The diaper market provides hygiene products for babies and adults, helping maintain cleanliness and comfort. Diapers are made from absorbent materials like pulp, polymers and cotton which soak up and retain urine and faeces. They come in various sizes for newborns, toddlers and adults with urinary incontinence issues.
The Global Diaper Market is estimated to be valued at US$ 107.6 Bn in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 9.0% over the forecast period 2024 to 2030.
Key Takeaways
Key players operating in the Diaper Market are Svenska Cellulosa AB, DSG International Ltd., First Quality Enterprises, Inc., Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Abena A/S, Attends Healthcare Products, Inc., Unicharm Corporation, Kao Corporation, Ontex Group, Chiaus (Fujian) Industrial Development Co Ltd and others. With the rising population of babies and adults globally, demand for diapers has increased significantly. The key players are focusing on sustainability and using biodegradable materials to manufacture diapers. They are also expanding their production units and boosting sales through e-commerce platforms globally to capture more market share.
Growing demand in the market
Rising birth rates in developing nations and the increase in aging population globally are major factors driving the diaper market growth. Thinner and breathable diaper designs along with skin-friendly materials attract more consumers. The working women population prefers convenience products like diapers which help save time. The demand is growing across all regions with Asia Pacific having the highest birth rates.
Global expansion of the market
Key players have expanded their production facilities across regions with high birth rates like Asia and Africa as well as developed their online sales channels. Svenska Cellulosa AB has come up with affordable diaper brand named LAG until 2025 with plants in India and Egypt. Unicharm corporation has enhanced its global sales network through joint ventures. The companies are targeting millions of consumers in rural areas through e-commerce partnerships. With rising global population, the demand for diapers is projected to grow notably in the forecast period.
Market Key Trends
One of the major trends gaining traction in The Diaper Market is the increasing use of bio-based materials. Players are focussing on developing bio-based or plant-based fibres and polymers for diaper production using agricultural waste. This helps reduce the carbon footprint and makes diapers biodegradable. Startups are coming up with innovative bio-enzymes and bioplastics that decompose diapers quickly with minimal environmental impact. The adoption of bio-based technologies is expected to grow notably, driving the global diaper market towards more sustainable solutions in the forecast period.
Porter’s Analysis
Threat of new entrants: Low capital requirements, but significantly high brand awareness and customer loyalty to existing players.
Bargaining power of buyers: Buyers have many options available from various brands, can easily switch if price increases.
Bargaining power of suppliers: Suppliers of raw materials like wood pulp, polymers have significant influence over prices as materials used are basic raw materials.
Threat of new substitutes: Low as no direct substitute exists for diapers, but reusable cloth diapers are an option.
Competitive rivalry: High as the diaper market has many international players competing on the basis of brand, quality, pricing and innovations.
Geographical regions
North America currently holds the major share in the global diaper market in terms of value, followed by Europe and Asia Pacific. This is mainly attributed to high disposable incomes and growing female workforce in countries like the US and Canada relying on disposable diapers.
Asia Pacific region is expected to experience the highest growth during the forecast period, with China and India being the fastest growing emerging markets. Factors such as rising birth rates, growing population of working mothers, increasing disposable incomes and expanding retail channels are expected to drive future growth in the region.
