The absorbent hygiene industry operates within a complex global supply chain where energy markets influence far more than transportation costs. Oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices shape the economics of petrochemical feedstocks, polymers, superabsorbent materials, packaging, manufacturing, logistics, and ultimately product affordability. As geopolitical tensions, shifting trade policies, regional conflicts, and changing patterns of global energy production continue to reshape world markets, understanding these forces has become a strategic business imperative.

In this keynote presentation, internationally recognized energy economist Ed Hirs of the University of Houston will examine the economic and geopolitical drivers behind today's volatile oil and LNG markets and explain how these dynamics ripple through the absorbent hygiene value chain. Drawing on current market data and global energy trends, Hirs will explore the outlook for crude oil, natural gas, refining capacity, shipping, and petrochemical production, while discussing the implications of tariffs, supply disruptions, and evolving international energy policy.

Rather than focusing solely on commodity prices, the presentation will connect macroeconomic developments to the decisions facing absorbent hygiene manufacturers and suppliers.

Attendees will gain practical insight into how energy market volatility influences raw material availability, manufacturing costs, capital investment decisions, supply chain resilience, pricing strategies, and long-term business planning.



Whether your organization manufactures finished hygiene products, supplies raw materials, develops converting technologies, or supports the industry's global supply network, this session will provide valuable context for anticipating market shifts and building strategies that strengthen competitiveness in an increasingly uncertain global economy.

Ed Hirs teaches energy economics courses to undergraduate and graduate students within the department of economics at the University of Houston. He is also appointed as an inaugural University of Houston Energy Fellow.

He has authored and co-authored published opinion pieces on energy markets and corporate governance. He founded and co-chairs an annual energy conference at Yale University. He is frequently consulted by national and international media.  Hirs’ articles and quotes have circled the globe with the impact of bringing apolitical, energy economic analysis—without the hyperbole of political agendas—to the forefront of discussion.

Hirs earned a Bachelor of Arts with honors and distinction, a Master of Arts, and a MBA in economics from Yale University where he also holds the designation of Chartered Financial Analyst.

With his co-authors in the Yale Graduates Energy Study Group, Hirs has published several referenced papers, essays and commentary in energy economics available on edhirs.com.

For much of the past five years, value growth in absorbent hygiene has relied heavily on pricing. As inflation moderates and consumers remain highly selective, the challenge for brands is no longer simply raising prices, but creating value that consumers can clearly recognize and justify.

This presentation explores five major shifts redefining value creation in absorbent hygiene worldwide: value moving beyond upfront price to total benefit delivered; convenience becoming a driver of usage and frequency; wellness and longevity expanding hygiene's role in everyday life; science-backed proof becoming essential to build trust; and sustainability evolving from virtue signal to practical utility.

Drawing on global market data, consumer survey and innovation examples across baby care, menstrual care and adult incontinence, the session will examine how these trends are reshaping consumer expectations, product development and competitive strategy.

In her role, Liying sets the agenda, standards, and insights focus for Euromonitor's global tissue and disposable hygiene research that tracks more than 50 markets.

Liying advises clients across tissue and disposable hygiene industries on the latest and most significant category shifts, as well as underlying social and economic influences and consumer lifestyles.

She has shared insights on the consumer demand dynamics, competitive landscape and innovation trends within the global tissue and hygiene industry for businesses sitting across value chain. She has covered topics such as sustainability, clean evolution, digitalization, women’s health, and blurring wellness at industry events such as Hygienix, World of Wipes and Tissue World, as well as for publications such as Nonwovens Industry, Happi, Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, International Fiber Journal and Tissue World Magazine.

Prior to Euromonitor International, she was a financial journalist, covering M&A activities in high-demand sectors in the Midwest, the US stocks and other business news for a variety of local and global publications.

The absorbent hygiene industry operates within a complex global supply chain where energy markets influence far more than transportation costs. Oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices shape the economics of petrochemical feedstocks, polymers, superabsorbent materials, packaging, manufacturing, logistics, and ultimately product affordability. As geopolitical tensions, shifting trade policies, regional conflicts, and changing patterns of global energy production continue to reshape world markets, understanding these forces has become a strategic business imperative.

In this keynote presentation, internationally recognized energy economist Ed Hirs of the University of Houston will examine the economic and geopolitical drivers behind today's volatile oil and LNG markets and explain how these dynamics ripple through the absorbent hygiene value chain. Drawing on current market data and global energy trends, Hirs will explore the outlook for crude oil, natural gas, refining capacity, shipping, and petrochemical production, while discussing the implications of tariffs, supply disruptions, and evolving international energy policy.

Rather than focusing solely on commodity prices, the presentation will connect macroeconomic developments to the decisions facing absorbent hygiene manufacturers and suppliers.

Attendees will gain practical insight into how energy market volatility influences raw material availability, manufacturing costs, capital investment decisions, supply chain resilience, pricing strategies, and long-term business planning.



Whether your organization manufactures finished hygiene products, supplies raw materials, develops converting technologies, or supports the industry's global supply network, this session will provide valuable context for anticipating market shifts and building strategies that strengthen competitiveness in an increasingly uncertain global economy.

Ed Hirs teaches energy economics courses to undergraduate and graduate students within the department of economics at the University of Houston. He is also appointed as an inaugural University of Houston Energy Fellow.

He has authored and co-authored published opinion pieces on energy markets and corporate governance. He founded and co-chairs an annual energy conference at Yale University. He is frequently consulted by national and international media.  Hirs’ articles and quotes have circled the globe with the impact of bringing apolitical, energy economic analysis—without the hyperbole of political agendas—to the forefront of discussion.

Hirs earned a Bachelor of Arts with honors and distinction, a Master of Arts, and a MBA in economics from Yale University where he also holds the designation of Chartered Financial Analyst.

With his co-authors in the Yale Graduates Energy Study Group, Hirs has published several referenced papers, essays and commentary in energy economics available on edhirs.com.

The absorbent hygiene industry operates within a complex global supply chain where energy markets influence far more than transportation costs. Oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices shape the economics of petrochemical feedstocks, polymers, superabsorbent materials, packaging, manufacturing, logistics, and ultimately product affordability. As geopolitical tensions, shifting trade policies, regional conflicts, and changing patterns of global energy production continue to reshape world markets, understanding these forces has become a strategic business imperative.

In this keynote presentation, internationally recognized energy economist Ed Hirs of the University of Houston will examine the economic and geopolitical drivers behind today's volatile oil and LNG markets and explain how these dynamics ripple through the absorbent hygiene value chain. Drawing on current market data and global energy trends, Hirs will explore the outlook for crude oil, natural gas, refining capacity, shipping, and petrochemical production, while discussing the implications of tariffs, supply disruptions, and evolving international energy policy.

Rather than focusing solely on commodity prices, the presentation will connect macroeconomic developments to the decisions facing absorbent hygiene manufacturers and suppliers.

Attendees will gain practical insight into how energy market volatility influences raw material availability, manufacturing costs, capital investment decisions, supply chain resilience, pricing strategies, and long-term business planning.



Whether your organization manufactures finished hygiene products, supplies raw materials, develops converting technologies, or supports the industry's global supply network, this session will provide valuable context for anticipating market shifts and building strategies that strengthen competitiveness in an increasingly uncertain global economy.

Ed Hirs teaches energy economics courses to undergraduate and graduate students within the department of economics at the University of Houston. He is also appointed as an inaugural University of Houston Energy Fellow.

He has authored and co-authored published opinion pieces on energy markets and corporate governance. He founded and co-chairs an annual energy conference at Yale University. He is frequently consulted by national and international media.  Hirs’ articles and quotes have circled the globe with the impact of bringing apolitical, energy economic analysis—without the hyperbole of political agendas—to the forefront of discussion.

Hirs earned a Bachelor of Arts with honors and distinction, a Master of Arts, and a MBA in economics from Yale University where he also holds the designation of Chartered Financial Analyst.

With his co-authors in the Yale Graduates Energy Study Group, Hirs has published several referenced papers, essays and commentary in energy economics available on edhirs.com.