Diaper Market Assessment, By Product Type [Pull-Ups, Unfolded Diaper, Pre-fold Diaper, Flat Diaper, Others], By Usability [Reusable, Disposable, Hybrid], By Source [Conventional, Organic], By Material [Cotton, Non-Woven Fabric, Fluff Pulp, Others], By Tec

Diaper Market Assessment, By Product Type [Pull-Ups, Unfolded Diaper, Pre-fold Diaper, Flat Diaper, Others], By Usability [Reusable, Disposable, Hybrid], By Source [Conventional, Organic], By Material [Cotton, Non-Woven Fabric, Fluff Pulp, Others], By Technology [Smart Diapers, Regular Diapers], By Age Group [Babies, Toddlers, Adults], By Size [Small, Medium, Large, Extra-Large, 2XL, Others], By End-user [Residential, Commercial Institutions], By Price Range [Mass Segment, Premium Segment], By Packaging Quantity [Small Packs, Mid Packs, Bulk Packs], By Distribution Channel [Offline, Online], By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, 2017-2031F

Global diaper market is projected to witness a CAGR of 8.2% during the forecast period 2024-2031, growing from USD 95.36 billion in 2023 to USD 179.14 billion in 2031. One major factor driving the market growth is the increase in convenience, allowing caregivers and parents to manage the needs of individuals without the requirement of constant cleaning.

Other factors pushing the market growth are the consumers’ preference for maintaining cleanliness and hygiene and preventing the spreading of infection and bacteria, the increase in flexibility that allows stress-free travel, higher birth rates and an older population in various countries and increasing awareness of hygiene and child health among the parents, driving the market growth towards rapid expansion.

Moreover, health issues among consumers, such as neurological disorders, chronic illnesses, and lack of mobility due to paralysis and cognitive impairment, flourishes the demand for diapers. The demand for adult diapers is prominent in the market with the increase in the aging population in many regions. Access to better healthcare facilities and longer life expectancies among individuals are increasing the demand for adult incontinence solution products. According to the European Association of Urology, by 2023, the new international research on the annual economic burden of urinary incontinence in Europe found that the cost of continence care reached USD 63.8 billion in 2023. The cost includes the effect of incontinence on individuals’ health, the cost of medical consultations, and products such as continence pads and incontinence-related absenteeism at work. Moreover, as per The Canadian Continence Foundation, in Canada, nearly 10% of the Canadian population is experiencing some form of urinary incontinence. Moreover, expecting mothers demand adult diapers during the postpartum recovery, augmenting the market growth.

A rise in consumers' preference for hypoallergenic and organic diapers has been observed. Consumers are considering skin sensitivities when purchasing diapers, demanding rash-free diapers. The demand for baby diapers has been seen in the market due to leak protection during feeding and at night and an increase in the convenience of cleaning and changing, which appeals to the consumers.

Diapers, which were once a necessity product, have noticed a considerable evolution in innovation and expansion in demand among consumers, making them a convenient and go-to product for everyday use among parents for their babies.

Market to Witness Expansion Due to Urinary and Fecal Incontinence Among Adults

The rise in the aging population is fueling the demand for adult diapers as an effective solution for urinary and fecal incontinence. In adults, common causes of incontinence are chronic conditions such as diabetes and neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis, which lead to incontinence. Treatments and surgeries for many diseases can conditionally or permanently alter bladder and bowel control, requiring the usage of adult diapers.

Increasing awareness about incontinence and its management has attracted more people to medical advice and solution measures. Due to better diagnostic techniques, incontinence problems can be identified early; thus, more individuals use adult diapers as part of their care regime. These diapers are practical solutions that boost the quality of life for incontinence sufferers by providing comfort, confidence, and freedom to conduct daily activities without the fear of accidents.

Most hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities use adult diapers daily to treat patients, especially bedridden and older patients. This demand, along with an increased demand from healthcare facilities, is propelling the overall growth of the market.

In September 2022, Attindas Hygiene Partners, a brand of Attends Healthcare Products, Inc. launched its innovative adult disposable incontinence underwear product which offers 100% leak-free protection. The product incorporates Maxi Comfort ultrasonic bonding technology for more elastic material which fits various body shapes and can be worn by both men and women.

Sustainable and Reusable Diapers to Gain Popularity Among the Consumers

Reusable and sustainable diapers are gaining popularity among babies and adults since disposable diapers prominently lead to landfill waste and environmental pollution. This puts them at par with the growing global concern about sustainability and conservation, facilitating the consumers' demand for reusable diapers that can be washed and used again later.

Moreover, consumers find reusable diapers an affordable option over disposable diapers. Although reusable diapers cost more in the beginning, they prove to be a cost-effective option in the long term as they can be used many times to reduce the cost of purchasing them.

Certain parents and consumers are concerned about the chemicals and materials used in the production of disposable diapers, which trigger skin irritation and allergies in infants and patients. Reusable diapers, on the other hand, are usually made from natural fibers and are considered much healthier and gentler on the skin.

In June 2023, Charlie Banana, a brand of The Procter & Gamble Company, launched its latest collection of reusable diapering products. The brand introduced 13 latest designs of reusable cloth and swim diapers. These launches have been certified under Annex 6 of Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX to help protect baby’s delicate skin.

Babies to be the Largest Segment in the Market

Baby diapers are dominating the market over adult diapers because the share of the population of infants and young children is naturally higher in relation to adults who would need incontinence products such as adult diapers.

Consumers' increasing awareness of the importance of cleanliness in infants further compels parents to spend aggressively on baby diapers. In addition, heavy marketing and product innovation, such as increases in absorbability, skin protection, and comfort, further propel the market growth.

Moreover, trends towards the demand for hypoallergenic materials which are gentle for baby’s skin and smart diapers which have been invented to check the moisture levels are augmenting the market growth. For instance, in May 2024, Huggies, a brand of Kimberly-Clark Corporation, introduced the Huggies Skin Essentials diaper for babies which helps protect against rashes, safeguarding baby’s delicate skin. The diaper features the new Skin Protect liner technology which claims to leave behind up to 5X less mess than the ordinary diapers and helps in the protection of baby’s skin against the top two causes of rash.

North America to Hold a Significant Market Share

North America has a higher share of the global diaper market than other regions. Although the region has a relatively high birth rate, it includes a large population of children below the age of three, driving the demand for baby diapers. Besides, the region has a considerable population of elderly people, with a large percentage having incontinence problems, further increasing the overall consumption of diapers.

The advanced and strong retail infrastructure in North America, including the widespread availability of diapers in supermarkets, online stores, and convenience outlets, enhances the product's accessibility and offers convenience to consumers. For instance, in June 2023, Rascals International Limited’s Rascal+Friends, a premium diaper and training pants brand, announced its expansion in the United States through the presence in 4,000 Walmart stores nationwide. The brand is extending its core diaper assortment to include size 7 diapers to cater to the evolving consumers’ needs.

The increase in the awareness of the importance of hygiene in North America further augments the market growth. The innovation and consumer preference for quality and technologically advanced diapers add to increasing demand and consumption in the region. Parents and caregivers in North America prefer spending on diapers with features such as superior absorbency, skin protection, and eco-friendliness, aligning with the consumer's preference towards health and sustainability. In May 2024, Ontex Group launched Stop&Lock anti-leak technology in baby diapers in North America. The diaper features front and back barriers to prevent leaks, enhancing the baby's comfort and addressing parental concerns about leaks. The diaper has been developed for newborns in mini sizes, reducing the need for frequent and complete change of outfits during the leakages.

Future Market Scenario (2024 – 2031F)

Regular and conventional diapers have been witnessing a surge in demand, becoming a necessity product among consumers. Recently, a rise in the demand for biodegradable and smart diapers has been witnessed, which is anticipated to grow even more in the forecast period, driving the market growth. Incorporation of AI and technology in the diapers to increase their functionality such as sensors to detect moisture levels and body temperature, urinary tract infection detection, diaper wearing duration tracker, health analytics, and adjustable waistbands, increase the utility of the diapers, making them more useful than the regular diapers. The usefulness of these diapers is resulting in increasing demand for the product in the foreseeable future.

Manufacturers are witnessing the shift in consumer preferences, taking advantage of the opportunity and incorporating technology in regular diapers to appeal to consumers and gain a competitive advantage in the market. For instance, in March 2024, Japan’s Toray Industries, Inc. developed diaper-embedded urination sensor. The sensor uses semiconductive carbon nanotubes to notify the caregivers whenever a change of diaper is required.

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

Key players in the market are helping the growth by focusing on continuous product innovation, retail expansions, and strategic marketing. The manufacturers are actively expanding their product portfolio, increasing the base of the customers, and catering to their evolving needs.

Leak protection in diapers is one of the major features consumers seek while purchasing diapers whether for adults or babies. Key players are considering the preferences of the consumers and introducing leakproof diapers in the product portfolio. For instance, in May 2024, The Procter & Gamble Company’s Pampers launched the latest Swaddlers 360 Diapers for babies. These diapers feature a stretch, pull-on waistband with east-tear sides, offering a hassle-free change even during baby’s most wiggly moments. The diaper offers 100% leakproof skin protection and ensures comfort and convenience for both parents and babies. The product is completely hypoallergenic as is free from parabens, latex, and chlorine bleaching, making it gentle for baby’s skin.