The Global Diaper Market Growth is estimated to driven by high birth rates

The diaper market manufactures disposable or reusable sanitary pads that are worn by babies and adults who suffer from incontinence. Disposable diapers are made using pulp, plastic film laminates and absorbent gels or fibers. They come in various sizes to accommodate babies' growth and need to be changed regularly. Reusable cloth diapers can be washed and reused multiple times.

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. Svenska Cellulosa AB leads the market with a market share of over 15% in 2023.

The global diaper market is witnessing high demand due to the rising birth rates around the world. According to the United Nations Population Fund, India tops the annual births with around 20 million live births recorded annually. Countries in Africa also have high birthrates contributing to the rising demand for diapers. The increasing women workforce has also increased the demand as working mothers require convenient solutions like diapers.

The Diaper Market leaders are expanding globally to tap opportunities in emerging markets. Svenska Cellulosa has entered markets in Asia, Latin America and Africa while Kimberly-Clark acquired Saudi distributor Abdul Latif Jameel in 2021. Unicharm too has expanded to Asian and European markets. The trade barriers are also reducing due to bilateral trade deals enabling global giants to enter new emerging markets.

Market drivers
The major driver for the diaper market is the rising global birth rate. As per UNICEF, around 140 million babies are born annually worldwide. Developing regions like Asia and Africa account for around 80% of the total births. This growing infant population translates to increased demand for diapers. Moreover, the risky disposal of used diapers impacts the environment, driving demand for eco-friendly diapers. Rapid urbanization is another driver as nuclear families prefer diapers over cloth due to lifestyle changes. Growing e-commerce is also enabling consumers to shop online conveniently driving further growth of the diaper market.

Current Geopolitical Impact on Diaper Market Growth

The global diaper market is facing various challenges due to the evolving geopolitical environment. The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has disrupted the supply chains and inflated the prices of key raw materials like crude oil, natural gas, and fertilizers which are important inputs for diaper manufacturing. This has increased the production costs for diaper companies substantially. Furthermore, western sanctions on Russia have made it difficult for many brands to source materials from there. The lockdowns in China due to its zero-covid policy have also disrupted logistics and exports from major manufacturing hubs. All these factors are negatively impacting the profit margins and growth prospects of diaper market players in the short to medium term. The companies need to diversify their sourcing networks, focus on utilizing alternative materials, and establish flexible supply chains to mitigate risks from geopolitical uncertainties going forward.

Geographical Regions with Highest Diaper Market Value

Currently, North America accounts for the largest share of the global diaper market in terms of value, estimated at around 35% of the total market. This is attributed to rising birth rates, increasing women workforce participation driving the demand for convenient products, and high disposable incomes in major countries like the US and Canada. China also represents a significant portion of the global market value owing to its huge population base and growing middle-class consumers. Other high potential regions include Western Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Gulf economies based on similar socio-economic factors.

Fastest Growing Regional Market for Diapers

The diaper market is expected to witness its fastest growth in the Southeast Asian region over the next decade backed by improving standards of living and increasing purchasing power. Countries like Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines and Malaysia are projected to see a doubling of their per capita incomes by 2030. This will enable more families to spend on superior hygiene products like diapers for better child care. Favorable demographics with growing working women and rising birth rates are additional boosters. As multinational brands increasingly focus on these emerging Southeast Asian countries, the region is poised to outpace global averages in terms of diaper market expansion through 2030.