scarcity is a serious factor because CO2 is also a barrier between beverages and oxygen, thus keeping microbial infections and oxidative enzymatic reactions at bay. Lack of CO2 can easily result in premature spoilage, discoloration, and stale taste of drinks.

Several sustainable alternatives can be implemented to counter this scarcity. For example, carbonation sensation enhancers like porphyran, sitosterol, menthyl acetate, etc., can give users a carbonation sensation without including CO2 in the drinks. Similarly, agents like glycerol citrate, fatty acid ester, and propylene glycol alginate can improve beverages’ carbonation retention efficiency. This can reduce carbonation loss to a considerable extent.

It is also high time to begin the implementation of foam retention and better solubilization apparatus in the beverage industries. Lastly, as a natural air constituent, nitrogen generators can easily generate it. Beverage manufacturers could also expand CO2 production from anaerobic digestion. The anaerobic digestion industry annually provides 90,000 tonnes of bio-CO2 in Europe and the UK. The industry specialists are optimistic. They believe this capacity can be increased to meet the current CO2 demand in the food and beverage industry. There is also much scope in carbon capture technologies that can be used dually as a source of CO2 for the F&B industry and reduce the carbon footprint of industries.

Challenge 3: Energy Intensive Refrigeration Processes

Cooling or refrigeration processes account for 20% of GHG emissions from the global beverage industry. As more and more companies commit to Net Zero emissions, the rate of exploration of sustainable cooling alternatives grows exponentially. There’s much buzz about natural refrigerants, HFCs with lower GWP, hydrofluroolefins (HFOs), and some HFC-HFO blends. CO2 cascade systems score high as an HFC substitute for large refrigeration systems like those used in supermarkets or factor flows. Additionally, process synchronized cooling has brought a paradigm shift in the beverage industry, making it way more efficient, eco-friendly, and economical for manufacturers at all levels. Innovations like magnetocaloric refrigerators, solid-state refrigerants, Enviro-cool multi refrigerators, sound-assisted, and bio-robot refrigerators will also play a key role in defining the future of the sustainable refrigeration market.

Natural Alternatives To Industrial Refrigerants

Table Summarizing Natural Alternatives To Industrial Refrigerants

Challenge 4: High Risk Of Non-Acidic Beverage Contamination

Yeast is one of the dominant microbes in fruit-based and non-alcoholic beverages. The microbial development can easily produce secondary metabolites, including carbon dioxide, polluting substances, and spoilage. Other than yeast, viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and molds act as partners in crime. Several solutions have emerged as sustainable solutions for this problem. These include hot water immersion, surface waxes, irradiation through UV, and a specific focus on equipment cleanliness. On the innovation front, completely automatic systems with aseptic process systems will offer continuous sterility analysis. It will play a key role in reducing Scope 2 emissions, food wastage, and the environmental impact of beverage processing units.

Challenge 5: Supply Chain Loopholes

Several predictable and non-predictable factors expose the beverage industry’s supply chain. These factors include clogged ports, lack of CO2, resin shortage for plastic bottles, shipping delays, war, etc. The global beverage industry faces the consequences as China slowly reduces its aluminum production. Also, the trucking and shipping issues have disturbed the frequency, quantity, and quality of drinks delivered to end users. Overall, it widens the environmental footprint of the beverage industry as spoilage, delay in delivery, and demand-supply imbalance mean higher emissions of GHGs in the environment. It indicates the need for better investment and installation of digital solutions. These solutions bring the required agility and flexibility to the entire supply chain. Multi-level optimization can help reduce scope three emissions to a great extent. It involves sustainable technology, vehicles, raw material sources, recovery mechanisms, and partners.

Challenge 6: High Use Of Non-biodegradable Packaging

The beverage industry is still striving to ensure a healthy, circular plastic economy. This is one of the major impediments in its path to a greener future. It is one of the biggest consumers of single-use plastic bottles that only add to littering in kerbsides, waterways, landfills, etc. The virgin plastic used in the process is highly porous. This leads to the leakage of CO2 over time and significantly reduces the carbonation shelf life of drinks. Further, recycled plastic exacerbates the rate of carbonation loss due to structural defects expanding the carbon footprint of beverage companies.

Plastic Waste Generation By Leading Beverage Manufacturers

Mismanaged Plastic Waste Generation By Leading Beverage Manufacturers

Last Words

The beverage industry came through the pandemic relatively stronger financially than its counterparts. Research shows that the industry stakeholders are willing to move ahead in this direction and want to shift from a begrudging pattern to a result-oriented modus operandi. They seek better strategic, technological, and transformational solutions to help them become sustainability leaders without losing their edge and profit figures in the beverage market. 

Sustainable Aviation Fuel: Advancements and Challenges

Posted on by Rahul Garkhedkar

Aircraft’s engine thrust, wing lift, and horsepower come from jet fuel. Aviation fuel represents about 30% of total flying costs and makes for the #1 cost for airlines. In 2022, total jet fuel (derived from crude oil) consumption amounted to 73 billion gallons. The harmful carbon emissions by the aviation industry were close to 5600 million tons in 2022. The surging cost of jet fuel and calamitous calefaction drive the aviation industry to reconsider its sustainable fuel strategy. Additionally, it is prompting the industry to explore ways to offset CO2 emissions from the global fleet.

Expansive Aviation Industry 

In recent years, the airline industry has grown at a supersonic speed. Air travel has become busier than ever for passenger service, cargo, and the military. Additionally, airfare has become more expensive. The growth projections are robust, with the global fleet reaching 36,000 aircraft by 2033, the air freight market value projected to be USD 175.24 billion by 2028, and the military aviation market to reach USD 74.44 billion by 2028. Over 100,000 flights take off daily (2023), increasing to 200,000 by 2030. 

Global fleet forecast, 2023-2033

Figure 1: Global fleet forecast by aircraft class, 2023-2033

We can only imagine the extent of global dimming and global warming the aviation industry will be landing into without serious pitching of global SAF production. Current SAF production was 300 million liters (2022), at only 0.1-0.2% of the worldwide aviation fuel supply. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), 450 billion liters of Sustainable Aviation Fuel will be required annually by 2050 to meet the aviation industry’s net-zero carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions target. Meeting the net-zero target set by ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) will require a definitive approach. In the coming years, a manifold build-up of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production pipeline will be necessary.

Understanding Biofuel, Renewable Jet Fuel or SAF

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), also called renewable jet fuel, is made from non-petroleum feedstock. Biodiesel production involves the production of lipids, cetane, hydrocarbons, biofuel additives, cellulose, camelina, synthesis gas (syngas), and transesterification. 

SAF feedstock is classified as 1st generation, 2nd generation, 3rd generation feedstock, and e-fuels. SAF’s 1st generation feedstock comprises food-grade oils and fats like canola, rapeseed oil, palm oil & derivatives, corn, soyabean oil, and sunflower oil. SAF 2nd Generation feedstock includes waste fats, oils, and greases (FOGs) like used cooking oil, inedible animal fat & tallow, trap grease, and fatty acid distillates.

3rd Generation SAF feedstock includes CO-rich industrial waste gases and algae biomass. E-fuels in the aviation industry are feedstock produced by renewable (solar or wind power) sources like e-kerosene.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel is produced via various pathways, such as the certified Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA), alcohol-to-jet (AtJ), and Fischer-Tropsch (FT). The HEFA pathway called the HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) process, refines waste oils, animal fats, and waste oils into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) through hydrogenation. 

HEFA is currently the most common SAF production method, clocking 86% SAF production, according to IATA data. There is a great need for government incentives, such as tax relief, tax exemptions, and policy support, to develop new SAF production pathways where RD&D is currently being carried out. 

One of the biggest challenges in achieving long-term SAF production targets is to find the best possible and continual SAF fuel feedstock sources that give high SAF yields. The current cost of SAF to jet fuel is double and sometimes 4-5 times, making it one surmountable barrier to achieving a carbon-neutral goal (2050) for aviation.

Minimum share of supply of sustainable aviation fuels (in %)

Figure 2: 9 Total Renewable SAF fuel capacity: % Split by Pathway

Key SAF Production Locations & SAF Companies

To reach levels of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, ICAO estimates a possible $4 Trillion investment needed in renewable aviation fuel. Shell PLC, Neste Oyi, Aematics Inc., SkyNRG, LanzaTech Inc., Gevo Inc., AV Fuel Corporation, Aematics Inc., Fulcrum BioEnergy Inc., Velocys Inc., Red Rock Biofuels and World Energy are carrying out primary SAF production. 

BP p.l.c. has created a special SAF division named Air BP to create specialized renewable fuel from its plant in Lingen, Germany. Honeywell UOP and Oriental Energy have jointly established another SAF plant in Maoming, China.

Another British Petroleum SAF operation is coming at Kwinana, Western Australia. JGC Group, in partnership with REVO International Inc. and Cosmo Oil Co, Ltd, has announced that it is building its supply chain and SAF production domestically. 

Indaba Renewables Fuels is developing a new refinery to produce SAF fuel from 100% waste oil products in alliance with Haldor Topsoe. Moreover, Suria Capital Holdings Berhad and Vandelay Ventures Sdn Bhd will develop the Sabah Maju Jaya Renewable Energy Industrial Complex (SAF diesel) at Sapangar Bay, Malaysia. TotalEnergies has started SAF production in France at their refinery in Grandpuits, which will be their essential zero-crude manufacturing site. 

According to IATA findings, over 85 clean aviation fuel producers have announced this. They have revealed over 130 scalable renewable fuel projects across 30 countries. Stainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is championing the aviation sector toward becoming more sustainable and environmentally responsible by 2030 and beyond.   

Government Acts and Legislations for SAF

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aims to provide critical SAF estimates and solid SAF projections. These include factors such as feedstock cost, fuel yield, total capital investment (TCI), facility scale, and Minimum Selling Price (MSP). ICAO also aims to disseminate significant trends for SAF production cost and processing technologies/feedstock comparisons.

The United States has issued SAF blenders tax credit legislation. The bill provides a $1.25 credit per gallon of SAF sold (qualified fuel mixture). This credit is applicable if the SAF demonstrates a 50% reduction in lifecycle greenhouse gases (GHG) compared to conventional jet fuel. In addition, at the beginning of 2025, SAF will be raised to $1.75 per gallon under the new Clean Fuel Production Credit (CFPC) Act. Illinois approves the SAF tax credit of $1.50 per gallon of SAF used by aircraft in the state.

Japan has enacted the aim for the Act for Sky and will achieve aviation carbon neutrality by 2050. The country is establishing a complete supply chain for domestic SAF production. Also, India plans to use 1% sustainable aviation fuel by 2025 and increase it to 4-5% as more biofuels become available. The United Kingdom has also implemented the Jet Zero strategy and a 10% SAF fuel mandate of total crude jet fuel consumption by 2030.

Other Important Endeavors

France’s endeavor for SAF has led to rolling out €300 million for pilot/demonstrator construction or engineering studies. The EU regulations announcement of “Fit-for-55” is a significant step. It aims to reduce the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030. Also, countries like Singapore, Brazil, UAE, and China are making other critical progress toward targeting a more sustainable aviation future.

Sustainability in aviation is undoubtedly far-reaching. However, it heavily relies on strong incentives from states/governments to establish pioneer plants and refineries for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Incentivizing and investing are necessary for various institutes and organizations to continue their research on the present Sustainable Aviation Fuel feedstock. Furthermore, they require support to explore new feedstock options.

Total Renewable SAF fuel capacity

Figure 3: Minimum share of supply of sustainable aviation fuels (in %)

Final Thoughts

Aviation has made personal, business, and freight trips exceedingly quick yet so CO2 loaded. New Sustainable Aviation Fuel producers will require close support and knowledge to get SAF technical certification. Industry leaders, policy stakeholders, and researchers also play a crucial role. They need to engage on all Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) topics. Additionally, they should work towards developing viable commercial SAF frameworks. Moreover, there is excellent optimism around SAF’s prospect of becoming the best alternative to jet fuel. Furthermore, as SAF production matures and becomes more established across countries, we can see more blue skies and greener pastures by 2050.

Intelligent Gripper Systems: Predicaments and Solutions

Posted on by Rahul Garkhedkar

Robotic manipulation has long impended the path of automation of industrial robots. Its restrictive flair also interferes with integrating AI and ML in this domain, specifically concerning COBOT (COllaborative roBOT) applications, resource efficiency, and work environment safety. Industrial robots’ lack of mechanical and cognitive precision restricts their adoption in smart, multi-tasking manufacturing operations. Intelligent gripper systems offer a straightforward answer to most of these problems. But most solutions are either in the research phase or commercially integrated into a single-task operation. There is an imminent need to understand these challenges’ most plausible solutions and keep the latest innovations in that niche in check. In this write-up, we have tried to summarize all three aspects from a technological point of view.

Challenge: The Impaired Cognitive Functionality

The Problem

Conventional heavy-duty robots lack the intelligence and adaptability to fit in the dynamic environment of Industry 4.0. To program them for a single task, one must handcraft multiple trajectories, which result in high costs, longer durations, and an error-prone modus operandi. These robots must customize the environment around them in a deterministic pattern where they position and place everything precisely. If the nature, dimension, or design of the product changes, it is necessary to recalibrate and reprogram the robots from scratch. Essentially, the robots lack perception, which prevents them from performing context-specific tasks. Even a simple task like pick-and-place requires object identification, locating the correct grasping point, optimum grasping and releasing force and calculating the safest and shortest route to the destination.

The robot must analyze the size, weight, surface texture, and hurdles between the pick-up point and destination. It is challenging since the robot control method needs to include high-level abstraction with a description of objects that the robot needs to manipulate. Unless the robot has artificial senses like hearing, vision, and tactile motion, it will be as good as asking a blind person to cross a busy road.

Most Plausible Solutions

Solution 1: GQ-CNN Model: The Grasp Quality – Convolutional Neural Network (GQ-CNN) model can aptly answer the grasping force calculation and object identification issue with COBOTs. It ranks the grasping potential based on grasp strength. In this case, the grasp robustness represents the probability of grasp success predicted by mechanical models. The grasping apparatus calculates the regular force for the object identified by the robot as per a predefined threshold. The grip force is adjusted per the identified object through force control as the grasping apparatus comes in contact with it.

The Original GQ-CNN Model Architecture From Dex-Net 2.0
Image 1: The Original GQ-CNN Model Architecture From Dex-Net 2.0

Solution 2: Grasp Wrench Space (GWS) Analysis: Grasp Contact Modeling is performed to process the information pertaining to the grasping contact. Further, contact parametrization is used to obtain applicable contact forces and moments. The system performs wrench-based grasp quality metrics using force and moment information. This allows it to assess the grasp quality in terms of resisting external disturbance wrenches. The output obtained from this metric helps derive the grasp force according to the detected object. This, in turn, improves the grasping ability of the gripper.

Solution 3: Using soft grippers and neural networks to render a tactile sense to the robot and estimate the object’s stiffness: In this method, the gripper fingers incorporate an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) for force calculation. A simulated environment generates the contact signals from the IMU, which also examines the soft gripper. It allows the user to perform the squeezing movement in both the simulation and the real world on objects with varied shapes and stiffness parameters. The results from the activity help the robot calculate the force required to hold the object and apply it to the gripper.

Intelligent Gripper Systems: Soft grippers and neural networks to render a tactile sense to the robot and estimate the object’s stiffness
Image 2: Scientific Diagram of The Proposed Arrangement

Challenge: Lack of Mechanical Precision

The Problem

Conventional robots use hard grippers that lack the feasibility of picking objects of varied geometric shapes and sizes. To resolve this problem, researchers are now using soft grippers. However, the challenge remains in automatically adjusting the grippers based on the size and shape of the detected objects. It is one of the biggest hurdles in developing intelligent or AI-based gripping solutions.

The Solution

Solution 1: Adaptive Control Algorithm: The gripper framework has plenty of room for embedded sensors that aid in detecting an object’s geometry. Additionally, the list of soft computing Support Vector Regression (SVR) and Extreme Learning Machine (ELM). The results yielded by sensors can help estimate optimal input displacements.

Intelligent Gripper Systems: Adaptive Control Algorithm
Image 3: Scientific Diagram of Adaptive Control Algorithm (PC: Researchgate)

Solution 2: Object’s Haptic Identification Through Modular Soft Robotic Gripper: The robot’s gripper equips every finger with a flex sensor that relays data in the form of a vector. The recorded data helps extracting the grasping configuration of the gripper. Thus, it will help produce a range of configurations for a range of grasps and objects coming in the way of the robot.

Solution 3: Soft Exoskeleton Covered Robot Finger With Tactile Sensors and Vision-based Proprioception: The exoskeleton-covered soft fingers with embedded cameras help obtain images of objects coming in the robot’s way. The under-actuated exoskeleton integrated with a cable-driven system helps actuate the gripper for various tasks. A well-trained proprioception CNN model helps to sense and categorize different object geometries. The neural network also classifies the profile and size of objects based on data relayed by embedded cameras. Also, the results yielded by the neural network help automatically adjust the soft finger.

Recent Use Cases
  • Onrobot RG2: A Copenhagen-based gear manufacturer, Osvald Jensen introduced an Onrobot intelligent gripper solution that speeds up the overall task and modifies the machine shop’s productivity and performance. In addition, the Onrobot RG2 dual grippers resolve several challenges. They reduce the object picking and placement cycle time. Thus, improve the holding capacity of objects of all shapes and sizes. Additionally, they largely minimize human intervention
  • Onrobot RG6: Incorporated by Tomenson Machine, these grippers play a key role in improving object identification and detection capabilities. Moreover, Obrobot RG6 grippers are helping Tomenson reduce misleading objects, thereby reducing infrastructural investment and better profitability.
Research Scope
  • Eco-EGain Nanocomposite based smart grippers: A study was conducted on self-powered and pneumatically driven soft robotic grippers capable of recognizing the object in its path and avoiding false positioning and undetectable slipping of the object.
  • Bioinspired Soft Swallowing Gripper for Adaptable Grasping: Based on the toy named Water Snake Wiggly (WSW) design, this gripper can averting itself inside out for feeding. This concept’s design, modeling, and preliminary tests can be checked out here.
  • Soft Actuators based on Hydrogel Nanocomposites with Anisotropic Framework: In this project, a facile strategy was proposed to fabricate smart hydrogel with controllable anisotropic structure and respective deformability. Additionally, they fabricated a Poly (N-isopropylacrylamide) hydrogel as an actuator. Also, this was achieved through the asymmetric growth of a silver microdendrite network in the hydrogel matrix using a phototriggered electroreduction.

Final Word

The skill shortage and the rise in demand for product customization raise the need for intelligent industrial robotics solutions. Moreover, sustainable industrial operations also contribute to the increased need for intelligent gripper systems. Additionally, these solutions can quickly raise the level of sophistication and capabilities of industrial robots. Furthermore, most of these solutions are in the research phase for now. Still, when they move to the finalization or commercialization stage, they will help industrial operations meet expectations on each front.

Industrial Future Safety: A Methodological Outlook 

Posted on by Rahul Garkhedkar

Industrial Future safety is the foundation of everything, and employers, safety officers, and statesmen will agree that this is ‘no exaggeration.’ The usual signboard stating ‘wet floor’ or another with the message ‘watch your head’ are all small ways to prevent accidents. Well-intended and deftly incorporated safety measures convey that 98% of industrial accidents are inevitable.

For office workspace safety, measures such as placing signs like ‘restricted access’ for data centers, using biometric-enabled entry to ensure safe offices, and accident mitigation steps like smoke detectors ensure the best preventive measures are in place. Statistics record that most industrial accidents are caused by human error and equipment failure.

Industries with different manufacturing types and production lines require special safety measures. Employers must provide workers with safety gear appropriate to their level of hazardous work, ensuring that their PPE is readily available at all times to prevent any work debacles.

Industrial Future Safety: Losses Amounting to Occupational Hazards

The International Labor Organization (ILO) estimates that globally, 2.3 million men and women lose their lives due to work-related accidents yearly, which totals 6000 deaths every day. Additionally, 340 million occupational accident cases and 160 million people at work battle work-related illnesses annually. Due to work accidents, organizations suffer disruptions, loss of credibility, financial loss, and even legal actions.

Accidents can lead to mishaps within work premises and even cause severe damage to the surroundings and fellow residents. Comprehensive work safety for industries comprises employee protective gear, regular site maintenance, predictive and preventive measures, and the use of future tech to mitigate such losses.

Industrial Future Safety: State and International Regulations

Employers are responsible for on-site employee safety. To ensure workplace safety, organizations must actively prevent occupational hazards such as safety threats, biological risks, physical harm, chemical perils, and overall climate damage. Globally, the International Labor Organization (ILO) and many similar specialized occupational safety bodies provide practical guidelines to businesses.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets regulations and guidelines to ensure safety compliance in the USA. Likewise, agencies like the Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) in Canada, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in the UK, the European Agency for Safety and Health serves in Europe, Japan Industrial Safety and Health Association (JISHA) works in Japan, Finnish institute of occupational health carries research in Finland and these bodies all work towards scientific research about prevention of industrial accidents and occupational diseases. The employer complies with all the key EHS guidelines and directives.  

Industrial Future Safety: Advanced PPE Suits for Professionals

When on-site staff work in chemicals, manufacturing, or an industrial environment, they must have the right personal protective equipment. Agile and dependable organizations understand employee needs; their PPE suppliers/contractors are often the industry’s best. Specific PPE garments are necessary for medical professionals, pharmaceuticals, and heavy manufacturing industries like mining, transportation, aerospace, defense, shipping, steel, oil, or gas.

Employees who work in a still more precarious environment like working with cytostatic drugs, asbestos, radioactive waste, high quantities of caustic soda/ sodium hydroxide, sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) products, inflammable & asphyxiant propane, concrete, and plaster additives with calcium oxide, crystalline silica or chromium that are corrosive/ abrasive to human tissue, biohazards like contagion waste and used sharps et cetera use Polyethylene Coated (PE Coated) and chlorinated polyethylene (CPE) personal protective equipment.

Protective coveralls today from 3M, Dupont, Honeywell, Ansell, and others are either made of new materials like Spunbond Meltblown Spunbond (SMS) or the Spunbond Meltblown Meltblown Spunbond SMMS. The SMS coverall consists of three layers – a top layer, which consists of Spunbond Polypropylene (PP), a middle layer, which consists of Meltblown PP, and a final bottom layer which consists of Spunbond PP. These protective coveralls are lightweight, breathable, soft, and well-fitted, offering excellent cover from occupational risks. 

IoT Sensors for Safety & Security

Sensors are used to pick up changes in the environment, whether that is heat, pressure, light, moisture, motion, image, radiation, proximity, position, infrared, photodetector, metals, gas/chemical, force, flame, contact, etc. With industry 4.0, AI, and IoT proliferation, workspaces and industries use smart sensors to increase employee/surroundings safety in many ways.

Smart sensors are edge devices that can process information in real time, leading to quick warning systems and swift decisions. Researchers are discovering how soft and virtual sensors, in combination with physical sensors, 3D camera sensors, and connected surveillance cameras, can elevate workplace security and safety to the next level.

Stellarix performed market research on the IoT valuation and found that the global sensor market is projected to reach USD 320.36 billion by 2027, with a 6.84% CAGR.

Industrial Future Safety: Global Sensor Market

Figure: Global Sensor Market Size

Wearable Tech in the Workplace

VerveMotion has developed a wearable robotic device named SafeLift Suit. Wearers need to put on this light-powered exosuit like a backpack. The suit offers up to 240 Newtons of lift force assistance, taking 40% of the strain off the worker with every lift. It has advanced movement analytics and an intuitive control system for customizing workers’ activities. The solution reduces injury rates and leads to a better worker experience.

SolusGuard has built a wearable panic button for off-site staffers working at isolated places. Lone workers don’t need to access their phones or open an app to alert their supervisors in emergencies with this wearable panic button. 

Robots, Cobots, and Autonomous Mobile Robots

Robots are present in a wide range of industries. These include agronomics, hospital services, building & construction, space, military, manufacturing, supply chain, and drone delivery. Autonomous mobile robots (AMR) are programmable robots. They also possess a higher level of autonomy, allowing them to perform tasks and navigate their surroundings with greater independence. They have advanced sensors and computer vision. The ARM robot can assist in automating material handling such as heavy machinery and chemicals, support site crew in managing risky daily activities, and reduce workers’ pressure.

Intelligent robots are utilized in areas where robots make agile decisions and inspections using AI and ML technologies. Massive datasets train these robots. Industries widely employ these robots to free site workers from repetitive tasks in almost every aspect. They are used in healthcare in difficult-to-reach/ high-precision robotic surgeries and laboratory work. In addition, the automobile, retail, and food processing industries also utilize robots.

Humans task cobots to perform jobs alongside them, creating a collaborative force between man and robots. Robots take on another pathfinder role in agriculture, reducing human contact during weeding, spraying, and transporting tasks. Robots, humans, and industries are an excellent trilogy, so much so that robot expansion will reach US$43.32bn by 2027.

Industrial Future Safety: Workplace Gensuite for EHS Compliance

Maintaining Environment, health, and safety (EHS) are critical parameters for all workplaces. This is even more so now with a possible update of OSHA’s Hazard communication standard (HCS) soon requiring employers to use proper labeling for indicative chemical flammability, corrosivity, and other such environmental hazards.

This will give staffers a ‘right to know’ about the level of hazardous chemicals they are working with and possibly enhance protection expectations. With advanced AI technology, Benchmark Gensuite uses workflow-integrated computer vision technology to analyze live-streaming videos and photos. The software then integrates the collected data to generate real-time reports and alerts, creating an ultra-safe environment. The system alerts employees if they fail to wear their PPE suits. Additionally, it sends alerts regarding risks from moving objects and aggregates all potential hazards for future insights and analytics. Without question, Benchmark Gensuite, the new EHS tech, can prove to be a game changer for increased workplace safety.

In Summary

In the business scenario, organizations and workplaces actively measure their level of safety and security. To thrive in the long haul, businesses must earn the trust of employees and stakeholders by incorporating best EHS practices. These practices should promote workers’ safety and health in a scientific and well-charted manner. PPE coveralls, made of new-age materials, have emerged as a top industry requirement. They are crucial for protecting on-site workers from known risks and occupational dangers. Moreover, customization of PPE coveralls based on work criticality further enhances worker protection. Also, State-of-the-art industry 5.0 tools, comprising top IoT, advanced robots, and AI tech created by foremost companies, actively mitigate injuries, accidents, and any potential work failures.


Wearable Technology In Healthcare: Benefits, Challenges, Types

Posted on by Rahul Garkhedkar

Wearable technology in healthcare has experienced a remarkable surge in popularity in recent years. Embodied within this surge lies the astounding progress made in biosensor technology, resulting in heightened precision and accuracy. Moreover, the continuous advancements in battery technology have led to the development of compact sizes, enabling seamless integration into wearable medical devices. Such enhancements, coupled with an overall increase in performance, have endowed users with the invaluable ability to access and interpret accurate healthcare data. Consequently, individuals are now empowered to assume an active role in their personal healthcare, embracing the responsibility that comes with informed decision-making and self-care.

Defining Wearable Healthcare Technology

Wearable technology encompasses a diverse array of electronic devices crafted to elegantly adorn the human physique, exemplified by a gadget, including smartwatches. Within the realm of healthcare, these wearable marvels serve a pivotal role by diligently gathering and tracking users’ personal health and exercise data. The brilliance lies in their ability to seamlessly transmit this vital information, in real-time, to healthcare practitioners and medical experts, ensuring timely and accurate insights into a patient’s well-being. The global wearable technology market was valued at USD 96.50 billion in 2022 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.47%, as per Stellarix’s survey and analysis from 2023 to 2027. In 2027, the value is estimated to grow to USD 198.09 billion.

Wearable Technology Market Stats

Figure: Wearable Technology In Healthcare Stats

Challenges for Wearables in Healthcare

Accurate and Reliable Data Collection 

Collecting data accurately and reliably poses a significant obstacle for wearable technology. Despite the potential of wearables to offer valuable insights into our well-being and daily routines, their effectiveness can be compromised by inaccuracies. Achieving precision hinges on crucial factors, including sensor calibration, proper placement, and using high-quality algorithms for data analysis.

Inherent Limitations of Sensors 

Ensuring precise data collection is a prominent hurdle in the realm of wearable technology. These innovative devices heavily depend on sensors to capture a wide range of physiological signals, including heart rate, sleep patterns, and step count. Nevertheless, these sensors often encounter inherent limitations that impede their accuracy. Issues such as motion artifacts, signal interference, and suboptimal device placement can introduce errors and compromise measurement precision. To tackle this challenge, wearables manufacturers must consistently allocate resources to research and development, aiming to enhance sensor technology, refine signal processing algorithms, and implement rigorous calibration procedures. By investing in these areas, they can strive to deliver more reliable and precise data, thereby maximizing the potential benefits of wearable devices for users.

Lack some features

Just because a wearable is jam-packed with interesting features doesn’t necessarily mean it has everything you want. Research before purchasing a device to ensure it has all the features you need. Otherwise, you may be disappointed.

Dwindling Ergonomics

Comfort and ergonomics are most necessary in the healthcare sector. However, the biggest issue with healthcare devices is long-term usage. They tend to heat and sometimes hang. Thus creating an issue for the user.

User Privacy, Security, Cyber Risks and Hacking

Privacy and security risks are increasing due to frequent global advancements in information and technology. Privacy breaches have become common, and personal data leaks are often in the news, which scares users. Also, due to the Internet’s connectivity, the perils of hacking and phishing are increasing.

Water Proofing

Wearable healthcare products are mostly marred with moisture, water, and sweat. Devices go dysfunctional when they come in contact with water or any liquid. So, wear them during any physical activity, wash your hands, or do other tasks. Hence, the lack of waterproofing ruins the experience and correct reading.

Interoperability Challenges

Patients using healthcare devices must share data with their doctors and health specialists. However, not all devices are compatible, which creates problems when integrating and sharing reports.

Mostly Expensive

These devices aren’t for the faint of heart or those on a tight budget. The cost of wearable technology can range from a few hundred pounds to several thousand, depending on the features and brand.

Incompatible With Phone

If you purchase your generic wearable from an e-commerce website, there’s a chance it may not be compatible with your phone. For the device to work properly, it needs to be able to sync with your phone. If it can’t, then it’s essentially a glorified paperweight.

Can Cause Distraction

One of the common complaints about wearable technology is that it can be distracting. It can be very tempting to check your email or social media accounts when you’re supposed to be focusing on something else besides offering health-related information or tips. This is especially true for devices that allow you to access the internet or receive notifications.

Requires Power Management

One of the biggest complaints about wearable technology is that it requires frequent charging. This can be a real pain, especially if you’re using your device to track your sleep patterns or monitor your heart rate during a workout.

Tough to Operate

Not only are these devices likely to be inaccurate, but they can also be difficult to operate. This is often the case with smartwatches and other devices that have many features crammed into a small space. Learning how to use all the different features can take some time.

Easily Breakable

It can be damaged or broken depending on where this wearable is worn. Whether it’s an active lifestyle or everyday wear and tear, these devices can break easily and often at the most inopportune time.

Advantages

Proactive Monitoring Patients’ Health

Wearable technology plays a vital role in healthcare by facilitating the monitoring of patients’ well-being. By continuously tracking patient activity and data, wearables provide valuable insights to healthcare providers, enabling a deeper understanding of patients’ conditions and more effective disease management. Devices like anklets and watches offer valuable applications in care settings like hospitals and nursing homes.

Reducing Healthcare Risks

Utilizing wearable technology devices to enhance patient safety is an excellent strategy for mitigating risks in healthcare. For instance, a wearable device that records calorie intake can be integrated into meal plans for patients struggling with weight loss or dietary requirements. Such technology also helps prevent patients from exceeding their physical limitations or encountering accidents while engaging in various activities, including medication administration.

Proactive Approach

Wearable devices offer valuable data and automated analytics, enabling nurse practitioners to diagnose issues more efficiently and intervene promptly. This proactive approach helps prevent readmissions and mitigate potential negative consequences.

Personalized Care

Hospitals are increasingly adopting wearable technology for broader purposes. Some establishments employ wearables to establish seamless connections between patients and caregivers, delivering more personalized care. Furthermore, wearables serve as auxiliary communication tools within hospital settings, benefiting residents and visitors alike.

Promoting Health and Well-being

Wearable technology empowers patients to improve their sleep quality, enhance memory functions, and achieve better physical fitness. Moreover, these devices enable doctors to monitor their patient’s health remotely, freeing up valuable time and ensuring overall well-being.

Reduced Anxiety and Stress

Equipped with wearable devices, healthcare staff can monitor vital signs such as heart rate and blood pressure, providing timely assistance and support whenever necessary, alleviating anxiety and stress levels among patients and caregivers.

Enhanced Accuracy in Patient Data

The presence of wearable devices allows hospitals to improve data accuracy by tracking the number of visitors each patient receives and their duration of stay. This valuable information can be leveraged to enhance care planning and delivery, leading to more effective and tailored patient outcomes.

Improved Communication

Through real-time feedback during patient interactions, wearable devices facilitate better understanding for nurses and other medical professionals regarding their patients’ physical health requirements. This enhanced communication fosters improved care provision and patient support.

Wearable Technology: Devices Available 

Blood Pressure Monitors

Effortlessly obtain your blood pressure reading directly on your smartphone by placing the monitor on your right or left arm. These convenient at-home blood pressure cuffs can connect to your phone, allowing you to store and track your blood pressure and pulse data for easy monitoring.

Integrated Activewear

Experience the fusion of cutting-edge technology and activewear in various styles and sizes. Embedded sensors within the clothing emit gentle vibrations, providing real-time feedback to ensure the precise execution of yoga poses. By promoting balance and accuracy, this integration empowers you to achieve your fitness goals more effectively.

Wearable Health Watches

Among the most user-friendly fitness trackers, smartwatches have evolved with technological advancements. With the updated software, they monitor and store your health and fitness information seamlessly, enabling you to stay on top of your progress easily. e.g., the Apple watch

Glucose Meters

Designed for diabetic glucose monitoring, these reading devices are positioned on the upper arm. Additionally, they utilize phone sensors to measure glucose levels. Moreover, by reducing the need for frequent finger pricking, they offer greater convenience and can be used continuously for extended periods. e.g., Abbott Freestyle Libre 2

ECG Monitors

Wearable ECG technology employs a single electrode sensor typically positioned on the underside of a smartwatch. By monitoring the heart’s electrical activity, these devices can detect atrial fibrillation (Afib), an abnormal heart rhythm. This innovation brings the benefits of ECG monitoring to your wrist, ensuring early detection and timely intervention when irregularities occur. e.g., Apple Watch.

Conclusion

Just like the metaverse in healthcare, wearable technology in healthcare is spiking quickly. Health wearable computing devices are going through discovery phases in their life cycle. However, a significant advancement that will propel the evolution of wearable devices is the advent of 6G technology. This next-generation network infrastructure will unleash greater bandwidth capabilities, unlocking many possibilities, such as real-time health monitoring and seamless multitasking with multiple applications running simultaneously. Also, the potential applications that can benefit from this powerful combination of healthcare wearables and 6G are boundless, opening up exciting avenues for innovation and transformative experiences.

Transcending the Boundaries of Circular Economy of Plastics

Posted on by Rahul Garkhedkar

Plastics is an umbrella term we often use disparagingly for all our inexorable polymers use. With already noxious levels of plastic pollution, 350 million metric tons more plastic waste reaches landfills and oceans yearly. As the world is on the edge of its non-biodegradable problem, global economies are pushing their teams to develop sustainable materials for plastics, enacting EPR rules, and making recycling a core part of the circular economy mix. With new-age plastic recycling management equipped with AI and blockchain, we can prevent a major possible human annihilation caused by one billion metric tons of plastic debris.

Thermoplastics – Reduce & Recycle

In the 1860s, scientists created the first artificial plastic, celluloid. However, as we fast forward to 1960, plastic started to become a problem. Scientists see plastic pollution in the ocean, with Laysan albatrosses swallowing plastic items and northern fur seals entangled in nets. Six key types of commodity plastic, namely polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE or PE-HD), polyvinyl chloride (PVC or V), low-density polyethylene (LDPE or PE-LD), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS) comprise 70% of the global plastic production among which PVC, LPDE (single-use plastics) and PS being the least sustainable and toxic. Despite the significant health and climate damage caused by commodity plastics, analysts project growth in the global thermoplastics market from 445.25 million metric tons in 2025 to 589.03 million metric tons in 2027.

Reducing use, lowering production and recycling of thermoplastics are areas where countries are keenly working towards their Sustainable Development Goals under the Paris Agreement, a significant legally binding international treaty on climate change.

Circular Economy of Plastics: Thermoplastics Production Forecast

Figure 1: Production forecast of thermoplastics

Engineering Plastics

According to Stellarix’s adept research, high-performing and robust plastics, known as ‘engineered plastics,’ reached a value of USD $98.0 billion in 2022. They are projected to surpass $132.39 billion by 2027, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) exceeding 6%. The most common engineering plastic in pharma is polyethylene (HDPE/LDPE), which is used to make solid pharmaceutical products and create moisture-resistant and structurally rigid containers. 

The automotive, electronics, and telecommunications industries commonly use acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polypropylene plastics. Consumers must educate themselves about plastic materials so they don’t get greenwashed. A genuine manufacturer is responsible for developing high-end products that mitigate environmental damage. The European Commission’s Waste Electrical and Electronic Directive (WEEE) requires the separate collection and proper treatment of WEEE by setting targets for E-waste collection, recovery, and recycling.

Non-biodegradable plastics are low-cost to manufacture due to petrochemicals/hydrocarbons such as naphtha, ethane, and Olefins derived/fractions of coal, natural gas, petroleum, and crude oil. Increased demand for plastics is invariably becoming a massive growth factor for oil demand and will account for nearly half of oil growth by 2050. Plastics from petrochemicals release CO2, a prime greenhouse gas leading to further climate change. Countries must reduce their dependence on low-cost plastics manufactured from petrochemicals for a truly circular economy.

Circular Economy of Plastics: Oil Demand Growth by Sector

Figure 2: Oil Demand Growth by Sector

Circular Economy as the Deliverer

From the 2019 Arctic Ice melting, termed as an ‘irreversible ice collapse’ to losing our biodiversity at a wretched rate, we only have ‘Circular Economy (CE) as our collective resolve against global climate crises and severe weather phenomena.  

Industrial development and Information Technology 4.0 were linear in approach and impact, and with the all-encompassing climate change crisis, our way of working and thinking requires a full-circle approach. Moreover, a circular economy is best for establishing a long-term sustainable economy. It prioritizes environment-friendly inputs, the extension of product lifecycles, recycling and reuse, responsible utilization of shared resources, and the concept of product as a service. In the context of plastics, this approach takes into consideration the complete end-of-life of a product.

To achieve sustainability thresholds, stakeholders must actively direct their efforts towards addressing the nine planetary boundaries framework. These include climate change, ocean acidification, changes in biosphere integrity, the nitrogen and phosphorus cycles, atmospheric aerosol loading, freshwater use, stratospheric ozone depletion, and land-system change. By focusing on these areas, we can work towards creating a more sustainable future. Moreover, the circular economy will help prioritize systemic solutions via concepts like use less, use longer, use again, and make clean. This will improve our current 7.2 % circularity metric of material inputs.

Hold-ups in the Path of Circular Economy

Thus far, real progress in a circular economy is quite latent, with the EU’s recycling rate falling in 2020 and gaining only a 3% circularity rate for fossil energy materials, including plastics and fossil fuels.

As different plastic types require different recycling methods, the industry/sector must establish a centralized procedure for collecting similar plastic types for recycling. Most plastic waste is collected mechanically, and a large part is non-degradable. Currently, only 1% of bioplastics is being produced globally.

We can’t mix bioplastics with fossil-based traditional plastics, so there is a great need to create a proper supply chain and recycling system for new-age bioplastics.

In addition, biodegradable plastic waste requires certain prevailing environmental conditions to decompose fully naturally, and the absence of these conditions makes it part of the linear economy. Polylactic acid-based industrial compostable plastics require different handling as they decompose under industrial composting processes. Moreover, there is a strong need for materials R& D, procedure planning, tech advancement, and collaboration between key partners in the plastic manufacturing sector. 

Latest Plastics’ Feedstock & Other Key Developments

To remain in a safe operating space (SOS) and not cross the threshold of the global surface temperature of 2°C, we have to reduce our carbon emissions, detrimental water usage, nitrogen fertilizer use, and unwarranted land utilization. There have been many breakthroughs in manufacturing plastics away from fossil fuels. Manufacturers are now making plastics from starch, protein, cellulose, sugarcane, and other bio-feedstock. Bioplastics use biodegradable materials such as corn starch and mix it with naturally putrefiable polyesters.

Protein-based biodegradable plastics use wheat gluten, casein, and milk. Moreover, other bioplastics, including aliphatic polyesters and even bio-derived polyethylene, are currently being explored. Researchers are exploring new catalyst technologies to enable carbon capture and utilization (CCU). They are also investigating process techniques and energy-saving methods as alternative approaches for recycling significant amounts of CO2 emitted by industries.

The chemical processing of plastic waste through pyrolysis is gaining traction, enabling the recycling of even the difficult-to-recycle waste. Like in the U.S., materials recovery facilities (MRFs) process plastics and materials through single-stream or dual-stream collections. Also, dual-stream collection involves recycling from two different feedstocks: one based on paper and the other consisting of glass, metal, and plastics. Researchers and innovators are developing various advancements to enhance the sorting of mixed plastic waste. Moreover, these include developing photoluminescent labeling, utilizing AI, incorporating near-infrared (NIR) detectors to identify chemical bonds in polymers, and implementing optical systems equipped with robot arms to effectively separate different types of plastics. In addition, these technologies will catalyze the circular economy by improving the sorting of different plastics and recycling outputs.

Circular Economy of Plastics: Packaging Industry & EPR Developments

European Union USA, among others, is working towards creating revised directives to minimize packaging waste and setting recycling targets/limits for manufacturers. European Commission has set new targets for recycling under the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWD) to achieve 65% recycling for all ‘packaging waste’ and 50% recycling for ‘plastics’ by December 2025. Further, the UK has updated its extended producer responsibility (EPR) regulations for packaging for businesses supplying over 25 tons of packaging in a year. Also, it is liable for EPR fees and additional modulated fees based on recyclability and label requirements expected to be implemented in 2025.

Packaging producers and importers will need to provide packaging recovery notes (PRN). In addition, these PRNs will serve as proof of recycling, recovery, or exportation of one tonne of packaging. Similarly, the EU’s plastic strategy aims to create an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme. Also, this scheme will enable producers/suppliers to keep tabs on the kind of plastics that enter the EU market. EU’s EPR systems/directives would encourage producers to improve their recycling efficiency, make products designed for recycling, reduce plastic waste/carbon emissions, and increase dialogue between producers, local authorities, and recyclers.

Conclusion

Plastic recycling is inevitable in the future, yet we can 100% increase plastic recycling. Circular solutions are increasingly becoming the focus of all key industries. These industries include agrifood, manufactured goods & consumables, mobility & transport, and the built environment. Moreover, most countries are at different stages in their sustainable goals, and every country needs to learn and support each other. Also, with countries, businesses, and people’s greater resolve to solve the present complicated climate change hurdle, they need stronger resilience, creativity, and resourcefulness. In addition, more polymer research, recycling infrastructure, increased manufacturer’s responsibility (EPR), and global/local action is a must to sort out the world’s toxic plastic headache.

Hyperpigmented Skincare: Challenges and Solutions

Posted on by Rahul Garkhedkar

For Millennials, Gen X, and Gen Z, appearance is paramount for their self-esteem. The verb ‘self-care’ never reached its full meaning until recently, when shoppers moved from using generic cosmetic products to demanding customized self-care and premium cosmetic products from FMCG brands. A few emerging and forward-thinking FMCG and consumer packaged goods (CGP) companies offer products that enhance consumers’ health by catering to their unique needs, such as hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation. Skin is the single biggest noticeable organ of our bodies, and taking care of the epidermis is just a simple self-care way of well maintaining oneself, except that there are many challenges to this quest. The write-up enlists hyperpigmented skincare challenges and solutions.

Hyperpigmented Skincare: FMCG- Numbers

Noticeably the FMCG industry has been unable to keep a fast-moving pace with the exigencies of the hyper-pigmented population and their everyday skin-care needs. The global FMCG market is projected to reach $18,939.4 billion by 2031, registering a CAGR of 5.1% from 2022 to 2031. Revenue in the Beauty & Personal Care market (BPC) amounts to US$ 571.10 billion in 2023, with the market to grow annually by 3.80% (CAGR 2023-2027).

The global hyperpigmentation treatment market is expected to be valued at US$ 4.78 billion in 2023 and is projected to exhibit a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.5% from 2023 to 2033. For decades, the Fortune 500 beauty & personal care industry has been focused on high demand and broad products, leaving the special needs population to medical in-patient and outpatient treatments. A quick Google search around beauty products for hyper-pigmented women and men will leave one with zilch unless one looks deep on the net.

Revenue by segment in hyperpigmented skincare

Figure 1: Revenue by segment in hyperpigmented skincare

Understanding Hyperpigmented Skincare Types

Different kinds of hyperpigmentation are most commonly recognizable with darker skin patches due to increased melanin production. One is melasma, which causes brown to gray-brown patches due to hormonal changes in the cheeks, chin, nose bridge, and forehead. Also, it affects more women than men.   Genetics often cause freckles or ephelides, and sun exposure leads to the development of small red or brown spots on the skin, such as the face, neck, back, hands, arms, and upper chest. UV sun exposure causes the appearance of the third kind of solar lentigines or liver spots, which have clearly defined pigmented edges and can manifest anywhere on the body.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is a type of skin condition that occurs in response to injury, burns, friction, or pain. It can also develop as a result of aggressive clinical skin treatments such as chemical peels, light-emitting treatments, and dermabrasion. Unless the underlying causes of hyperpigmentation get deciphered, any hyperpigmentation treatment regime can’t fully cure the condition.

Unexplored Physiology of Hyperpigmented Skin

The blurring lines and convergence of self-care and healthcare are significantly impacting working people due to the extensive range of offerings in this segment. FMCG research and investment have largely ignored the dark-skinned population. This is despite the creation of brightening products, face & body wash merchandise, and nourishing creams for oily and dry skin. The lack of rightful space in supermarket aisles further exacerbates the issue.

Hyperpigmented Skin: OTC & Beauty Care Products

The Global online pharmacy market size reached USD 68 billion in 2021, thanks to the expansion of E-commerce. The projected annual revenue is expected to reach USD 206 billion by 2028, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.8%. Total online and offline revenue in the OTC Pharmaceuticals market is US$145.30 billion in 2023. Skin hyperpigmentation consumers are looking at online pharmacies to find specific skin treatment products that help them manage their skin conditions better.

Hyperpigmented patients sometimes find themselves in a quandary when looking for quality online skin-care products. Moreover, consumers can ensure the quality of skin-treatment products by being weary of online pharmacies that give unimaginable discounts, deliver personal-care products that don’t have expiration dates, and e-pharmacies that are not licensed in their state.

Challenges in Hyperpigmentation Product Offerings

The consumer’s first disposition remains to demand better products. With increased access to resources, they are seeking high-end and result-driven personal care products. The skin acts as the protective layer against all external pathogens. The epidermis specifically shields the deeper layer, the dermis, from UV and UB rays. Established beauty and skincare brands have not met the current needs of hyperpigmentation people. In the case of hyperpigmented products, there is often less exploration and consideration given to skins with high melanin content. Double-edged chemicals may also be utilized without sufficient research in the hyperpigmented product segment.

The cosmetics industry offers hundreds of shades for normal/fair-skinned individuals. However, a wide range of shades is significantly less available for dark-skinned individuals. This can be attributed to companies’ insufficient or limited production.

Current advertising predominantly centers on fair-skinned individuals, and brands have been less inclusive towards the hyperpigmented population.

People with hyperpigmentation often avoid sunscreen despite it being another staple in their skincare regimen. It is because they have more melanin in their skin. However, the high amount of melanin blocks UV-B rays and also leads to Vitamin D deficiency among them. Sunscreens with mineral pigments can leave a skin-dulling cast over time. The presence of zinc oxide or titanium dioxide in the sunscreen formulation causes this effect. This can attract more dust and moisture, making them less effective for individuals with hyperpigmented skin.

New Skincare Solutions for Hyperpigmented Populace

Emerging FMCG companies are beginning to solve many of the above cosmetics and beauty treatment willies. They are starting with focusing on the part of the hyperpigmentation market and ingredients research, such as niacinamide, glutathione, kojic acid, tranexamic acid, mandelic acid, heparan sulfate, high-purity hyaluronic acids, AHAs, ceramides, D-panthenol and vitamin C rich serums that narrow high-level secretion of melanin in the skin. Tinted sunscreens effectively work for dark skin by providing a tint that matches the skin tone. They can also serve as natural makeup primers.

Entrepreneurs who understand the ethos of the segment and believe in all-inclusive products are finally creating cosmetics for dark-skinned individuals. ColoredRaine, with its high-pigmented eyeshadows and long-lasting lip formulas, offers edgy, diverse, and ultimate-performance cosmetic products. AJ Crimson beauty products comply with reasonable manufacturing procedures (GMP). They offer universal finishing powders and dual skin crème foundation. Moreover, they provide customized client services like Match Me Perfect and Crimson Elite membership. Triple O Polish and Mented products are created so that dark-skinned people don’t have to think twice before selecting bold and unique shades. Also, their website imagery truly lives to this theme. Avon Products, Inc. had launched the ANEW hydra pro-vita-d that activates vitamin D in surface skin cells.

With hyperpigmentation affecting nearly 5 million people in the US and more globally, consumers are adamant about finding the right products. It’s based on their skin requirements. Brands are also using AI technology to assist consumers in finding the right product. Moreover, they are using augmented reality and virtual reality (AR/VR) to help them ease their purchase choices. A McKinsey & Company study reveals that 71% of consumers expect companies to deliver personalized interactions. Also, 76% get frustrated when that doesn’t happen.

Worldwide revenue by beauty and personal care segment

Figure 2: Worldwide revenue by beauty and personal care segment

Conclusion

Self-care and self-compassion mean the same thing. Prioritizing oneself starts with bringing attention to needs with carefully selected beauty products. Moreover, personalized cosmetics that befit one’s skin tone. Consumers are shifting their buying habits to premium range, natural, vegan, and cruelty-free personal care products.

Currently, only a few companies are creating metier beauty products. However, more entrepreneurs and big enterprises will enter the hyperpigmentation segment in the offing. It is important for consumers today to genuinely connect with the brands’ ethos and key marketing messages. Self-care businesses are increasingly fine-tuning their offerings with embedding technologies. That includes artificial intelligence, AR, VR, social engagement, strong R&D, subscription boxes, and personalized offers to charm consumers quite literally.

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Blockchain In Oil And Gas Industry

Posted on by Rahul Garkhedkar

The oil and gas industry has traditionally been recognized for its complex operations and intricate supply chains. Nevertheless, with the advent of blockchain technology, the industry finds itself in a remarkable position to transform its operations completely and achieve unprecedented levels of efficiency. Blockchain, an innovative decentralized ledger system, holds immense potential to revolutionize the oil and gas sector. It can streamline supply chain management, optimize asset maintenance, facilitate secure transactions, and bolster data integrity, presenting a promising opportunity for substantial advancements in the industry.

Growth of the Blockchain Market

The blockchain market in the energy sector demonstrated significant growth, with a valuation of USD 13.73 billion in 2022. This growth trajectory is projected to continue to an estimated value of approximately USD 132.45 billion by 2027, representing a remarkable compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 46.2 %, as per Stellarix’s analysis. Hence, this exponential expansion underscores blockchain technology’s increasing recognition and adoption as a transformative force within the energy industry, offering immense potential for innovation and efficiency gains in the years ahead.

Blockchain in Energy Market Size 2022 to 2027 (USD Billion)

Figure: Energy Market Size, Blockchain

Oil and Gas Companies Using Blockchain 

Several energy companies, precisely oil, and gas, are in a race to go technology bound. Petroteq and BHP Billiton are one of the trailblazers to introduce blockchain. It has helped them enhance operational efficiency. The implementation has aided them in monitoring, tracking, controlling, and using the available resource optimally. However, energy giants like  Shell, Repsol, TotalEnergies, and Pemex have also put their might in that direction.

Pemex was the first petroleum company to accept payment through blockchain. Shell, a key player in the energy industry, is leveraging blockchain technology to promote sustainable fuels in transportation. Interestingly, Repsol invested in Finboot, a tech startup known for blockchain as a service. Similarly, TotalEnergies partnered with Circulor, a blockchain traceability provider.

  Key Challenges in Oil and Gas Industry 

  • Transparency Issues: Nurturing a culture of meticulous attention to detail, companies dedicate significant time and resources to ensure the seamless organization and accessibility of crucial documents, encompassing compliance records, audits, and associated paperwork, fostering a robust framework of transparency and accountability for all stakeholders. Thus, issues may occur while attempting it. 
  • Problems in Payments: Navigating the intricate realm of oil and gas contracts, companies grapple with multifaceted payment structures that demand astute financial acumen. Additionally, cross-border transactions introduce complexities, necessitating intermediaries and incurring supplementary costs. This requires deftness in managing financial arrangements while safeguarding profitability.
  • Efficiency and Time Management: As energy transactions grow in complexity, the industry confronts an intricate web of diverse orders and documents spanning purchase invoices, shipping manifests, and bank fund releases. These intricacies compound the process’s challenges, necessitating meticulous attention to detail and a focus on streamlining operations to optimize both cost-effectiveness and time management.
  • Supply Chain Management: The oil and gas supply chains operate within a web of interdependencies. It involves multiple stakeholders, such as shippers, suppliers, and customers. This intricate network demands substantial administrative overheads to ensure seamless coordination. Nonetheless, it also creates an inherent potential for errors, underscoring the importance of meticulous oversight and agile management to maintain efficiency and mitigate operational risks.

Oil and Gas Industry: Blockchain to Improve Transparency and Accountability 

  • Introducing Transparency to Business Processes: Blockchain technology can rise in a new era of transparency in intricate and convoluted oil and gas supply chain processes. By leveraging the remarkable transparency features of blockchain, a comprehensive ledger system becomes accessible to all, promoting a culture of transparency and accountability.
  • Enabling Performance Audits of Oil and Gas Royalties and Revenues: Blockchain’s extraordinary attributes, including operational transparency, traceability, tamper-proofing, and immutability, empower regulatory authorities and oil and gas enterprises’ owners to conduct meticulous performance audits of royalties and revenues. Moreover, these features expedite the verification process for owners, ensuring swift and accurate assessments.
  • Facilitating Data Storage and Maintenance: Blockchain technology is a proficient data storage and maintenance facilitator, acting as a single repository managed by a consortium of esteemed stakeholders. Through the application of smart contracts, data is automatically organized into a digestible format, eliminating the need for manual re-organization and streamlining data management.
  • Eliminating the Need for Intermediaries: Embracing blockchain technology eradicates the necessity for intermediaries like clearinghouses and cumbersome back-office administrative tasks commonly associated with risk management and accounting functions. This transformation enhances scheduling and back-office efficiency, increases trade accuracy, and reduces costs.

Blockchain’s Impact on Oil and Gas Shipment Tracking 

  • Enhancing Supply Chain Efficiency: Blockchain technology can revolutionize oil and gas supply chains, leading to improved efficiencies that translate into lower prices and enhanced safety measures. Moreover, leveraging blockchain’s capabilities enables the industry to make strides toward environmental sustainability.
  • Lowering Transaction Costs: Implementing a secure blockchain system presents an enticing opportunity for oil and gas companies, as it reduces transaction costs. Thus, with features like risk mitigation, enhanced transparency, an immutable audit trail, and expedited transactions, blockchain technology offers an appealing alternative that can streamline operations and lower associated costs.
  • Streamlining Payments and Sales Diversification: Blockchain has the potential to streamline payment processes and facilitate sales diversification throughout the entire energy supply chain. By leveraging cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, oil companies can bypass the involvement of banks and brokers, resulting in accelerated high-volume sales while eliminating intermediary costs. This, in turn, reduces sales expenses and opens avenues for attracting new investors to the industry.
  • Automating Procedures and Enhancing Transparency: Integrating blockchain technology into the oil and gas supply chain enables the automation of various procedures and fosters a higher degree of transparency. By automating manual processes and providing transparent and auditable records, blockchain contributes to reducing operational costs and eliminating delays that may arise due to inefficiencies in the current system.

Benefits of Introducing Blockchain Technology for the Oil and Gas Industry 

  • Driving Innovation and Partnership: Blockchain technology opens up opportunities for innovation and collaboration within the oil and gas industry. By creating a transparent and decentralized platform, blockchain enables peer-to-peer energy trading and promotes the integration of renewable energy sources. Furthermore, producers, distributors, and consumers can directly engage in energy transactions, bypassing traditional intermediaries. This minimizes costs and allows for real-time settlement and accurate tracking of energy flows. Blockchain-based platforms also encourage collaboration among industry players, enabling data sharing and facilitating joint ventures and partnerships.
  • Safeguarding Valuable Information: Data security is essential in the oil and gas industry, where sensitive information and intellectual property are at stake. Blockchain technology addresses this concern by providing a decentralized and tamper-proof ledger for secure data storage and access. Also, cryptographic algorithms ensure data integrity and prevent unauthorized tampering. Companies can securely share information, collaborate with partners, and protect their intellectual property rights. Moreover, blockchain enables granular access controls. It allows companies to define who can view and access specific data, further enhancing data security.
  • Gaining Operational Efficiencies Assimilating IoT with Blockchain: The industry stands to gain significant operational efficiencies by adopting emerging technologies like blockchain and IoT (Internet of Things). Gazprom Neft, a prominent Russian oil company, highlights the potential of digital technologies, citing a remarkable 10-15% increase in productivity. These transformative technologies enable real-time data management, enhanced resource utilization, streamlined operations, secure transactions, and improved supply chain transparency. Hence, by harnessing the power of these advancements, the industry can unlock new levels of productivity and drive sustainable growth.

Conclusion

While blockchain technology presents immense potential for the oil and gas industry, a series of hurdles exist. They necessitate surmounting its widespread embrace. To fully unlock the boundless capabilities of blockchain in this sector, paramount importance lies in tackling challenges. It includes scalability, interoperability, regulatory compliance, data privacy, cost implications, and fostering an environment of collaborative synergy amongst industry stakeholders. So, through a concerted effort to address these intricate obstacles, the industry can harness the transformative power of blockchain technology. It can revolutionize operations, fortify security measures, and propel unrivaled efficiency across the entirety of the oil and gas value chain.

To seek help and expand your company in oil and gas industry using blockchain, contact us

Revolutionizing Food Industry: Modernized Manufacturing

Posted on by Rahul Garkhedkar

In the ever-evolving landscape of the food industry, a multitude of impactful challenges have arisen, beckoning the need for ingenious solutions to foster sustainable growth. Through adeptly adapting to shifting consumer demands, optimizing intricate supply chains, and wholeheartedly embracing cutting-edge technological advancements, food businesses can rise above these challenges and forge a path toward a future characterized by enhanced efficiency and unwavering resilience.

The agriculture, food, and beverage industry is one of the essential and most significant global undertakings, growing from $6,729.54 billion in 2022 to $7,221.73 billion in 2023 at a CAGR of 7.3% as per Stellarix’s analysis. The Industry serves the critical task of manufacturing nutritive, choicest, and safe ‘Foods’ in a timely, sustainable, and technologically proficient manner.

Given their production specifics, stakeholders of multinational food and beverage companies, innovative food start-ups, mid-size food companies, and suppliers face myriad challenges. 

Here’s an overview of the biggest challenges facing the agriculture and food & beverage Industry in 2024 and beyond.

Population, Migration, and Dearth of Sustainable Practices

The global agriculture industry will have to feed over 9.7 billion people by 2050, with the possible worst climate change. Moreover, the ever-increasing population is creating unbridled pressure, degrading the quality and quantity of natural resources. Thus, leading to overexploitation, intensive farming, land fragmentation, and global warming. This further leads to problems of food insecurity, food inequality, lack of social protection, and economic distress in countries.

An Immediate Problem Called Climate Change

Climate change is the greatest health challenge of the 21st century. Without considerable progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), viable future healthy living conditions are tough to foresee. The carbon footprint of global food production amounts to 17.3 billion metric tonnes of carbon dioxide, equivalent per year, and almost doubles for the meat industry.

The presiding year has seen some of the worst and most extreme climate change events. From drought in Europe, the heatwave in Greenland, and Spain’s wildfire covering 300,000 hectares of North America saw its fifth-warmest January on record in 2023. Also, the average monthly Arctic sea ice extent in September 2022 was 0.7 million (11%) below the 1991-2020 average. The Antarctic sea ice extent averaged 0.6 million (3%) less than the 1991-2020 average.

Current Bottlenecks Facing Food Tech Start-ups

Innovative food companies are summoned with myriad dilemmas and obstacles. Whether one is an e-commerce/online food technology company, biotech food company, recyclable food packaging firm, AI-enabled food logistics business, functional food/beverage manufacturer, or convenience food producer, they have too many things to put together for the firm.

Interestingly, start-up founders in the food industry vary in their skills around IT, food industry machinery and equipment, chemistry, biotechnology, finance, marketing, innovation, supply chain, and process management. Often, it becomes a challenge to work out everything. Then, there is a great need to consider consumer and local/global dynamics. The combined value of FoodTech Startup is down 8.3 % since December 2022 to $1.1 trillion.  With over 10.5K businesses in the FoodTech startups, many fail due to lack of experience, dearth of funding, limited manpower, high competition, déclassé product quality, and insufficient deep research.

Food Industry: Meeting the Basic, Specific & Special Food Needs of the World

The agriculture, food, and beverage industry delivers the fundamental right ‘Right to Adequate food’ as declared by the UN. The ‘Right to Adequate Food’ definition implies that all people always have physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food.  

There is tremendous pressure to maintain and increase food production. Moreover, every country and its cities/smaller hamlets differ in their specific needs. Heedless changes can lead to major food crises, like those in Sri Lanka in 2021 and other conflict-ridden countries. The issues and concerns of world food safety, security, and waste management require expertise and virtuous guidance at the local, national, and international levels.

However, the challenges faced by the Food and Agriculture sector are real and immediate. The solutions can be upfront and tailor-made. Introspection: As the COVID-19 pandemic burdened the world with country-issued lockdowns and food supply disruptions, we witnessed the world shift its focus to food necessities, specifically their nutritional needs arising from the pandemic.

In retrospect, it was one of the toughest times for all countries, leading each country to fight back with grit, directives, and key distribution/ supply chain measures. We learned about bettering world-class supply-chain systems with artificial intelligence, machine learning embedded technologies, and remote sensor technology for maintaining crop health, improved seeds/fertilizers, and modern/sustainable cultivation methods. On a larger scale, countries need to focus on flexible sourcing of food resources from different countries to reduce their dependence on one country and increase their manufacturing and production capabilities. Below, we will discuss all the ways to fight the challenges in the best possible manner.

Flexible Sourcing at Local & National Levels For Food Industry

Rising inflation is a global problem today, and we see a continuous increase in consumer prices yearly. One way to deal with it partly is through flexible sourcing. Taking the incident of COVID-19, most countries also had to look out for new food sources. Flexible transportation, such as hybrid routing with inbuilt AI and ML technology and purchasing from local vendors, will ensure demand can be met as needs arise. Local food hubs are also viable for urban dwellers as the food can be grown in nearby city locations and easily transported to end consumers. With better systems and processes, food manufacturers can save on gasoline, increase ease of business, and reduce carbon emissions, and timely food delivery will ensure food safety and quality.

Food Industry: Improved Transportation & Digital Supply Chain Management

Globally, the growth of e-commerce and the need for same-day deliveries have made digital supply chain management a prerequisite for food manufacturers, suppliers, and transport companies. A sustainable and agile supply chain will push products to consumers well in time. It will assist manufacturers in setting benchmarks in the industry. Supply chain 4.0 will lead to savvy transportation and quick tracking, increasing efficiency.

Blockchain is a distributed digital ledger that can store and trace any amount of data across a network of computers and provides great transparency by linking blocks of data together in a chain. Blockchain technology has been increasingly used in Europe and the USA’s Agriculture and Food Supply chains. Blockchain in the F&B sector offers various applications such as product traceability, tracking, payments, smart contracts, risk, and compliance management.

Modernization of Manufacturing Operations

In most progressive countries, climate-smart agriculture has gained great momentum. The circular economy model, through waste management in agriculture, helps preserve natural resources and restore soil/land health. AI, ML, and blockchain are leading manufacturers toward the direction of agriculture automation and process optimization, giving them greater control over environmental factors. Improved machinery and the use of precision robots are bringing accuracy to food output. Another part of AI, computer vision, can identify product defects and sort products by color, weight, size, and ripeness.  Robots bees are being used in pollination, yet other types of robots for spraying pesticides, thus reducing human dependency.

Today, consumers have become highly conscious of the products they consume, eco-friendly packaging, and high-nutritive ingredients in foods. The demand for specialized food has increased considerably. This is where food scientists and food engineering are also playing a significant role.

Conclusion

Despite agriculture being the first occupation of mankind, it remains a top priority for world economies today. Recent severe climate change and continuous rising global temperatures have led countries and manufacturers to rethink their goals and strategies. The latest technological advancements of artificial intelligence, machine learning, robots, computer vision, remote sensing, advanced GM crops, and blockchain are becoming frontrunner applications. Thus, helping stakeholders achieve their SDGs.  These emerging technologies make agriculture production, food processing, sorting, and distribution more advanced, controlled, and scientific.

Femtech: Changing Dynamics of Women’s Health Industry

Posted on by Rahul Garkhedkar

As the saying goes, a woman’s health is synonymous with the family. Men may be the patriarch, but the matriarch runs the world in real terms. The womb of a mother is where life begins. Thus, their health becomes imperative. Interestingly, the Kahun Gynaecological Papyrus, dating back to 1800 BCE, also discusses female health. It includes contraception, pregnancy, and conception. In today’s day and age, along with growing technology, the term Femtech is emerging swiftly in medical corridors. It is offering new dimensions and aid to female health and women’s health industry.

The term surfaced in 2016 when Ida Tin, the founder of Clue, used it. She noted the huge potential of technology in female healthcare. She realized that male-dominated tech entrepreneurs are taking a backseat while investing in tech-related to women’s health. Moreover, the MeToo movement accelerated the phenomenon, and Femtech became mainstream with gender equality in the sector. Given the impact, the femtech market size is expanding

What Is Femtech?

Femtech is a broad term encompassing female health and addressing it through technology. It includes reproductive health, maternal health, sexual health, menopause, general health, and menstrual health, which are treated through products, wearables, diagnostic tools, and software. Moreover, it’s not limited to that but also takes into account pregnancy monitoring, pelvic care, cervical cancer, mental health, general health & wellness, and breast cancer.

Furthermore, it refers to products that affect women’s health overall and help elevate their lives and lifestyles positively. Thus, it is also giving rise to femtech startups. Hence, several femtech jobs are being created.

Market To Witness Tremendous Growth

The growing demand for tech in women’s health has kicked off the estimation that the global market is set to witness a mammoth investment in the sector. As per estimates, by 2030, the Femtech market valuation will peak at USD 53 billion globally. The revenue of the market for 2023 has totaled USD 1.2 billion. It is expected to hike at CAGR 15.2 percent and reach USD 5 billion by 2033.

Femtech: Total women's health funding by the National Institutes for Health
Figure: Total women’s health funding by the National Institutes for Health (NIH) from FY 2013 to FY 2023

Femtech Catering Necessity

Women’s health is navigating toward technology innovations, empowering females with fitness. Mobile applications and operative and diagnostic tools have come into development, acknowledging ailments and helping them.

Segmented by application, the Femtech market encompasses a spectrum of domains. It includes reproductive health, pelvic and uterine care, pregnancy and nursing care, and general wellness, among other facets. Women worldwide encounter challenges in conceiving. Moreover, It is worth noting that breast cancer stands as the foremost prevalent malignancy. Furthermore, chronic diseases often manifest with greater severity in the female population than their male counterparts. Hence, Femtech applications catering to the fundamental health requirements of women are projected to ascend prominently.

Regarding solutions, the Femtech market is divided into diagnostics, digital health, and therapeutics. Though women’s health is a relatively nascent and evolving field, remarkable progress is being made to introduce more comfortable screening procedures and foster a comprehensive comprehension of women’s health. The prominence of digital health solutions and portable diagnostic tools that offer convenience and practicality shall assume a prominent role.

In recent years, the utilization of mobile apps for fertility tracking and other related purposes has experienced a remarkable surge. The primary attribution is there to expanding the market reach of smartphones.

  • Availability Of Different Applications:-
  • Care for uterine and pelvic
  • Menstrual health
  • Pelvic wellness
  • Uterine health
  • Mobile Application for reproductive health
  • Tracking and monitoring at a convenience
  • Period tracking
  • Nursing care and pregnancy
  • Breastfeeding
  • Prenatal care
  • Postnatal care
  • Catering to overall wellness
  • Sexual
  • Mental
  • Acute diseases

How is Femtech Helpful?

Enhances healthcare access: Virtual clinics, direct-to-consumer prescription delivery services, and innovative physical clinics offer women a more convenient and user-friendly approach to accessing healthcare.

Empowers self-care: Femtech companies provide wearable devices, healthcare trackers, and at-home diagnostics that enable women to control their health and effectively manage their health-related data.

Tackles sensitive topics: Femtech companies courageously address once-taboo subjects, including sexual health, menopause, and menstrual health, promoting open discussions and breaking down stigmas associated with these issues.

Delivers culturally sensitive and personalized care: Femtech companies tailor their products and services to cater to marginalized groups. It includes Black women, women in low- and middle-income countries, and LGBTQ populations. That ensures their unique needs and circumstances are acknowledged and addressed.

A better understanding of women’s needs: Since most Femintech companies are established and led by women, they possess a deeper understanding of women’s needs and challenges. Moreover, they can effectively cater to diverse groups and individuals.

Reduces gender inequality in the tech industry: Femtech not only liberates women from gender stereotypes but also promotes and recognizes talent. Moreover, it provides the expertise of female technicians and scientists. It provides them with more employment opportunities, contributing to a more equitable tech landscape.

Challenges To Companies

Regulatory Hurdles: Regulatory challenges pose another significant obstacle for Femtech companies. As Femtech products and services become more advanced, they encounter intricate regulatory requirements. For instance, Femtech companies developing medical devices must obtain regulatory approval from institutions like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This regulatory process can be time-consuming and costly, impeding the speed of innovation and product launch for Femtech companies.

Limited Data: Accessing relevant and reliable data presents challenges for Femtech companies aiming to enhance product development and improve patient outcomes. Women’s health data often suffer from incompleteness and inaccuracies, while the lack of standardization in electronic health records complicates data gathering and analysis on a large scale. Limited access to comprehensive data can hinder the creation of effective products that truly address women’s diverse needs.

Stigmatization in public: The persistent stigma surrounding women’s health and wellness issues can impede the adoption and growth of Femtech products and services. Historically, women’s health topics have been considered taboo and not openly discussed. This poses marketing challenges for Femtech companies among older generations, who may be less receptive to conversations about these issues. Overcoming this stigma requires efforts to dismantle societal taboos surrounding women’s health and raise awareness about the significance of Femtech products.

Additional Challenges

Lack of Funding: A significant obstacle Femtech companies face is the gender disparity in venture capital funding. Despite the promising growth potential of the Femtech industry, female-led companies receive considerably less funding than their male-led counterparts. Recent data from PitchBook reveals that only 2.1% of venture capital funding was allocated to female-led startups in 2022. This funding discrepancy severely hampers the scalability and innovation of Femtech companies, limiting their ability to develop cutting-edge products and services.

Diversity Challenges: The lack of diversity within the Femtech industry presents another challenge. Like the broader technology sector, Femtech faces criticism for its insufficient representation of women in leadership and technical roles. This lack of diversity can result in blind spots during product development and marketing, ultimately constraining the full potential of Femtech offerings.

Cybersecurity Concerns: Femtech companies must navigate the complex landscape of cybersecurity. Many Femtech products collect sensitive health data, including information related to menstrual cycles, fertility, and sexual activity. This personal data becomes an attractive target for hackers, increasing the risk of data breaches. Femtech companies must invest in robust data security measures and encryption protocols to address these privacy concerns and safeguard their customers’ sensitive information.

Advantages Offered By Best Femtech Companies

Some of the top femtech companies are offering unprecedented results.

Facilitating self-care: Distinguished Femtech enterprises such as Bloomlife and Modern Fertility extend wearable trackers and at-home diagnostics. Therefore, empowering women to assert dominion over their well-being and adroitly manage health-related data.

Propelling medical diagnoses: Vanguard clinical diagnostics establishments like DotLab and Sera Prognostics spearhead advancements in addressing critical medical exigencies such as endometriosis and preterm birth.

Tailoring care for diverse populations: Bespoke solutions are burgeoning to cater to distinct subpopulations, exemplified by Health in Her HUE, which serves the needs of Black women; FOLX Health, which extends support to LGBTQ+ communities; and Kasha, which affords culturally sensitive and personalized care to women in low—to middle-income countries.

Augmenting care delivery: Groundbreaking brick-and-mortar clinics such as Kindbody and avant-garde direct-to-consumer prescription delivery services like The Pill Club transform the landscape of healthcare provision, furnishing women with unparalleled convenience and consumer-centric options for essential care.

Promoting well-being: Femtech solutions are designed to address a wide range of health conditions that affect women uniquely or disproportionately. These innovative offerings encompass tools for tracking and managing conditions like osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease alongside telemedicine services that facilitate consultations with healthcare providers.

Incorporations of Technologies in Femtech

Femtech (Female Technology) encompasses a range of technological advancements that aim to enhance women’s health and overall well-being. This encompassing term commonly refers to a wide array of offerings, including products, services, applications, and software solutions, medical devices, telehealth capabilities, wearable technologies, hardware innovations, therapeutic medications, nutritional supplements, digital platforms, and consumer goods, all meticulously designed to promote and elevate women’s health.

Menstrual and Fertility Trackers: The application aims to help women monitor their menstrual cycles and help them determine their potential for bearing children. Thus, it helps them take informed action regarding pregnancy. It also helps females keep track of their PMS symptoms and any behavioral changes in a calendar month.

Pregnancy Trackers: Pregnancy is important in a woman’s life. Some mobile applications are tailored to assist mothers in monitoring their health and keeping them informed of physical changes during the time.

Integration of Artificial Intelligence: AI-enabled applications can help physicians evaluate data and reports provided by patients. They also assist nurses and doctors through predictive analysis.

Report Sharing: Femtech can help share information, reports, and diagnoses with specific doctors.

Digital therapeutics: These therapeutics are software assisting in managing and treating medical conditions for females.

Bone Health Device:-  This device boosts women’s bone strength through vibration to the spine and hips, especially for those who lose bone mass in old age.

Enabling web-based counseling: Digital consultation is one of the biggest boons of Femtech for females who cannot move and require medical guidance from specialists. So, for any queries, users can contact doctors for digital consultation using their phones and computers.

Concerning Ailments To Women and Innovations In Femtech

Endometriosis: Endometriosis, affecting around 10% of women and girls in their reproductive years globally, is a chronic condition accompanied by severe pain during menstruation, sexual intercourse, bowel movements, and urination. Chronic pelvic discomfort, abdominal bloating, nausea, fatigue, and potential emotional impacts like depression, anxiety, and infertility further exacerbate the condition. However, despite its prevalence, there is currently no known cure for endometriosis, with treatment primarily focused on symptom management. However, access to early diagnosis and effective treatment is essential. Thus, Femtech steps in in early diagnosis to relieve patients with humongous discomfort; otherwise, it can take almost 10 long years.

PCOS: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a prevalent condition affecting over 116 million women worldwide, instills a sense of disarray within their personal identities. However, the realm of Femtech has emerged as a beacon of hope, ushering in remarkable progress. It empowers women through educational resources, virtual consultations, and tailored treatment alternatives. Notably, innovative applications like Pollie serve as a catalyst, bestowing women the much-needed support and guidance to navigate the intricate landscape of PCOS with greater confidence and understanding.

Menopause Health: In the ever-evolving healthcare landscape, a wave of pioneering solutions has emerged, driven by a steadfast commitment to enhancing the well-being of women traversing the transformative journey of menopause. The Embr Wave, a cutting-edge bracelet, utilizes patented technology to cool the inner wrist on demand. Designed to alleviate hot flushes experienced during menopause, it offers a refreshing solution alongside traditional hormone replacement therapies. It delivers enhanced cooling effects and prevents adaptive skin desensitization by providing varying thermal stimulation. Likewise, there are other innovations.

Birth Control

In the realm of digital healthcare, many esteemed apps and websites have emerged, bestowing upon women the invaluable convenience of doorstep delivery for birth control. Among these remarkable platforms, Carafem stands at the forefront. It offers a comprehensive suite of services tailored to support women in navigating the complexities of abortions. At the heart of Carafem’s approach lies an ingenious 24/7 virtual care assistant named Cara, infused with the power of artificial intelligence. The chatbot diligently guides women through the intricacies of self-administering abortion pills in the comfort of their own homes.

Conclusion

As reproductive surveillance has endured throughout history, its intricacy, efficacy, and pervasiveness have been amplified by the advent of digital technologies. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that the illusion of control and access to personal body information created by these technologies has also led to extensive data collection and reproductive surveillance for corporate benefit and reproductive control. Hence, relying on representation is unlikely to tackle the broader gendered structural framework within the health realm. Instead, the solution must delve deeper, addressing the entrenchment of a neoliberal gendered representation and advocating for enacting progressive laws and policies that depart from this traditional paradigm. Also, a femtech product can resolve issues pertaining to the aforementioned things, and Stellarix can help define that.