MAM
Recovery on track: Print ad volumes surges by 93% in Q3 shows TAM AdEx
Mumbai: Continuing the path to recovery, print media has witnessed a 93 per cent increase in ad volume in the July-September period, over its previous quarter. The surge in ad volume was led by the services and education sector, according to AdEx India, a division of TAM Media Research, a TV audience measurement agency.
Print media was hit hardest during the pandemic, with ad volumes dropping 47 per cent during the second Covid wave. The overall advertising spends had dropped 43 per cent to Rs 10,350 crore last year from Rs 18,164 crore in 2019. The recent growth in ad volume has come as good news for the newspapers and magazines after a tumultuous period, which had to face shut downs, and mass lay-offs last year.
The analysis also showed that the print ad volume recorded a 37 per cent growth over the same period last year. At least 20 out of the 27 sectors in print media saw positive growth during the three months, compared to the same period a year back.
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Among the top growing categories, ‘Ecom –Food/Grocery’ showed the maximum rise in Ad Volumes with twelve times the growth in Jul-Sep’21 over Jul-Sep’20. From the retail sector, clothing/fashion and consumer durables/home appliances entered the top-ten list with a positive shift in their ranks. Four out of the top-10 growing categories were from the retail sector which saw 4.6-fold growth in the one year under review.
The research firm monitors over 700 newspapers and more than 180 magazines, and found that LIC emerged as the top brand in Jul-Sep’21 followed by Maruti Car Range. Aakash Byjus and Winzo Games were the new entrants in the Top 10 list of Advertisers. Two among the Top 10 brands were from ‘Auto’, ‘Education’ and ‘Personal Healthcare’ sector. The Top 100 brands accounted for nearly 29 per cent share of Print Ad Volumes.
‘Jacket-Full Page’ ads had 31 per cent share in the total ad Volumes followed by ‘Full Page’ ads with 24 per cent share during Jul-Sep’2, according to the report.
Sales Promotions covered 29 per cent of Print Ad Volumes during Jul-Sep’21. Among the various sales promotions used in Print, ‘Multiple Promotion’ grabbed 47 per cent share followed by ‘Discount Promotion’ with 34 per cent share, said the report.
As homes evolve to reflect a growing focus on wellness, hygiene, and long-term durability, the materials we choose are coming under sharper scrutiny. It’s no longer just about how a space looks, but also about how it performs under daily use. From accidental spills in the kitchen to everyday wear in living spaces, the right materials can make the difference between a home that simply appears clean and one that actively supports healthier living.
Across categories like paints, surfaces, and furniture, there is a clear shift towards solutions that minimise toxins, resist stains, and are easier to maintain. Here’s how thoughtful material choices can help create a home that is both beautiful and better for everyday life.
Cleaner Walls: The Shift to Low-VOC Paints
Walls cover the largest surface area in any home, making them a critical factor in indoor air quality. Traditional paints often contain high levels of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), or chemicals that can release harmful fumes long after application. These emissions are known to contribute to headaches, respiratory irritation, and long-term health concerns, particularly in enclosed spaces.
This has led to a growing preference for eco-friendly paints, which are formulated using natural, non-toxic, and sustainable materials. With low to zero VOC content, these paints significantly reduce indoor air pollution and create a safer environment for families, especially children and the elderly. Water-based formulations are another key advancement, as they limit the use of hazardous solvents without compromising on finish or durability. Brands like Nippon Paint have introduced eco-friendly, child-safe paint ranges that align with this shift towards healthier interiors.
Beyond composition, finish also plays a role in maintenance. Satin, eggshell, and semi-gloss emulsions are increasingly preferred for interiors, as they are less absorbent and more resistant to stains, making walls easier to clean and maintain over time.
Hygienic Surfaces: Where Performance Meets Everyday Living
If walls influence air quality, surfaces, especially in kitchens and children’s bedrooms or play areas, directly impact hygiene. Interestingly, studies have shown that kitchen surfaces can sometimes harbour more bacteria than bathrooms, largely due to frequent exposure to food, moisture, and spills.
This makes the choice of countertop and surface material particularly important. Porous materials can absorb liquids, leading to staining and potential bacterial growth over time. In contrast, non-porous surfaces offer a more hygienic alternative, as they prevent absorption and are easier to clean.
Engineered quartz surfaces have emerged as a strong solution in this space. For instance, offerings from Specta Quartz Surfaces are designed to address both hygiene and durability concerns. Being non-porous and impenetrable, these surfaces do not absorb liquids, making them resistant to common household stains such as tea, coffee, turmeric, or juice. They also offer ease of maintenance, as most spills can be cleaned with a damp cloth, and occasional use of mild soap is enough to restore the surface.
Additionally, they are NSF and GreenGuard certified, proving that these surfaces are safe for direct food contact and do not support the growth of bacteria, mould, or mildew. This is particularly relevant in Indian kitchens, where cooking often involves heavy use of spices, oils, and frequent cleaning.
Smart Furniture Choices
Furniture is another area where material choice plays a crucial role in maintaining a clean and healthy home. Sofas, chairs, and wardrobes are constantly exposed to dust, spills, and daily wear, making durability and stain resistance key considerations. Fabrics like microfiber, leather, and synthetic blends like polyester or olefin are becoming popular for upholstered furniture. These materials are designed to repel liquids, resist scratches, and withstand regular use, making them ideal for households with children or pets.
Brands like Orange Tree offer furniture that combines aesthetic appeal with practical material choices. Laminates from companies like Century Ply are now designed to be stain-resistant and durable, making them suitable for wardrobes, cabinets, and seating. These finishes not only enhance longevity but also reduce the effort required for daily upkeep.
Designing for Long-Term Well-Being
What ties these material choices together is a broader shift in how we think about our homes. Cleanliness is no longer just about routine maintenance, it begins with selecting materials that are inherently easier to maintain, safer to use, and more resistant to wear.
Low-VOC paints contribute to better air quality, non-porous surfaces improve hygiene, and performance-driven furniture materials reduce the stress of everyday living. Together, they create an environment that supports both physical health and peace of mind.
As modern lifestyles become more fast-paced, the demand for homes that are low-maintenance yet high-performing will only continue to grow. By choosing materials that can handle spills, resist stains, and stand the test of time, homeowners can create spaces that are not just visually appealing, but also fundamentally healthier to live in.
