Global diaper
market is projected to reach $84,317.6 million by 2023, according to
P&S Intelligence.
Increasing demand for comfortable and high-absorbent
diapers for both babies and adults, increasing number of women workforce,
rising adult population, increasing use of biodegradable diapers and growing
awareness among populace about personal hygiene, are the major factors driving
the growth of the market.
Insights
on market segments
On the basis of age, the baby diaper category contributed
over 85.0% revenue share to the global diaper market in 2017, on account of
increasing hygiene awareness, rising birth rates as well as growing disposable
income. However, with rising adult population across the globe, the prevalence
of uncontrollable urge to urinate problem (urinary incontinence) and rising
cases of prostate surgeries, the market for adult diapers is projected to
witness a faster CAGR, globally, during the forecast period.
Pharmacies
were the most preferred distribution channel for purchasing diapers globally,
accounting for maximum revenue share, of 32.3%, in the diaper market in 2017.
This is due to trust of consumers to buy healthcare products from pharmacies,
instead of approaching some other stores. Moreover, consumers find it
convenient and time-saving to approach a store that offers medications, which
makes it easy for them to spot the products to be bought. These factors are
resulting in high acceptance of this distribution channel among buyers.
Based
on product type, the cloth baby diaper market has been classified into prefold,
fitted, pocket, all-in-one, and flat diapers. The prefold category held the
highest market share of 26.7% in 2017, among other types of cloth baby diaper,
globally. This is attributed to the fact that these diapers are increasingly being
adopted due to its lower price, better absorbent, and finer quality than the
fitted or flat diapers, which were traditionally being used extensively.
Market
is projected to witness the fastest growth in Asia-Pacific (APAC) region
Globally,
Europe was the largest diaper market; and over 50% of the baby diaper sales
came from Europe and APAC in 2017. However, APAC is expected to witness the
fastest growth, during the forecast period, owing to massive growth of
population in developing countries of the region and increasing modernization.
Also, as the per capita income of consumers is increasing, consumers are
focusing more on the personal and baby hygiene.
Upsurge
of eco-friendly biodegradable diapers is a key growth driver for the market
Globally,
there has been an upsurge in eco-friendly biodegradable diapers in the recent
years. Biodegradable diapers are made from plant-based materials and are free
from harmful chemicals and plastics. While, most of the disposable diapers
contain artificial absorbents, such as sodium poly-acrylate, which form a gel
when they come in contact with moisture. The disposable diapers decompose in
landfill sites very slowly and cause harm to the environment. The Women’s
Environmental Network (WEN) promote the use of washable nappies, as a more
environment-friendly and convenient alternative to disposable nappies.
The
use of biodegradable diapers is driving market growth, as these diapers are not
manufactured with petrochemicals and eco-unfriendly materials, or skin
irritants; and are safe for adult and baby skin.
Diaper
market competitiveness
In the
recent past, product launches and geographical expansions have been the major
activities in the diaper market. The Procter & Gamble (P&G) Company,
through its operating unit Carrier has been the forerunner in both product
launches and partnerships. Kao Corporation is another key player that is
focusing on these developments.
Some
of the key players operating in the diaper market include Kimberley-Clark
Corporation, The Procter & Gamble (P&G) Company, Unicharm Corporation,
Kao Corporation, DSG International (Thailand), Nobel Hygiene Private Limited,
Essity Aktiebolag (publ), Ontex Group NV, Oji Holdings Corporation, and Domtar
Corporation.
