Latest news with #consumerawareness
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Single-Dose Pods Transform Japan Laundry Market as Urbanization Soars
The Japan Laundry Detergent Market is poised for growth due to rising hygiene awareness, demand for eco-friendly products, and innovations like single-dose pods. Urbanization and higher incomes drive premium product preference. Challenges include supply chain complexities and strict regulatory standards. Japanese Laundry Detergent Market Dublin, July 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Japan Laundry Detergent Market, By Region, Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2020-2030F" has been added to offering. The Japan Laundry Detergent Market was valued at USD 3.41 Billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 4.98 Billion by 2030, rising at a CAGR of 6.52%. Growing consumer awareness about hygiene, especially in the post-pandemic period, is fueling demand for laundry detergents that offer superior cleaning, antibacterial properties, and fabric care. Environmental consciousness is also a strong driver, with consumers increasingly opting for biodegradable and eco-friendly formulations. Technological advancements have enabled the development of detergents that cater to sensitive skin, provide long-lasting fragrances, and enhance user convenience. Urbanization and fast-paced lifestyles are shifting preferences toward compact and easy-to-use formats like concentrated liquids and single-dose pods. Additionally, rising disposable incomes are encouraging consumers to invest in premium detergents that offer added benefits such as odor control and multifunctionality. These factors collectively contribute to the robust and evolving landscape of the Japan laundry detergent market. Key Market Drivers Increasing Demand for Biodegradable & Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent Environmental concerns are significantly influencing consumer preferences in Japan's laundry detergent market, leading to increased demand for biodegradable and eco-friendly products. Consumers are prioritizing sustainability, seeking formulations made with plant-based ingredients and natural enzymes, packaged in recyclable or minimal-plastic containers. These choices are motivated by growing awareness of the environmental impact of conventional detergents on aquatic ecosystems and landfill waste. In response, manufacturers are innovating with green formulations that maintain cleaning performance while aligning with eco-conscious values. The Japanese government's environmental initiatives, including green procurement policies and awareness campaigns, further reinforce this trend. These measures position Japan as a leader in sustainable consumer practices and stimulate growth in the eco-friendly segment of the detergent market. Key Market Challenges Supply Chain Complexities Japan's laundry detergent market faces notable supply chain challenges, especially due to its reliance on diverse raw materials like surfactants, specialty chemicals, and packaging - all of which may be sourced internationally. Disruptions in global logistics, geopolitical events, and raw material shortages can delay production and increase input costs. Strict regulatory standards in Japan concerning product safety and environmental compliance further complicate supply chain management. Moreover, sourcing sustainable materials for eco-friendly products introduces additional complexity and cost considerations. The need for rapid innovation and product rollouts also places pressure on supply chains to be flexible and responsive. Manufacturers must therefore invest in robust supply chain strategies to mitigate risks and ensure consistent product availability at competitive prices. Key Market Trends Rising Popularity of Convenient Single-Dose Pods Single-dose laundry detergent pods are rapidly gaining popularity in Japan, driven by their convenience, efficiency, and compact design. These pods appeal to urban consumers with limited space and busy schedules, offering a mess-free, pre-measured alternative to traditional powders and liquids. Multi-compartment pods that combine detergent, fabric softener, and stain remover in one unit are especially in demand. T he trend also aligns with Japan's sustainability goals, as many brands now offer pods with biodegradable ingredients and recyclable packaging. This format simplifies the laundry process while addressing consumer preferences for efficiency and environmental responsibility, positioning pods as a key growth area in the Japanese market. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 82 Forecast Period 2024 - 2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $3.41 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $4.98 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 6.5% Regions Covered Japan Report Scope Key Market Players: Lion Corporation Kao Corporation The Procter & Gamble Company Unilever Japan Group Henkel AG & Co. KGaA Amway Corporation NS FaFa Japan Co., Ltd Pigeon Corporation The Unscented Company Japan Laundry Detergent Market, By Product Type: Powder Liquid Gel Pods Japan Laundry Detergent Market, By End User: Residential Commercial Japan Laundry Detergent Market, By Distribution Channel: Supermarket & Hypermarket Convenience Stores Online Others Japan Laundry Detergent Market, By Region: Hokkaido & Tohoku Chubu Chugoku Kyushu Rest of Japan For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Japanese Laundry Detergent Market CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900
Finextra
12-06-2025
- Business
- Finextra
Asic cracks down on 'finfluencers'
ASIC has issued warning notices to 18 social media 'finfluencers' suspected of unlawfully promoting high-risk financial products and providing unlicensed financial advice to Australians as part of a Global Week of Action Against Unlawful Finfluencers by nine international market regulators. 0 Last week, ASIC and regulators from the United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Italy, Hong Kong and Canada took coordinated actions to crack down on unauthorised finfluencers. Together, the nine regulators used a combination of regulatory and enforcement powers including arrests, warning notices, website takedowns, educational schemes with authorised finfluencers and consumer awareness programs to put unauthorised finfluencers on notice and warn consumers of the risks of unauthorised and misleading finfluencer content. ASIC Commissioner Alan Kirkland said, 'Regulators across the world have joined forces to disrupt unlawful finfluencer activity.' 'It's important that consumers separate fun from fact when it comes to finfluencer content. Popularity doesn't equal credibility. Check their credentials and whether they're licensed or authorised, before checking your money out.' Following the issuance of INFO Sheet 269 Discussing financial products and services online (INFO 269) in 2022, ASIC has observed a noticeable drop in social media posts spruiking financial products and services by unauthorised finfluencers. 'In Australia, after ASIC issued INFO 269, we saw that many finfluencers changed what they were saying or became licensed or authorised representatives to comply with the law,' Mr Kirkland added. 'Australian Financial Services licensees who engage influencers also improved their due diligence and monitoring of finfluencers to ensure they don't provide unlicensed financial services and that consumers are not misled.' ASIC's current concerns lie with finfluencers positioning themselves as so-called trading experts, who are providing unauthorised financial product advice and promoting high-risk, complex investment products that can cause real consumer harm, such as contracts for difference (CFDs) and over the counter (OTC) derivative products. Their social media content is often accompanied by misleading or deceptive representations about the prospects of success from the products or trading strategies they promote, sharing images of lavish lifestyles, sportscars and other luxury goods. 'We are seeing a pattern where these unlicensed finfluencers invite consumers to join their closed communities or forums to learn their secrets to success or copy their trades,' Mr Kirkland said. If a finfluencer is not licensed, an authorised representative or exempt, they're legally not permitted to carry on a business of providing investment advice in Australia. Investors and consumers can check the credentials of finfluencers out by using ASIC's professional registers search tool. Recent Moneysmart research found that 41% of young Australians seek financial information or advice from online sources such as social media, including finfluencers. 'Australia's financial services laws protect investors and promote market integrity. They set minimum requirements and provide important protections for investors if something goes wrong. 'If you spruik or discuss financial products and services online, you need to carefully consider how the law applies to you and seek legal advice if you are unsure,' Mr Kirkland said. ASIC conducts targeted monitoring of financial discussion by finfluencers that feature or promote financial products. Where we see harm occurring, we will take action to enforce the law. Unlicensed activity can be reported to ASIC on our How to report misconduct webpage or by calling 1300 300 630 so that we can consider appropriate regulatory action. Background In addition to ASIC, the nine regulators involved in the Global Week of Action Against Unlawful Finfluencers included: Canada, Alberta Securities Commission Canada, Autorité des marchés financiers, Quebec, Canada, British Columbia Securities Commission Canada, Ontario Securities Commission Hong Kong, Securities and Futures Commission Italy, Commissione Nazionale per le Società e la Borsa United Arab Emirates, Securities and Commodities Authority United Kingdom, Financial Conduct Authority ASIC issued INFO 269 in March 2022 for social media influencers who discuss financial products and services online. The licensing provisions under the Corporations Act 2001 (the Act) apply to persons who carry on a financial services business in Australia. This includes persons who provide financial product advice or arrange for a person to deal in a financial product. Carrying on an unlicensed financial services business in Australia is an offence under the Act, unless authorised as a representative of a licensee or relying on an exemption. The Act imposes significant penalties, including up to five years' imprisonment for an individual and financial penalties into the millions of dollars for a corporation. The law also prohibits conduct that is misleading or deceptive, or is likely to mislead or deceive, in relation to financial products or services. A finfluencer does not need to be licensed to breach the misleading or deceptive prohibitions. In December 2022, the Federal Court found social media finfluencer Tyson Robert Scholz contravened s911A of the Corporations Act by carrying on a financial service business (between March 2020 and November 2021) without an Australian financial services licence (22-371MR).
Finextra
12-06-2025
- Business
- Finextra
Asic cracks ddown on 'finfluencers'
ASIC has issued warning notices to 18 social media 'finfluencers' suspected of unlawfully promoting high-risk financial products and providing unlicensed financial advice to Australians as part of a Global Week of Action Against Unlawful Finfluencers by nine international market regulators. 0 Last week, ASIC and regulators from the United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Italy, Hong Kong and Canada took coordinated actions to crack down on unauthorised finfluencers. Together, the nine regulators used a combination of regulatory and enforcement powers including arrests, warning notices, website takedowns, educational schemes with authorised finfluencers and consumer awareness programs to put unauthorised finfluencers on notice and warn consumers of the risks of unauthorised and misleading finfluencer content. ASIC Commissioner Alan Kirkland said, 'Regulators across the world have joined forces to disrupt unlawful finfluencer activity.' 'It's important that consumers separate fun from fact when it comes to finfluencer content. Popularity doesn't equal credibility. Check their credentials and whether they're licensed or authorised, before checking your money out.' Following the issuance of INFO Sheet 269 Discussing financial products and services online (INFO 269) in 2022, ASIC has observed a noticeable drop in social media posts spruiking financial products and services by unauthorised finfluencers. 'In Australia, after ASIC issued INFO 269, we saw that many finfluencers changed what they were saying or became licensed or authorised representatives to comply with the law,' Mr Kirkland added. 'Australian Financial Services licensees who engage influencers also improved their due diligence and monitoring of finfluencers to ensure they don't provide unlicensed financial services and that consumers are not misled.' ASIC's current concerns lie with finfluencers positioning themselves as so-called trading experts, who are providing unauthorised financial product advice and promoting high-risk, complex investment products that can cause real consumer harm, such as contracts for difference (CFDs) and over the counter (OTC) derivative products. Their social media content is often accompanied by misleading or deceptive representations about the prospects of success from the products or trading strategies they promote, sharing images of lavish lifestyles, sportscars and other luxury goods. 'We are seeing a pattern where these unlicensed finfluencers invite consumers to join their closed communities or forums to learn their secrets to success or copy their trades,' Mr Kirkland said. If a finfluencer is not licensed, an authorised representative or exempt, they're legally not permitted to carry on a business of providing investment advice in Australia. Investors and consumers can check the credentials of finfluencers out by using ASIC's professional registers search tool. Recent Moneysmart research found that 41% of young Australians seek financial information or advice from online sources such as social media, including finfluencers. 'Australia's financial services laws protect investors and promote market integrity. They set minimum requirements and provide important protections for investors if something goes wrong. 'If you spruik or discuss financial products and services online, you need to carefully consider how the law applies to you and seek legal advice if you are unsure,' Mr Kirkland said. ASIC conducts targeted monitoring of financial discussion by finfluencers that feature or promote financial products. Where we see harm occurring, we will take action to enforce the law. Unlicensed activity can be reported to ASIC on our How to report misconduct webpage or by calling 1300 300 630 so that we can consider appropriate regulatory action. Background In addition to ASIC, the nine regulators involved in the Global Week of Action Against Unlawful Finfluencers included: Canada, Alberta Securities Commission Canada, Autorité des marchés financiers, Quebec, Canada, British Columbia Securities Commission Canada, Ontario Securities Commission Hong Kong, Securities and Futures Commission Italy, Commissione Nazionale per le Società e la Borsa United Arab Emirates, Securities and Commodities Authority United Kingdom, Financial Conduct Authority ASIC issued INFO 269 in March 2022 for social media influencers who discuss financial products and services online. The licensing provisions under the Corporations Act 2001 (the Act) apply to persons who carry on a financial services business in Australia. This includes persons who provide financial product advice or arrange for a person to deal in a financial product. Carrying on an unlicensed financial services business in Australia is an offence under the Act, unless authorised as a representative of a licensee or relying on an exemption. The Act imposes significant penalties, including up to five years' imprisonment for an individual and financial penalties into the millions of dollars for a corporation. The law also prohibits conduct that is misleading or deceptive, or is likely to mislead or deceive, in relation to financial products or services. A finfluencer does not need to be licensed to breach the misleading or deceptive prohibitions. In December 2022, the Federal Court found social media finfluencer Tyson Robert Scholz contravened s911A of the Corporations Act by carrying on a financial service business (between March 2020 and November 2021) without an Australian financial services licence (22-371MR).
Khaleej Times
03-06-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Credit card spending: Is your plastic really that fantastic?
Every day we pull out a piece of plastic and pay for food, drinks and shopping without even thinking twice about it. Nowadays, it's more likely that we pull out a phone or use our smart watch to pay – but they are still linked to our credit card. And a surprising number of people don't fully understand how interest on their credit card is charged and the associated fees. Here are some of the basic details you need to know. Interest rates Do you know how much interest your credit card company charges you? Monthly interest rates on credit cards in the UAE typically range from two per cent to four per cent, translating to annual rates of between 24 per cent and 48 per cent. That's pretty high when you consider the top rate of interest you'd earn on a UAE savings account is about five per cent. One misconception is when you actually pay interest on your card. In an ideal world, you will pay off your balance in full each month. That way, you avoid paying any interest. But we are not all so financially disciplined. Sometimes, you can't pay the full amount and instead end up paying half of it or just the minimum balance. That's often when the confusion begins as some people think if they pay the minimum amount due, then they won't be charged interest. Sadly, that's not the case. Grace periods A grace period is the time between your statement date and the due date of your payment, which is normally about 21 to 25 days. It does vary among credit card issuers. This grace period applies as long as you pay your full statement balance on time. But if you don't pay the full amount you are charged interest, which is often backdated to the date of the original purchase. Cash advances It's hard to think of a scenario where taking a cash advance on your credit card is a good idea. You will be charged interest the second you take the cash as grace periods don't apply to cash advances. Plus, you are usually charged a higher interest rate than for normal spending on the card. On top of that, you will pay a fee for the cash advance. Instead, consider a small personal loan or overdraft with lower rates. However, some banks are improving their offerings for those who really need the cash – Wio bank lets you borrow from your credit limit with Easy Cash, and charges one dirham per day for every Dh1,000 borrowed. Checking statements Be honest, how often do you look at your credit card statement in detail? Most people dread it coming and quickly move onto something else. But it could pay to go through it properly. Sometimes, transactions get added by mistake or the card has been used fraudulently. Look at what you paid for and make sure you recognise all the merchants. You can also see any penalties and fees you may have incurred, which should encourage you to manage the card better. The wrong card There are hundreds of credit cards out there, all offering different perks. How do you know you are using the right one? Research by comparison site Daleel found that only half of the people they surveyed are confident they have the right credit card for them. A look at Emirates NBD 's website will show you all sorts of card partners including Emirates, Etihad, Dnata, Noon, Lulu, Emaar, Marriott Bonvoy and one called Webshopper. They all offer cashback, air miles or discounts. To choose the right card, you have to match your spending habits with cards that reward those categories. For example, some cards reward certain types of purchases like online shopping, so make sure you only take out this card if you actually do a lot of your shopping online. The same is true for the airlines' cards. Foreign transaction fees Some cards may say they are ideal for travel but then charge you 2-3 per cent per transaction abroad. Look for cards that say 'no FX fees' or 'zero per cent foreign transaction fees' if you travel often. But even if they don't charge a fee, you may not always get the best currency conversion rates. When you get the option, always pay in the local currency as the bank will use the more competitive conversion rates used by Visa and Mastercard. Promotions We all love a good promotion or discount. For credit cards, it could be 'No Annual Fee'. But this might only be for the first year, and then a huge fee kicks in after 12 months. Zero per cent interest deals are always worth double checking. Are they really not charging any interest? Once the introductory offer ends you may then be charged interest if you don't pay off the full balance. T&Cs It would be unrealistic to advise people to read all the literature that comes with a credit card – the small print. But you should get a Key Facts or an 'At a Glance' summary from your bank, while others are turning to videos and other formats to clearly explain the terms and conditions. The more time you can spend reading them, the more informed a decision you can make. For example, while researching this article I browsed a lot of credit cards and landed on the RAKBank World credit card which offers up to 10 per cent on a variety of spending which sounds very generous. But after digging around, I saw that to start earning cashback you need to spend a minimum of Dh10,000 per month on your World Credit Card. That amount might not suit everybody so this is when reading as much of the small print as possible really helps.
South China Morning Post
31-05-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
As Japan's rice prices soar, scammers cash in on hunger for cheap deals
Japan 's consumer affairs centre has called on people grappling with soaring rice prices to beware of websites claiming to sell the staple at heavily discounted prices. The National Consumer Affairs Centre of Japan said complaints related to such websites have spiked since March, with some claiming the rice was never delivered though payment had been made. Some cases reported last month include a man in his twenties who bought 20kg (44lbs) of rice on a website with a credit card but did not receive an email confirming completion of the order. He called a phone number on the website only to find it not in service, the centre said. Japanese Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Shinjiro Koizumi visits a warehouse stockpiling the government's reserve rice in Kanagawa prefecture on Thursday. Photo: Kyodo A woman in her fifties said she ordered 5kg (11lbs) of rice at 3,899 yen (US$27) via an advertisement on a video-sharing app but only received an email with a receipt for a pair of sunglasses priced at the same amount.
