Henkel and Ontex advance smart incontinence solution across Europe

Henkel, through its Digital Hygiene Solutions division, and Ontex have announced a collaboration to drive the European rollout of Orizon, a smart incontinence management solution designed for long-term care facilities such as nursing homes and hospitals.

The initiative combines Ontex’s expertise in hygiene product manufacturing with Henkel’s capabilities in printed electronics, aiming to optimize care processes, reduce caregivers’ workload and enhance the quality of patient care.

Orizon was developed by Ontex in close collaboration with caregivers and enables automatic detection of moisture in incontinence products, indicating the optimal time for changes through a digital application. This functionality reduces the need for routine checks and night rounds, allowing for more efficient time management while minimizing unnecessary disturbances for patients.

 

According to the companies, the solution can save an average of up to eight working hours per resident per month, while also reducing material consumption by up to 20% by aligning product changes with actual needs. This contributes to improved operational efficiency and waste reduction, while enhancing comfort and dignity for users.

The technology is based on sensors enabled by a conductive ink developed by Henkel, applied to the surface of incontinence products. A reusable wearable device collects data on moisture and user position, which is securely transmitted to a digital platform, allowing caregivers to monitor residents without the need for constant physical checks.

Through this partnership, both companies aim to scale digital solutions in the European healthcare sector, focusing on the integration of technology, operational efficiency and patient well-being as key drivers for industry advancement.